What is an abortion?
Abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy. It is a common aspect of healthcare, with one in four women undergoing an abortion in their lifetime.
However, it is important to note that individuals who identify as nonbinary or transgender may also receive abortion care. At Hey Sakhi, we provide medication abortion care to all individuals who menstruate, regardless of their gender identity.
Although abortion remains a sensitive topic, it is a normal and important part of healthcare. In the past, abortion was less stigmatized, with medications used to terminate pregnancies widely available in pharmacies and advertised in newspapers. However, the stricter social and sexual norms of the mid to late 1800s led to increased stigma surrounding abortion. Despite this, the abortion rate remained constant, and pregnant individuals often struggled to find safe abortion care. Thankfully, due to the advocacy of abortion-rights activists and the legal decision in Roe v. Wade in 1973, abortion is now legal and very safe.
There are numerous reasons why a pregnant individual may choose to have an abortion, including personal timing, health concerns, and feeling unprepared to become a parent. Ultimately, this is a personal decision, and individuals have the right to make this choice for themselves. By providing comprehensive and compassionate care, Hey Sakhi supports individuals in making informed decisions about their reproductive health.
How do abortions work?
Abortions can be done in different ways, depending on the stage of pregnancy and other factors. Generally, abortions can be categorized into two types: medication abortion and surgical abortion.
Medication abortion involves taking pills, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This type of abortion is usually done up to 11 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical abortion involves a procedure performed in a clinic or hospital. There are two main types of surgical abortion: vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation. Vacuum aspiration involves using a suction device to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. This type of abortion can be done up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Dilation and evacuation involves dilating the cervix and using surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy. This type of abortion is usually done after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Before any type of abortion, a healthcare provider will assess the pregnancy and the individual's health to determine the most appropriate method. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns about the procedure with HeySakhi.
What is the abortion process?
Abortion is a medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy. There are different methods of abortion, including medication abortion and surgical abortion. The process of abortion may vary depending on the method used.
Medication abortion:
Medication abortion involves taking two different medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, over a period of a few days. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Visit a healthcare provider who will confirm the pregnancy and determine if the person is eligible for medication abortion.
- Take the first medication, mifepristone, at the healthcare provider’s office or clinic.
- Take the second medication, misoprostol, at home within 24 to 48 hours after taking the first medication. This medication causes cramping and bleeding, which is the body’s natural way of expelling the pregnancy.
- Follow up with the healthcare provider to ensure that the abortion was successful and to receive any necessary care or instructions.
Surgical abortion:
Surgical abortion involves a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Visit a healthcare provider who will confirm the pregnancy and determine if the person is eligible for surgical abortion.
- Receive counseling and information about the procedure and any potential risks or side effects.
- Receive medication to numb the cervix and reduce pain during the procedure.
- Undergo the surgical procedure, which typically involves dilating the cervix and using suction or other tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
- Receive follow-up care and instructions for aftercare.
It is important to discuss all options with a healthcare provider to determine the best method of abortion based on individual circumstances and preferences.
How safe is a medication abortion? What are the risks?
Medication abortion is generally considered to be a safe and effective method of terminating an early pregnancy. The most commonly used medication for this procedure is a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with medication abortion. Some of the possible risks include:
- Incomplete abortion: In some cases, the medication may not effectively terminate the pregnancy, leading to an incomplete abortion. This may require a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
- Heavy bleeding: Bleeding is a common side effect of medication abortion, and some women may experience heavy bleeding that requires medical attention.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection associated with any medical procedure, including medication abortion.
- Allergic reactions: Some women may have an allergic reaction to the medications used in the procedure.
It is important to note that the risks associated with medication abortion are generally lower than the risks associated with surgical abortion. However, it is important to discuss any potential risks and concerns with a healthcare provider before undergoing any medical procedure.
What to expect after an abortion?
After an abortion, it is common to experience physical and emotional changes. The type of changes you may experience will depend on the type of abortion you had (medication or surgical) and the stage of pregnancy.
Physical changes:
- Bleeding: After both medication and surgical abortions, it is normal to experience bleeding, which can last for several days to a few weeks. The bleeding may be heavier than a period, and it may be accompanied by clots.
- Cramping: You may experience cramping for a few days to a week after the abortion. This is the body’s natural way of expelling any remaining tissue from the uterus.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some women may experience nausea and vomiting after an abortion, particularly after a medication abortion.
- Breast tenderness: Your breasts may feel sore or tender after an abortion due to hormonal changes.
Emotional changes:
- Sadness or depression: It is common to experience feelings of sadness or depression after an abortion, particularly if the decision to have an abortion was difficult.
- Guilt or shame: Some women may feel guilty or ashamed after an abortion due to social or cultural stigma.
- Relief: Many women also report feeling relief after an abortion, particularly if the pregnancy was unwanted or medically risky.