It is a valid and sound medical procedure performed by licensed physicians in clinics, doctor offices, and hospitals. Many insurance companies cover this procedure as a part of their covered gynecological services.
Like many other medically sound procedures, doctors and scientists regularly research the procedure to recommend best practices or new and better ways to perform this procedure. Doctors consider abortion a safe option for women as long as the procedure is performed by a licensed and trained physician.
Methods
Pregnancy occurs in stages, so the method that can be used does vary depending on the stage of a woman's pregnancy. Here is an overview of those options and the abortion facts that go along with each one.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses medicines to perform the procedure. They are conducted in the first nine weeks of pregnancy and require at least two visits to a doctor. At the first visit, the doctor consults with the patient and prescribes the medication. The second visit is a follow up to make sure the procedure was successful and to ensure the health of the woman.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical steps occur in the first or second trimester of a pregnancy. In these procedures, a doctor surgically removes the contents of the uterus. The two most common forms of surgical abortion are manual vacuum aspiration, and dilation and evacuation. Surgical procedures also require visits to the doctor both before and after the procedure.
Women seeking this option after the second trimester should consult their physicians as states have varying restrictions on treatment at this stage.
What to Expect
As with any medical procedure, women should know some facts and expect to consult with a physician specially trained to provide abortions, before having the procedure itself. This allows the physician to determine the health of the patient and discuss her options, concerns and any possible risks or side effects.
Women should also expect follow up care, necessary to ensure the treatment was successful and she doesn't have any risk of developing complications.
After an abortion, many women do experience physical or emotional side effects. Normal symptoms may include:
- Cramping for the following two to six weeks, similar to menstrual cramps
- Spotting or irregular bleeding for up to three weeks
- Emotional sensitivity from hormonal fluctuations that typically go along with pregnancy
Some women also go through a grieving process, and it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist or support group to consult other women who have shared similar experiences.
Possible Risks
All medical procedures come with an element of risk, and abortion is no different. Most women experience successful treatment with few severe side effects. Some risks include:
- Infection
- Severe bleeding
- Damage to the uterus
- An unsuccessful procedure that requires additional procedures
It is important to go to a clinic with experienced physicians and follow through with checkups to reduce these risks. This is a difficult, personal choice. Knowing the basic abortion facts can help women make informed decisions regarding their situation.