Abortion

Understanding Your Options

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering abortion and looking for clear, trustworthy information. The decision-making process can feel less overwhelming when you have the facts.

At Haven Health, our team provides no-cost options consultations where you can ask questions openly and receive accurate, unbiased education about abortion procedures, potential side effects, and possible risks. This way, you can make a decision that prioritizes your health and safety.

Haven Health does not perform or refer for abortions. We do, however, offer nurse-administered pregnancy testing, and for those who qualify, a limited OB ultrasound to help confirm key details about your pregnancy before you make a decision. Your well-being is our priority.

Types of Abortion

There are two primary categories of abortion. The method typically used depends on the stage of pregnancy and your medical history.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

Medical abortion involves two drugs and is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports pregnancy growth and development. The second drug, misoprostol, is then used to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy with abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

Common side effects include:

Cramping and vaginal bleeding (which always occur)
Nausea or upset stomach
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever or chills
Headache and fatigue

Possible risks include:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Infection
Digestive symptoms that do not improve
Incomplete abortion (remaining tissue in the uterus), which may require a follow-up procedure

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital setting using suction and/or instruments to remove the pregnancy and related tissue. The specific technique varies by gestational age.

Common side effects may include:

Mild to moderate cramping
Spotting or light bleeding that often lasts for several days

Possible risks include:

Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
Damage to the cervix
Infection
Scar tissue on the uterine wall, which can affect future fertility

An Ultrasound Matters

Before considering abortion, it’s essential to verify important medical details. An ultrasound helps determine:

How far along you are (gestational age)
Whether the pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic)
Whether there is a heartbeat and the pregnancy is progressing

This information will protect your health and inform you about the options that may be available to you. Haven Health offers no-cost, limited OB ultrasounds to eligible patients who have a positive pregnancy test in our clinic.

Caring, Confidential Support

Every patient deserves straightforward answers. During your visit, an advocate will meet with you privately to discuss your concerns, review results, and explore all your options.