If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Choosing whether to continue or end a pregnancy is a deeply personal and often complex decision. Regardless of where you are in the process, understanding the risks and facts about abortion is essential to making an informed, empowered choice.
At Ava Health, we’re committed to providing non-judgmental, medically accurate, and confidential care. Our licensed medical team offers no-cost pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds to help you confirm critical details about your pregnancy. This article will guide you through the types of abortion, the associated risks, and the important steps you should take before making a pregnancy decision.
What Is Abortion?
Abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. There are two main types of abortion:
- Medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill)
- Surgical abortion
Each method involves different procedures, timelines, and potential risks. The type of abortion available to you depends on factors such as how far along your pregnancy is, your overall health, and access to care.
Medical Abortion: What It Is and How It Works
What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion involves taking two prescription medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone essential to maintaining pregnancy.
- Misoprostol, taken 24–48 hours later, causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
When Can a Medical Abortion Be Used?
The FDA approves medical abortion up to 10 weeks gestation. After this point, the effectiveness of the medication decreases, and the risk of complications increases.
Common Side Effects
Some side effects are expected as part of the process, including:
- Moderate to severe abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding, often heavier than a typical menstrual period
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
These symptoms typically begin within a few hours of taking misoprostol and may last several days.
Risks and Complications of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is not without risks. Possible complications include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding: In some cases, bleeding may be severe enough to require medical attention.
- Ongoing pregnancy: If the medications fail to terminate the pregnancy, it may continue, and you’ll need further medical consultation.
- Fever or severe infection: Persistent fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge may indicate a uterine infection, which can be dangerous if untreated.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain are common but may be more intense for some individuals.
Surgical Abortion: What You Need to Know
What is a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion involves a procedure to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Methods vary depending on gestational age:
- Aspiration or suction abortion: Usually performed up to 14–16 weeks.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E): Typically used for pregnancies beyond 14 weeks.
What to Expect During a Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and may involve:
- Sedation or anesthesia
- Use of dilators to open the cervix
- Suction devices and/or surgical instruments to remove pregnancy tissue
The entire procedure generally takes less than 30 minutes, though recovery may take a few hours.
Common Side Effects
Following a surgical abortion, you may experience:
- Cramping
- Light to moderate bleeding
- Fatigue
- Emotional changes such as sadness or relief
Risks and Complications of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion carries potential risks, including:
- Infection: Especially if aftercare instructions are not followed properly.
- Damage to the cervix: The cervix may be weakened or torn during dilation.
- Uterine perforation: A rare condition where a surgical instrument punctures the uterus.
- Scar tissue (Asherman’s syndrome): Can develop in the uterine lining and may affect future fertility.
- Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding is uncommon but requires immediate medical care.
How Far Along You Are Affects Your Risks
One of the most important factors influencing abortion risks is how far along your pregnancy is:
- Earlier abortions typically involve fewer risks and shorter recovery times.
- Second-trimester abortions are associated with increased risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and trauma to reproductive organs.
This is why confirming gestational age through ultrasound is essential before any abortion decision.
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
Abortion may also have emotional or psychological effects, which vary widely between individuals. Some women experience:
- Relief
- Sadness
- Guilt or regret
- Anxiety or depression
- Grief
Studies show that while many women feel confident in their decision, others benefit from post-abortion support. If you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed, Ava Health offers referrals to trusted counseling services and emotional support resources.
Before You Decide: Critical Steps to Take
Before proceeding with any decision about abortion, make sure you:
- Confirm the Pregnancy
You should verify your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test. At Ava Health, our licensed medical team provides lab-quality testing at no cost.
- Get an Ultrasound
An ultrasound is crucial to determine:
- How far along you are (gestational age)
- Pregnancy viability (whether a heartbeat is present)
- Pregnancy location (to determine whether the pregnancy is inside or outside the uterus
This information helps you determine which abortion methods are available and whether your pregnancy is progressing normally.
- Understand All Your Options
You have three options when facing an unexpected pregnancy:
- Abortion
- Adoption
- Parenting
Each path comes with its own challenges, opportunities, and support networks. Ava Health offers comprehensive medical education to help you explore each one without pressure or judgment.
- Learn the Legal and Medical Guidelines
Abortion laws vary by state and may restrict the procedure after a certain point in pregnancy. Be sure to understand your state’s abortion laws, waiting periods, and parental consent rules if applicable.
What Ava Health Offers
At Ava Health, we’re here to support you with free and confidential services, including:
- Lab-quality pregnancy testing
- Limited first and second-trimester obstetric ultrasounds
- Pregnancy options education
- Referrals for further medical care and community support
- After-abortion emotional care referrals
We do not perform or refer for abortion services, but we are committed to providing you with the accurate information and medical care you need to make the best decision for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Abortion Safe?
Abortion doesn’t typically lead to severe physical problems or conditions when performed under proper medical supervision. However, like any procedure, it carries potential risks and side effects that should not be overlooked.
Will Abortion Affect My Future Fertility?
In most cases, abortion does not affect long-term fertility. However, complications such as infection or uterine damage can increase the risk of future reproductive issues. A history of abortion poses higher risk of conditions such as placenta previa and pre-term birth in subsequent pregnancies.
How Can I Tell If Something Went Wrong After an Abortion?
Signs of complications include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads per hour)
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent symptoms after a few days
If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately.
What If I’m Not Sure What to Do?
If you’re feeling unsure, it’s okay to pause and seek support. Ava Health offers a safe space to discuss your feelings and explore your options with trained professionals.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Information
Making a decision about your pregnancy is never easy—but informed decisions are powerful decisions. Understanding the medical risks of abortion, your legal rights, and the emotional and physical impacts of each option helps you take control of your health and future.
Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, Ava Health is here for you with confidential care, medical accuracy, and compassionate support—every step of the way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Call Ava Health today or request your no-cost appointment online to begin the process with confidence and care.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance, please consult with your primary healthcare provider, as we are a screening clinic.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
“Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.” Practice Bulletin No. 225, Oct. 2020.
ACOG, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation. - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation” FDA, 11 Feb. 2025.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation. - Guttmacher Institute.
“Abortion in the United States.” Guttmacher Institute, Jan. 2024.
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Abortion Surveillance — United States, 2021.” CDC, 22 Nov. 2023.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7209a1.htm. - Mayo Clinic.
“Mifepristone (Oral Route).” Mayo Clinic, 30 June. 2025.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123.