Pregnancy Resource Center - Grand Rapids Michigan » Abortion

Abortion Explained

admin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:01:10 +0000

Watch this video explaining about abortion.

Abortion Explained – Ultrasound

admin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:08:25 +0000

This video explains the impact an ultrasound can have on decisions about abortion.

Physical Risks

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:22:29 +0000

Hemorrhage
Sometimes women bleed heavily during an abortion or a few days afterward. With a medical abortion, such as the use of RU-486, bleeding lasts 12-15 days, or longer. Occasionally it is necessary to receive a transfusion to replace the lost blood. Sometimes a second curettage procedure, or even a hysterectomy, is needed to stop the bleeding.

Infection
The uterus is susceptible to infection immediately after an abortion, especially if part of the baby or placenta is accidentally left inside of you. Infections are even more of a risk if you have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Symptoms of infection include pain and fever. Infection is generally treated with antibiotics but sometimes another curettage procedure must be used. If untreated, a very serious infection can develop and could result in infertility.

Perforation
Sometimes the tools of abortion are accidentally pushed through the wall of the uterus during an abortion. If the instrument damages one of your internal organs, it may be necessary to do major surgery to repair the damage. This complication can cause extensive bleeding.

Effects on Later Pregnancy
Injury to the cervix may cause the early loss of a later, wanted pregnancy. Scarring, which blocks your fallopian tubes, may also occur; this can prevent you from becoming pregnant in the future. The risk of miscarriage in later pregnancies is higher if a woman has had two or more abortions.

Ectopic (Tubal) Pregnancy
The fetus may be growing in your fallopian tube rather than in your uterus. An abortion procedure would miss this. The continued growth of the fetus in a fallopian tube is dangerous and potentially fatal.

Breast Cancer
A number of scientific studies show a link between abortion and breast cancer.

Death
Death, although rare, has occurred after abortion. When an abortion is done after the first three months of pregnancy, the risk of death increases. The cause of death by abortion is usually from heavy bleeding or from complications with the drugs used for pain.

For more information please contact the PRC.

Courtesy:
Frontlines Publishing 2004
72 Ransom Ave NEG
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.248.4300

Emotional Risks

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:23:15 +0000

Some women experience an immediate feeling of relief following an abortion, but many find themselves later coping with the feelings they did not expect. They may have a difficult time talking about these feelings. Some psychologists have labeled these problems as Post-Abortion Stress.

Symptoms may include: Sadness, long-term grief, anger sexual dysfunction, guilt, flashbacks, memory repression, anniversary reactions, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, increased alcohol and drug use, difficulty maintaining close relationships.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, has had an abortion and is interested in getting help, please contact us at the Pregnancy Resource Center.

Courtesy:
Frontlines Publishing 2004
72 Ransom Ave NEG
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.248.4300

Spiritual Risks

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:23:52 +0000

Many people who are contemplating abortion think about their spirituality, perhaps a Christian upbringing or strong morals were a part of their past. Don’t overlook your feelings. If you are questioning your decision be assured that you do need to take the time you need to explore all of your options. The best decisions are not always the ‘easiest.’

RU-486

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:17:21 +0000

RU-486 is a medical abortion that is used very early in pregnancy, no later than nine weeks after your last period. Your doctor would either give you an oral dose of, or inject you with, Mifepristone. This drug stops the natural function of your body. The lining of your uterus softens and breaks down. Two days later you would return to the clinic for a checkup. If the baby hasn’t been expelled, you would be given another drug (Cytotec or Misoprostol) to make your cervix dilate and your uterus contract, to push the baby from your body-similar to what happens during labor. This procedure can cause cramping, bleeding, nausea and diarrhea. In some cases, this procedure results in a failed abortion. If so, the doctor will want to surgically extract the fetus.

Methotrexate (MTX)

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:18:12 +0000

This drug was invented to fight cancer. It attacks cells that are growing rapidly and prevents them from multiplying, which kills the embryo. Methotrexate is usually given as an injection. About a week later you insert vaginal suppositories of Misoprostol, which cause contractions. This procedure is used up to seven weeks from the date of your last period. This drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for abortions. The procedure can cause excessive bleeding and cramping. If the abortion is not complete, you will be scheduled for a surgical abortion.

Suction Aspiration

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:18:53 +0000

For this procedure you lie on your back with your feet in stirrups, and the doctor applies a shot of anesthetic to your cervix to reduce pain. Your cervical muscle is stretched with cone-shaped rods until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion tools to pass into your uterus. Then the doctor guides the suction device through the cervix and into your uterus. When the suction machine is turned on, you feel the strong force of the vacuum which is used to pull the placenta and fetus into parts small enough to pass out of your body through the suction tube.

Dilation and Curettage

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:19:33 +0000

The doctors opens your cervix, as in a suction procedure, but in this case the abortion is done with a loop-shaped knife which is used to scrape the wall of your uterus, cutting the fetus and placenta into smaller parts-which are pulled out of your body through the cervix. There is a higher risk of your uterus being perforated with this procedure. A general anesthesia is usually required.

Dilation and Evacuation

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:20:15 +0000

Because the bones of the fetus are larger and stronger by this time, the doctor uses a medical instrument resembling pliers to pull the fetus into smaller parts and removes those parts from your body through the cervix. This procedure requires your cervix to be opened wider than with suction or D & C procedures, and there is a greater risk of harm to your reproductive organs.