First Trimester Abortions

     

    The Morning After Pill


    What is it?
    The morning after pill is a large dose of oral contraceptive known as Plan B. The pill is actually two tablets, one taken within 72 hours of intercourse and the second 12 hours later. It is not the same as RU-486.

    How does it work?
    Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

    Things to consider
    • Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
    • Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
    • The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and menstrual changes.
    • The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.
    We are committed to offering accurate information about abortion procedures and risks.

    Medical (Medication) Abortion

    A medical abortion uses drugs or chemicals to end the life of the developing baby during the early stages of human growth. Currently, 3 chemicals are used to perform a medical abortion methotrexate, misoprotol and mifepristone (RU-486). These chemicals are used in combination. Methotrexate is a chemical that prevents the developing baby and placenta from properly using folic acid. Without the normal use of folic acid, the baby cannot make, repair or replicate DNA in order to survive. Misoprotol (cyotec) is a chemical that resembles a prostaglandin in its action. It causes very intense uterine contractions to expel the developing baby and placenta. Mifepristone (RU-486/Abortion Pill/Mifeprex) is a chemical that blocks the action of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is needed to continue the pregnancy by maintaining the lining of the uterus; this is necessary for normal implantation as well as normal placental attachment and development. RU-486 causes the lining to die and separate from the uterine wall. When this happens, the baby’s blood supply (carrying nutrients and oxygen) is cut off. Both the placenta and the baby eventually fall from the uterine wall attachment site.

    Surgical Abortion

    A surgical abortion involves the use of a suction or vacuum aspirator to remove the developing baby from the uterus. Suction aspiration is the most common 1st-trimester technique. It is used to terminate a pregnancy up to 14 weeks old.