Before you decide to have an abortion, know what to expect and what an abortion actually "aborts". This way when you make your decision, it will be YOUR decision, and you'll be able to own that decision, and know it's the one you can live with.

There are several different type of abortions, falling into two catagories - chemical or surgical. Each carries it's own risks and possible complications. Know the facts before you decide.

Chemical Abortions

Emergency Contraception or "The Morning After Pill" - is actually a high dosage of
the birth control pill. It must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected intercourse.

RU 486 - is not effective before the fourth week of pregnancy. It requires at least three office visits. At the first visit the woman will be given an oral dose of mifepristone, which will destroy the lining of the uterus. Two days later she will be given misoprostol. This drug usually causes the abortion to occur within 24 hours, but can take up to 9 days. A third visit is necessary to ensure that the abortion was complete.

The MTX Abortion - similar to RU-486 except that instead of using mifepristone, the woman is given an injection of methotrexate. This is a chemotherapy drug. It is designed to attach rapidly growing cells. It slows the growth of the fetus and causes it to die. Misoprostol is also used to induce the abortion. If the abortion is not completed a surgical procedure will be necessary.

Side effects of chemical abortions

Surgical Abortions

1st Trimester - Suction Aspiration uses a powerful vacuum hooked to a hose. The the end has a sharp, serrated edge (cannula) which is used to scrape the lining of the uterus. The cervix must first be dilated in order for the cannula to be inserted.
The contents of the uterus is removed in pieces through the hose. Once the doctor verifies that he has removed all body parts and placenta material the procedure is over.

The D&C Abortion is similar to the suction procedure except the fetus and placenta are first cut into pieces using a curettage - a sharp, loop shaped instrument. The pieces are then suctioned out.

2nd Trimester Abortions - 4-6 months - The D&E Abortion is similar to the D&C with the exception that forceps are used to grasp and break apart parts of the fetus. The pieces are then suctioned out.

Late 2nd and Third Trimester - 5 to 9 months - Histerotomy similar to a Caesarean Section. Incisions are made in the abdomen and uterus. The baby, placenta, and amniotic sack are removed. Babies born alive present the problem of how the infant is to be killed. Many are just ignored and left to die.

D&X or Partial Birth Abortion uses laminaria to soften the cervix for dilation. Once the cervix is dilated forceps are inserted. A foot or leg is located and pulled into the vagina. The baby is extracted in the breech position. With the head still inside the cervix, its organs are harvested. Scissors are inserted into the baby's head at the base of the neck and opened to enlarge a hole that will allow the doctor to insert a suction tube. Once the baby's brain is suctioned out, the skull collapses and is then delivered. Suction and curettage is used to clean the walls of the womb.

Side effects of surgical abortions