Discovering you’re unexpectedly pregnant, wondering how others will react, and figuring out what to do can cause tremendous stress. It’s essential to talk about your options, and one of those is abortion. If you’re considering having an abortion, we want you to be fully aware of the various procedures, side effects to expect, and potential risks.
Your health and safety matter to us, so please learn as much information as possible before you make this choice.
Is Abortion a Major Decision?
According to the experts, having an abortion is a significant medical decision. The Mayo Clinic writes, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications and alternatives.”
Because Oklahoma banned abortion unless it is necessary to save the mother’s life, you will need to make a significant investment. Find out everything you need to know first.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill method is also known as a medical or chemical abortion because it uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Read about the potential side effects and risks so you know what to expect since you perform this method in your home.
One of the potential risks is an incomplete abortion. Incomplete means the drugs terminated the pregnancy, but fetal tissue remains in your body. This can cause infection, which can lead to other health complications.
There are limits as to who can use the abortion pill method. The FDA approves the use of the drugs up to 10 weeks of pregnancy only (70 days from the first day of your last period). The Mayo Clinic recommends not using the drugs past nine weeks.
Are There Side Effects and Risks With Surgical Abortion?
How long you have been pregnant determines the type of surgical abortion you have. Abortion providers use suction or vacuum aspiration in early pregnancies. As your pregnancy progresses, they may use scraping tools and forceps to remove larger parts.
Although rare, the risks can be severe. They include:
- Infection
- Uterine perforation (a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Damage to the cervix (which leads to the uterus)
How Should I Prepare?
Always meet with your healthcare provider before choosing an abortion. You need to confirm that you are physically and mentally capable.
At Charis Center, we can verify your pregnancy with no-cost pregnancy testing and, if the test is positive, schedule a limited, no-cost ultrasound. An ultrasound exam can tell you if you are pregnant or if you’ve miscarried, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy.
Get the facts about your pregnancy and abortion from Charis Center. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medically-based, factual information.
Schedule your no-cost appointment today. Fill out our confidential online form, call us at (580) 786-6000, or text us at (405) 757-4673. We’re here for you.