Scared writes: Hannah I have a question if I think I’m pregnant and I can’t have a baby right now what are my options to terminate it?? I know it sounds horrible but I just can’t right now it’s not an option :(
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Dear Scared,
The different abortion procedure options available to you will depend on how far along you are with your pregnancy. If you are still in your first trimester, then you’ll have the option of either a surgical procedure or a medical (i.e. drug/pharmaceutical) procedure. I would definitely recommend you obtain an ultrasound to accurately determine how far along you are with your pregnancy as well as if the pregnancy is viable (i.e. the pregnancy is taking place in your uterus and is a non ectopic pregnancy).
OptionLine.org has a listing of places across the US, the UK and other countries where there are not for profit community pregnancy resource centers, some of which may offer free ultrasounds. My advice would be to see if there is a location near you, take advantage of their free ultrasound services, and then make your decision after that.
Below are the basic abortion procedure options typically offered.
Best luck,
Hannah
First Trimester Abortion Procedures
What abortion procedures are used during the first trimester?
Most abortion providers offering abortion services during your first trimester will have available both surgical procedures and medical (pharmaceutical) procedures, and they may let you choose. Pharmaceutical abortion procedures are typically only effective up through 9 weeks gestation.
Methotrexate & Misoprostol (MTX): This pharmaceutical procedure is typically used up to 7 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol: This is your classic RU-486, also known as Mifeprex or the Abortion Pill. This pharmaceutical procedure is typically effective up to 7-9 weeks of pregnancy.
Suction Aspiration: Surgical Aspiration, also known as Vacuum Aspiration or Suction Curettage, is a surgical procedure which terminates a pregnancy that is between 6-12 weeks gestation.
Second Trimester Abortion Procedures
Note: Abortion procedures which rely on medications (e.g. RU486) are no longer effective once you are in your second trimester.
Your options for having an abortion during your second trimester include the following:
Induction Abortion: This is surgical abortion procedure may be done during the second trimester, but this procedure is quite rare. Probably in some countries, induction abortions are still taking place. With an induction abortion, salt water, potassium chloride or urea are injected into the amniotic sac (the sac in which the fetus develops). The abortion provider will insert prostaglandins into the vagina (which will begin the “labor” process) and inject pitocin intravenously (which will trigger contractions).
Dilation & Curettage (D&C): D&C is also referred to as Vacuum Aspiration as well as Suction Curettage. D&C is a surgical procedure that terminates a pregnancy which is between 13-15 weeks gestation.
Dilation & Evacuation (D&E): D&E is a surgical procedure that terminates a pregnancy which is between 15-21 weeks gestation.
Third Trimester Abortion Procedures
Note: Abortion procedures which rely on medications (e.g. RU486) are not effective on you are in your third trimester.
Not many abortion providers offer abortion during the third trimester. Your options for having an abortion during your third trimester may include the following:
Dilation and Extraction: This is a surgical procedure which is used to end a pregnancy (after 21 weeks of gestation). Dilation & Extraction may also be referred to as Intrauterine Cranial Decompression, D&X, Intact D&X or Partial Birth Abortion.
Induction Abortion: This is another surgical procedure which may be done during the third trimester. As I mentioned earlier, induction abortions are rare. Salt water, potassium chloride or urea are injected into the amniotic sac (the sac in which the fetus develops). The abortion provider will insert prostaglandins into the vagina (which will begin the “labor” process) and inject pitocin intravenously (which will trigger contractions).
Christina says
I hope reading this has made you decide against having an abortion.
You know a baby has a heartbeat only a week or so after conception, so you’re stopping a human heartbeat.
One word: ADOPTION. If you can’t gave this baby that YOU created, another family who are unable to have children would gladly give your child a life that you want to take from them.
You chose to have sex, you chose to put yourself in a situation that could create a life, not make the right choice and don’t kill a child.
Brittany says
Get off this website then
jack says
Keep your opinions to yourself. Its not your body, or your choice to make- who are you to judge someone or tell them what not to do with their own body? If you cant be suppotive then stay out of the conversation.
Not everyone in the world is mentally capable of carrying to term . Its a very taxing experience and monetarily and physically exhausting. Let the girl make up her own mind without a guilt trip.
Amanda says
Not everyone is mentally capable of handling an abortion either Jack. I speak from experience when I tell you that this procedure damages you physically and emotionally, the later causing wounds that may not heal. Abortion providers offer NO counseling after the procedure, when feelings of grief, regret, shame manifest. There are so many couples seeking children who remain childless and many are willing to provide financial support to an expectant mother. Abortion is not the answer to unwanted pregnancy. After 15 years, not a day goes by that I don’t regret my abortion and wish I had my child. It’s a HORRIBLE experience
Taryn says
I used to believe that it was a sin to abort and religiously it is however we are all human and we have to make decisions to suit orselves and not society. I have 3 kids and the last born was unplanned i considered abortion as me and my hubby were not financially stable enough for 3 kids, My family was against the abortion a d vowed they would help financially if we kept the baby, I did keep her and shes going to be 2 and till this day i have never even seen a vest nor a nappy from all those who said we will help. They are a blessing but an expensive and exhausting one. If anyone isnt ready to keep and raiswe a baby then dont, dont bring a kid into this cruel world and only to despise and deprive it of anything. Its your body and your decision.
anna says
Is not all abortion that one decide some are medically decided depend on your health. So don’t blame everyone who goes into it
Nthabi says
Am pregnant and want to have an abortion but my problem is that I do know how far I am