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Abortion Types: Medical vs Surgical

There are two main types of abortion in the United States: Medical and Surgical

Medical Abortions

Medical abortions use drugs or chemicals, instead of surgical instruments, to end a pregnancy.

Early Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

Up to 10 weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP) “The Abortion Pill” (mifepristone plus misoprostol) is the most common form of medical abortion. It was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in women up to 10 weeks after LMP.1 It is even used beyond 10 weeks LMP, despite an increasing failure rate. It is done by taking a series of pills that disrupt the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, and cause uterine cramps which push the embryo out. Things to consider:

Did you know that you may be able to reverse a medical abortion that has already begun? Click here to find out more.

Surgical Abortions

Surgical abortions are done by opening the cervix and passing instruments into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and scrape the pregnancy out. The exact procedure is determined by the baby’s level of growth.

Aspiration/Suction

Up to 13 weeks LMP. Most early surgical abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves opening the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls the embryo out.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

13 weeks LMP and up. Most second trimester abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to open the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the baby in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.

D&E After Viability (ability to survive or live successfully)

24 weeks LMP and up. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the baby’s heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is opened wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then crushes the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece.
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Bowling Green

Hannibal

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  • Monday: 10am – 4pm
  • Tuesday: 10am – 4pm
  • Wednesday 10am – 4pm
  • Thursday: 10am – 4pm
  • Friday: 10am – 4pm
  • Closed: Saturday & Sunday

Taken the first abortion Pill Already?

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What others are saying about Options For Women

“Options for Women has been so helpful to me and my boyfriend. We went to the same coach throughout my pregnancy. She explains everything so we understand.”
Abigail
“The ladies here exhibit the beauty of love, grace and mercy.”
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“I did not have a lot of family support during my pregnancy, but my coach was super supportive and really encouraged me…I am very thankful for being part of the Options for Women program and grateful for my relationship with my coach.”
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“…most importantly my coach was there to share experiences, answer my questions, and encourage me. Options for Women was a supportive atmosphere, and I am thankful I was able to attend, to gain knowledge, friendships and self-esteem!"
Delci

Questions and Answers

A: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time. Please call 573-213-5115 or text 573-222-0891, or click schedule an appointment online and for information on abortion costs, click here.
A: Absolutely. You can bring your boyfriend, family member, or friend. We will talk with you privately first. Then, provided you have given us consent to have them in the room, your guest will be able to join you.
A: You’ll be welcomed by our receptionist who will introduce you to your coach. She will listen to you and provide you with information followed by a pregnancy test. Should your test be positive, an appointment will be scheduled with one of our nurses to conduct a limited ultrasound to confirm if you have a viable pregnancy and date fetal age.
A: Our tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, it is best to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at our center or mobile clinic.
A:  We adhere to a strict privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients will be protected from disclosure of information that violates the right to privacy except when required by law, required for public health reasons, required to avert a threat of harm to the client or a third person, or when other circumstances may reasonably warrant such use or disclosure without prior authorization (e.g., abuse reporting, suicide/homicide prevention, etc.).
A: Our professional, medical-grade lab quality pregnancy test can determine pregnancy on the first day after your first missed period. We recommend you make an appointment if you have missed a period, have any pregnancy related questions, or think you might be pregnant.
A: On-site ultrasounds can be scheduled after an initial intake with one of our coaches. Our limited ultrasound exams are performed by a licensed nurse or RDMS (registered sonographer) and reviewed by a licensed physician. An ultrasound confirms a viable pregnancy. To qualify for a limited ultrasound, you’ll need to be a minimum of 8 weeks since your last menstrual period.
A: You can still meet with a member of our staff to discuss your concerns and review available options. An ultrasound is recommended to know if your pregnancy is viable and in your uterus, since 20% – 30% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Additionally, the ultrasound will give you an approximate idea how far along you are to determine what type of abortion you would choose. We can provide a limited ultrasound at no cost to you.
Call: 573-213-5115
TEXT: (573) 222-0891
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Our center does not perform or refer for abortion.
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Bowling Green

Hannibal

Hours

Monday: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday: 10am – 4pm
Wednesday 10am – 4pm
Thursday: 10am – 4pm
Friday: 10am – 4pm
Closed: Saturday & Sunday
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