What are My Abortion Options?

Tuesday, 06 August 2024

An unplanned pregnancy can feel disorienting. If you're sorting through your options, you'll want to begin by addressing a few questions, including how far along you are, types of abortion, and laws in your state. Keep reading to learn about your abortion options!

How Far Along Am I?

Gestational age (how far along you are in your pregnancy) can be estimated based on the last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine it. An ultrasound will also confirm the viability of the pregnancy and rule out an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus). An ectopic can be life-threatening and requires medical intervention, not the abortion pills.[1]

Call Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth for a free ultrasound today at (817) 560-2226.

What are the Types of Abortion?

There are two types of abortion—abortion pills (or a medical abortion) and a surgical abortion. Your eligibility for either type depends on state laws and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Next, you need to consider the cost and risks.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is also called medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or at-home abortion. The FDA has approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[2]

The abortion pill involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with the pregnancy's progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[2]

What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pills can cause cramping and bleeding for up to 30 days.[3] Complications after taking the first abortion pill (mifepristone) can include prolonged bleeding, an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention.[3] Women should receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications.

What is a Surgical Abortion?

In a surgical abortion, a provider dilates a woman's cervix before removing the pregnancy using a curette to scrape out the uterus, a suction catheter, forceps, or other instruments. The type of procedure depends on the abortion provider's preference, how far along a woman is in her pregnancy and the state laws.

What are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?

Complications from a surgical abortion can include bleeding, infection, and pain. In some cases, the surgical abortion is incomplete, so an additional procedure is required. In rare cases, surgical abortions could perforate the uterus or surrounding organs.4 Multiple surgical abortions could lead to scarring within the uterus which could cause infertility in the future.5

What are the Abortion Laws in Texas?

Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.6,7

We strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound before an abortion. Click here to find out why.

How Much is an Abortion?

A medical abortion, or abortion pills, can cost between $500 to $950. Surgical abortions can cost between $500 to $1,150 in the first trimester and $570 to $2,300 in the second trimester.8 These costs often include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Abortion Information in Fort Worth, Texas

As you consider what to do next, take one step at a time. Call Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth at (817) 560-2226 for a free, confidential appointment. Our compassionate staff will provide you with the information you need so that you can make the best decision for you!

Schedule Your Appointment

Please be aware that Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Ectopic Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy
FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
Yvonne Butler Tobah. (2022, August 4). Could an elective abortion increase the risk of problems in a subsequent pregnancy? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Retrieved from https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
As advertised by abortion providers in July 2024.