Make Informed Decisions
If you think you might be pregnant and are considering abortion, it’s essential to have clear, medically accurate information before making any decisions. Many people encounter strong opinions or incomplete details online, which can make an already difficult situation feel even more overwhelming.
At Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide no-cost, confidential appointments where you can learn about abortion procedures, potential side effects, and possible risks in a respectful setting.
Our role is not to pressure you, but to act as an educational resource and ensure you have what you need to make an informed choice.
What Is Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy through medical or surgical means. It’s important to note that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage, which is why confirming your pregnancy through medical evaluation is a critical first step before considering abortion. Lighthouse offers no-cost, limited ultrasounds to help determine key details about your pregnancy and get your questions answered.
We’ll also discuss your options thoroughly and explain the risks and side effects of abortion procedures.
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. The method used depends largely on how far along the pregnancy is.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion involves two drugs. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions to expel the embryo or fetus and pregnancy tissue from the body. This method is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of gestation.
Cramping and bleeding will occur during this process. Some women have reported that these side effects were unexpectedly severe.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever, chills, headache, fatigue
Possible risks include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion (when tissue remains in the uterus, requiring a follow-up procedure)
- Ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital setting and involves removing the fetus from the uterus using suction and/or surgical instruments. These procedures become more complex the further along you are.
Suction Aspiration (Vacuum Aspiration)
Suction aspiration is typically used in earlier pregnancies. During this procedure, the cervix is dilated using surgical instruments or medication, and a suction device is used to remove the fetus from the uterus.
Common side effects afterward include mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding.
This abortion method carries numerous risks that are crucial to consider, including:
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (Asherman’s syndrome, potentially causing painful periods and infertility)
- Infection
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is generally performed later in pregnancy. This procedure involves dilating the cervix and using suction along with surgical instruments to remove the fetus and placental tissue from the uterus.
Cervical dilation may occur over several hours or days using medication or mechanical dilators.
D&E carries additional risks due to the increased size of the fetus and the extent of cervical dilation required.
Why Pregnancy Confirmation Matters
Before any abortion procedure, gestational age and pregnancy location must be confirmed. Ultrasound imaging helps determine how far along the pregnancy is and whether it is located in the uterus, which is essential for both safety and decision-making.
Lighthouse provides ultrasound services as part of our commitment to informed care.
No-Cost, Confidential Information
You deserve accurate information and the opportunity to ask questions in a private, respectful environment. Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center offers no-cost, confidential services so you can better understand your pregnancy and options before making any decisions.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
