What are Different Types of Abortion?

There are several different types of abortions legally available. These types depend on the stage of pregnancy, preferences of the physician, and the medical issues of the woman. A licensed physician will be able to provide you with the most information on the different types of available so that you are capable of making the most informed decision possible. You should be cautioned to seek a licensed physician who is capable of dealing with any medical issues that may occur during the procedure. Seeking a termination from an uncertified or untrained individual can lead to serious problems, including infection, sterility, and even death.

The overall determining factor in which type of termination is best for you depends on the advancement of your pregnancy. For pregnancies at least seven weeks from conception, which is nine weeks from the date of your last menstruation cycle, most terminations can be done either using surgery or medication. A termination performed during this time has the less possibility of physical effects for the woman. These procedures do not require anesthesia or can be performed under a localized anesthesia.

For pregnancies advanced to 14 weeks, a physician will use a technique that scrapes the lining of the uterus using a tool called a curette. This procedure, dilation and curettage may be performed under localized anesthesia and generally have little side effects for the woman. The more advanced the pregnancy, the more complicated the procedure. For terminations performed after 20 weeks has passed, labor can be induced to abort the fetus without using surgical techniques. Usually the woman is given a medication that prompts the body to enter into labor. Other techniques used for later term abortions include saline infusion, where a physician will introduce a saline substance into the uterus. This solution will cause the uterus to contract, thus expelling the fetus. Another procedure, called dilation and extraction, also known as a partial birth abortion, allows a physician to dilate the woman’s cervix and remove the fetus.

Again, the best way to determine what termination procedure will best suit your specific situation is to contact a licensed physician. These individuals will take the utmost care with providing you the proper medical attention.

Also read our article about Teen Abortion