FAQ - What about abortion
What about abortion?
Abortion is ending an unwanted pregnancy using medicine (taking tablets) or surgery (having an operation).
If you are considering having an abortion it’s really important to know what it involves.
Medical abortion
A medical abortion can be used at any stage of pregnancy, but most often within the first 9 weeks.
A medical abortion usually involves two visits to a clinic or hospital. At the first visit, a tablet is taken which makes the lining of the womb unsuitable for the baby to grow in. Bleeding and stomach cramps may occur after this. Some women may pass the contents of their womb before the second clinic visit.
At the second visit (36-48 hours later), up to 4 tablets are placed in the vagina. These tablets make the womb contract so that its contents are passed. For most women this stage of the abortion takes between 1 and 6 hours. During this time there will be some pain and bleeding.
Occasionally the medicines are not effective in causing an abortion, in which case a short operation is required to make sure the womb is completely emptied.
If a medical abortion is used after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it also involves an injection into the womb to stop the baby’s heart, before the contractions are started using vaginal tablets. Strong pain killers are usually required.
Surgical abortion
A Surgical abortion can take place between 7 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, but is rarely used after 20 weeks. There are several different types of surgical abortion, so here is an overview of the more common methods:
Vacuum Aspiration & Dilatation and Evacuation
Vacuum Aspiration (between 7 and 14 weeks of pregnancy)
Under local or general anaesthetic a suction tube is inserted into the womb and the contents are removed using an electric suction pump. It is usually possible to go home after 3-4 hours. There may be bleeding for up to 14 days, or sometimes a bit longer.
Dilatation and Evacuation (between 15 and 24 weeks of pregnancy)
Vaginal tablets are used to soften the entrance to the womb (cervix) before this procedure, which is usually done under general anaesthetic.
By this stage the developing baby is larger, so the entrance to the womb must be stretched (dilatation) in order for the contents of the womb to be removed (evacuation) using metal forceps. Any remaining tissue is removed using a suction tube. It is usually possible to go home 3-4 hours after this procedure. There may be bleeding for up to 14 days or sometimes longer. Occasionally an overnight stay in hospital is required for a surgical abortion, especially in later pregnancy. If a surgical abortion is used after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it also involves an injection into the womb to stop the baby’s heart from beating.
What are the risks?
As with all clinical procedures there are risks associated with abortion. In some instances the following physical complications may occur:
- Excessive bleeding, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion or surgical procedure
- Infection which could lead to fertility problems
- Damage to the cervix or womb
- Failed abortion/ incomplete abortion requiring further treatment
- Miscarriage or premature delivery in future pregnancies
Effects of abortion?
Women often feel relief immediately after an abortion, but later on some find it hard to come to terms with their experience and the choice they made.
Women have reported feelings of guilt, shame, grief, depression, anxiety and panic. Negative experiences including flashbacks, relationship problems, drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, sleeping problems, avoidance of children and anxiety about infertility can also follow an abortion.
If you are concerned about these risks, talk to one of our advisors who will help to answer your questions.
Feeling under pressure?
An unplanned pregnancy can make you panic and abortion often feels like the only way out.
If you’re considering abortion because other people are putting pressure on you it’s important that you take the time to think for yourself.
Do you have questions?
If you need support and a listening ear why not talk to a TPAC advisor? You can make an appointment, just drop in, call our helpline, or email us.