Abortion

When considering the abortion option, it is important to investigate this decision from several angles.

  1. Come in to talk with us to educate yourself about the abortion procedure.
  2. We can confirm your viable, uterine pregnancy, required to proceed with your abortion.  (This confirmation is a pregnancy test and ultrasound to verify a uterine vs ectopic pregnancy and how far into the pregnancy you have progressed).
  3. We can provide literature about the Georgia Women’s Right to Know which outlines Georgia’s requirements ensuring that women are given the opportunity to make an informed decision about the procedure.
  4. Please ask for a copy of our literature that contains more details about the Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023. 

Abortion Health and Safety Checklist:

Finally, investigate answers to each question on your own to maximize your safety and health:

  • Have you investigated the abortion procedure?
  • Do you know about potential complications?
  • Does the abortion clinic treat you for any complications?
  • Does your doctor have local hospital admitting privileges?
  • Have there been any lawsuits filed against the doctor or clinic?
  • Do you have any STIs or have you been tested?
  • Is this what YOU want (or is someone else pressuring you to have an abortion)?

Types of Abortion Procedures

Read about today’s common abortion procedures to educate yourself about the best solution for you.

Early Abortions

RU486, Mifepristone, Abortion Pill (4 to 10 weeks):

This drug is only approved for use in women up to the 70th day after their last menstrual period. The procedure usually requires three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills to begin the abortion process. Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug which usually causes cramps to end the pregnancy. The last visit is a follow-up ultrasound to determine if the abortion has been completed.

RU486 will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo lodges outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and in some cases, the death of the woman. Due to this complication it is medically advised that an ultrasound is performed prior to the use of RU486 to ensure your pregnancy is not ectopic.

Methotrexate or “M&M” (5 to 9 weeks): 

Methotrexate is normally used for treatment of cancers, arthritis, and certain dermatological conditions. It is not approved for abortions by the FDA, although it is sometimes used for this purpose. This drug is given by injection; it interferes with the growth process of rapidly dividing cells. Like RU-486, it is followed by misoprostol (hence the “M&M” nickname) to expel the fetus. This method fails at least 4% of the time. Methotrexate can potentially cause serious side effects, including severe anemia, ulcers and bone marrow depression.

D&C – Suction Curettage (6 to 13 weeks):

This is the most common surgical abortion procedure. During Dilatation & Curettage, an instrument is used to scoop out the contents of the uterus. This procedure can be painful, so local or general anesthesia is typically needed.

Late Abortions

D&E – Dilation and Evacuation (13 to 20+ weeks): 

In this late term abortion the cervix is dilated, either mechanically or with laminaria and the fetus, placenta and other tissue are removed (evacuated). Possible complications include infection, cervical laceration and uterine perforation.

D&X – Dilation and Extraction (20 to 32+ weeks): 

The procedure is also called Intact D & X, Intrauterine Cranial Decompression, and Partial Birth Abortion. Intact dilation and evacuation is a procedure used so a fetus can be removed intact.  With this method, the largest part of the fetus (the head) is reduced in diameter to allow ease of passage through the cervix and vagina.Possible complications include damage to uterine lining or cervix, uterine perforation, infection, and blood clots.  Availability depends on state law.

If you are thinking about abortion, please contact us before you make a final choice. We are here to help you sort through all your questions and concerns. There is a lot to educate yourself on before you make a decision and we will assist you every step of the way.

Abortion is not a simple procedure; it may result in physical complications or have emotional and psychological impact. Please contact our clinic so that you can make an informed decision.  Our clinic will offer evidence-based medical services and education about all options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services.