Many women facing unplanned pregnancies can feel overwhelmed and look to abortion as a solution. But sometimes, the quickest, easiest option isn’t always the best. Understanding all your options and learning what is available to you is important before deciding to terminate a pregnancy.

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a termination of pregnancy either through a medication regimen (medical abortion) or a surgical operation (surgical abortion). These methods have associated risks that should first be discussed with a pregnancy clinic or trusted provider. Women deserve to know how to safeguard their health and have the opportunity to go the extra mile in understanding the impacts these procedures could have.

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

Risks of abortion vary depending on the type of procedure used. Some risks may include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Other complications that could arise are:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

What Should I Do Before An Abortion?

It’s important to talk with a professional, give a complete health history, have a physical exam, and provide a list of current medications. Sometimes health doesn’t qualify for an abortion procedure, or a current medication isn’t recommended to take with the drugs used. To help protect your wellness and safety, the Mayo Clinic states providers will likely:

• Evaluate medical history and current health
• Confirm pregnancy with a physical exam
• Order an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and check that it’s not outside the uterus and not a tumor that developed in the uterus
• Order blood and urine tests

Before Your Abortion

Before scheduling your abortion appointment, it is vital to confirm your pregnancy and its viability. It is also important to rule out and be treated for any sexually transmitted infections prior to a surgical abortion. Here at Foundations, we can give you the information you need through free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and STI testing.

While Foundations Resource Center does not perform abortions, we can discuss the various abortion procedures with you and answer your questions. You can also read the State of Georgia’s digital copy of Abortion: A Woman’s Right to Know for further information. Contact us today to be empowered with knowledge so you can make an informed decision.