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Abortion Procedure Information

Learn more about abortion pills and procedures and all your options.

Considering an Abortion Clinic Procedure?

If you are considering an abortion, get the answers you need to make an informed choice. Ask yourself these questions before scheduling an abortion:

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  • Do you know what type of abortion you will need based on how far along you are in your pregnancy? 

  • Do you have a general idea of what the abortion procedure will cost? 

  • Do you know the physical symptoms, side effects, and risks associated with this procedure? 

  • Do you know what to expect after the abortion? 

  • Do you have support and a primary health care provider to follow up with your care after the abortion?

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If you think you may be in your second trimester, weeks 13-26, and are looking for options, contact us for a no-cost consultation on your options and a free pregnancy confirmation appointment. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can confirm how far along you are, talk through your health history, and answer any questions you have about what to expect, risks, recovery, and more. 

 

Aspiration abortion and a D&E abortion are the two most common types of abortion clinic procedures in Arkansas.

Suction Aspiration Abortion

A suction aspiration abortion procedure can be performed anytime after a pregnancy has been confirmed and up to 13 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. It is the most common early surgical abortion method, also known as a D&C abortion.

 

This procedure begins by inserting a long, thin tube into the uterus. The fetus is suctioned out with a large syringe attached to the end of the tube. A loop-shaped knife is utilized to sweep the uterus of all fetal remains.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

A D&E abortion is typically performed 13 weeks or more after a woman’s last known period (LMP). It is the most common second-trimester surgical abortion method. Local anesthesia or sedation is commonly utilized. 

 

At 13-24 weeks, the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction alone and must be removed with forceps and other instruments. The provider will first dilate the cervix by inserting laminaria sticks (thin rods made of sterilized seaweed) a few days before the procedure. When the cervix is ready, the fetus’ skull will be crushed, and its body will be dismembered and removed through forceps, suction, and a sharp tool known as a curette. Following the procedure, the patient may be given medication to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding.

Recovery After a Surgical Abortion

Following a surgical abortion, an ultrasound may be used to confirm that all the fetal parts have been removed. The patient is often given medication to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding.

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

There are risks to any surgery. The majority of abortion procedures are called blind procedures, which means the doctor or medical professional is relying on surgical instruments and cannot see inside the uterus. 

Side effects can include but are not limited to:

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Cramping

  • Fever

  • Blood clots

  • Allergic reactions to the anesthesia 

  • Abdominal pain

  • Infection

  • Emotional side effects

  • Damage to the womb or cervix

  • Perforation of the uterus

  • Sepsis

  • Death

 

Occasionally, some women need another procedure to remove parts of the fetus or pregnancy that have stayed in the womb.

Why Choose ChoiceCare

We put you first here. An abortion is a serious decision, and you deserve a safe space to talk about what to expect, recovery, risks, and the options available to you. Make an appointment today for a free pregnancy confirmation and options consultation. We can help you determine how far along you are, inform you about the options available to you, and answer your questions. 

 

Because we believe that women deserve a place to learn about their options without pressure or cost involved, all our pregnancy services are available at no cost to you.

References

 

In-Clinic Abortion Procedure | Abortion methods. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. 

Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). First Trimester Aspiration Abortion. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 135-156).

Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures: Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 19, 2014.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2013). Practice Bulletin: Second-Trimester Abortion (135).

American Pregnancy (2023). https://americanpregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/surgicalabortion.pdf

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