Abortion in the state of Georgia is a sensitive topic. It is illegal to have the procedure here except in very rare circumstances, yet you still need to know the reality about it if you’re considering traveling out of state to have an abortion.
We want to empower and inform you as you walk through an unplanned pregnancy, so you can make a truly confident choice for your future. Here are some common questions we can answer for you:
What is a Chemical Abortion?
A chemical abortion is what happens when you take the abortion pill series to terminate the embryo in your womb. The first drug of the chemical abortion, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone that thickens the uterine wall and provides nutrients to your pregnancy. When progesterone is blocked, the pregnancy can’t survive.
Then the second drug of the pill series is taken, misoprostol, which propels your body into labor-like cramping to expel the pregnancy remains. It can take hours or even days for everything in your uterus to come out.
What Are the Risks of a Chemical Abortion?
Taking the abortion pill is not the same as popping a couple of Tylenol. The Mifeprex series is a seriously strong drug that can’t be taken with over 200 medications.
There are risks associated with this medication that include:
- Heaving bleeding
- Extreme cramping and abdominal pain
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Incomplete abortion, where all the parts of the pregnancy are not expelled
- Infection
What is a Surgical Abortion?
While a medication abortion is usually performed at home, a surgical abortion is completed in a clinic and can be much more invasive. Surgical abortion involves the removal of everything in the womb with a suction cup or other devices.
What Are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?
Having a surgical abortion comes with many health risks, some of which can remain for the rest of your life, like infertility, for example. It is really important that you understand what you are risking before you commit to this type of abortion.
According to Kaiser Permanente, risks include:
- Injury to the uterine lining or cervix.
- A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation).
- Infection. Bacteria can enter the uterus during the procedure and cause an infection.
- Moderate to severe bleeding (hemorrhage), which is sometimes caused by:
- Injury to the uterine lining or cervix.
- Perforation of the uterus.
- The uterus not contracting (atony).
- Uterine rupture. In rare cases, a uterine incision scar tears open when a medicine is used to induce contractions.
- Tissue remaining in the uterus (retained products of conception).
Other rare complications include:
- Tissue remaining in the uterus (an incomplete abortion). This can lead to pelvic or septic shock.
- Blood clots.
Do I Have Other Options Beside Abortion?
Abortion is not the only choice for your unplanned pregnancy. You can also choose either of these options:
- Adoption. If you go this route, all of your medical bills before, during, and after birth will be covered. You also can receive help with costs associated with transportation, rent, food, maternity clothes, and patient education. You will be in control every step of the way, choosing the adoptive family and how much contact you have with them in the future.
- Parenting. The state offers many financial aid programs for parents that can help make parenting a possibility for you–even if you don’t have a lot of money. Many people who become parents don’t have a lot of extra finances. In fact, 47 percent of all births in Georgia are paid for with Medicaid.
If you want to learn more about abortion, adoption, or parenting, we are here for you. Our knowledgeable staff cares about you and wants to help you find hope and answers for a bright tomorrow. All of our services are totally free. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
