Abortion Pill  & Mifepristone: within 4 to 7 weeks after Last Menstrual Period
This drug commonly known as RU486 is only approved for women up to the 49th day after their last menstrual period. The procedure usually requires three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills to cause the death of the embryo. Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug which causes cramps to expel the embryo. The last visit is to determine if the procedure has been completed.  The abortion pill will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.  MORE INFO ON RU486

An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo lodges outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.  If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and in some cases, the death of the woman.

Women are being instructed to use the abortion pills in a manner not approved by the FDA.  This includes using it beyond 49 days of pregnancy and using it vaginally.  A number of women who have used the abortion pill have died due to sepsis (full body infection).

Manual Vacuum Aspiration: within seven weeks after Last Menstrual Period.
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy, up until seven weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. The cervix is dilated enough for the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus.  A long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus.  A large syringe is attached to the tube and the embryo is suctioned out.

Suction Curettage: within 6 to 14 weeks after Last Menstrual Period
This is the most common surgical abortion procedure. Because the fetus is larger, the doctor must first dilate or stretch open the cervix.  Metal rods or laminaria (thin sticks derived from seaweed) are inserted hours before the procedure begins. Opening the cervix may be painful, so local or general anesthesia is typically needed, although sometimes not used. After the cervix is stretched open, the doctor inserts plastic tubing into the uterus, and then connects this tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a loop-shaped knife called a curette to scrape the fetus and fetal parts out of the uterus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): within 13 to 24 weeks after Last Menstrual Period
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this point in the pregnancy, the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction alone and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting numerous thin rods made of seaweed (called laminaria) a day or two before the abortion. Once the cervix is stretched open the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus’ skull is crushed to ease removal. A sharp tool (called a curette) is also used to scrape out the contents of the uterus, removing any remaining tissue.

Late Term Abortions: Dilation and Extraction (D&X) – Partial Birth: from 20 weeks after Last Menstrual Period to full-term

This procedure usually takes three days.  During the first two days the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day the woman receives medication to start labor.  After labor begins, the abortionist uses ultrasound to locate the baby’s legs.  Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby’s head (similar to a breech delivery).  Then scissors are inserted into the base of the baby’s skull to create an opening.  A suction tube is inserted into the opening to remove the contents of the skull, killing the baby.  The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

Abortion is not just a simple procedure; it may have many side effects. Abortion has been associated with preterm birth, emotional and psychological impact and spiritual consequences. Please call us so that you can make an informed decision

The AIM Women’s Center offers peer counseling and accurate information about all pregnancy options. This center does not offer abortion services or abortion referrals.