medical abortion
ABORTION PILL/MIFEGYMISO
(MIFEPRISTONE & MISOPROSTOL)
medical abortion timeline:
available up to 9 weeks depending on provider
medical abortion process:
1st pill blocks body’s production of progesterone (necessary to continue pregnancy)
2nd pill taken two days later to cause cramps more intense than menses and causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy
*BOTH PILLS COVERED BY OHIP
physical impact:
bleeding and cramping… you may also experience clots, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fever and chills
surgical abortion
ASPIRATION
surgical abortion timeline:
up to 13 weeks at Grand River Hospital (later at private clinics outside of region)
surgical abortion process:
cervix is dilated, suction aspiration to remove contents, curette used after 7 weeks, local anesthetic and pain medication given
*COVERED BY OHIP AT PUBLIC CLINICS
physical impact:
bleeding and cramping
CONTACT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU EXPERIENCE HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
>>> soaking two or more thick sanitary pads/hr for 2 consecutive hrs and/or have large fist-size blood clots
emotional impact:
Varies between individuals, may depend on age, stage of pregnancy, religious or
cultural beliefs, previous mental health and if you are being pressured by others.
some things to think about…
Have I considered the benefits of an abortion?
Have I considered the risks associated with an abortion?
Which risks and benefits matter most to me?
What if I decide to change my mind?
How do my values and beliefs impact an abortion decision?
Do I have someone I trust to process this abortion decision with?
What will I think about my decision in 20 years?
