Understanding Abortion Services: Key Information and Resources

Individuals facing an unplanned pregnancy may consider an abortion, which is the intentional termination of a pregnancy. However, an abortion can have various consequences, and accessing reliable resources and accurate information is critical before undergoing this medical procedure.

At the Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer pregnancy counseling to those considering professional abortion services in Portland, Oregon. This post provides essential information about abortion services to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy.

Is Abortion Legal?

Under Oregon state law, there are no legal restrictions on abortion. For example, no legal limits or waiting periods apply to anyone seeking an abortion in this state. Additionally, an insurer not qualifying for an exemption under Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act will likely pay for this procedure.

Abortion Services: What Methods Are Available?

When considering an abortion, the first step is learning about the different methods. Generally speaking, abortion procedures vary depending on the pregnancy’s gestational age.

Abortion Pills

Before week 10 of pregnancy, medication abortion is generally the method that abortion clinics recommend to mothers. An abortion pill blocks the hormone progesterone from maintaining the pregnancy, and embryos typically live no longer than 48 hours after their mothers take the first pill. The second pill induces labor to evacuate the womb.

Understandably, some people confuse abortion pills with morning-after pills. A morning-after pill doesn’t terminate a pregnancy but prevents one by blocking fertilization, preventing ovulation, or keeping a fertilized egg from planting into the uterus.

Surgical Procedure

A surgical abortion is an alternative to taking medication. Up to a gestational age of 15 weeks, a suction abortion, or vacuum aspiration, is the form of surgical abortion doctors may recommend. This procedure involves dilating the cervix before removing the fetus from the womb using a vacuum tube.

After the first trimester, doctors typically recommend a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Usually, doctors use a D&C procedure to detect cancer or determine the cause of infertility or abnormal uterine bleeding.

However, a healthcare provider can also use a D&C to perform an abortion. This procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the fetus and uterine contents using scraping, suction, or a combination of these methods.

What Are the Safety Considerations and Risks of an Abortion?

Abortions are generally safe under the supervision of a reputable and qualified doctor. However, before deciding, you must understand this procedure’s physical, emotional, and spiritual risks.

Under FDA protocol, only certified healthcare providers may administer medication abortions. Performing this method at home and without medical supervision carries a high health risk for mothers, especially if they buy the pill online or through unregulated channels.  

However, even in regulated settings, abortion pills are, on average, only 95% effective. There is also a risk that the medication will not trigger uterine contractions to expel the embryo, in which case the mother may become distressed and need emergency medical care.

Surgical abortion procedures are inherently invasive. Potential complications of a D&C procedure include:

• Uterine wall or bowel perforation
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Scar tissue development inside the uterus

Infection can decrease your chances of becoming pregnant at a later stage. Heavy bleeding, uterine wall perforation, or incomplete pregnancy tissue removal can result in infertility.

Clinical evidence suggests that women who seek abortion care have a high risk of psychological side effects. These emotional consequences include, among others, depression, guilt, eating disorders, and anxiety.

After this procedure, some women also reported difficulties bonding with their partners and children. Before scheduling an abortion, seek pregnancy counseling to learn more about the available options and mitigate your risk of mental health concerns. 

Essential Information and Resources – The Importance of Seeking Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling

Making an informed decision about abortion can be challenging when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Fear, emotional overwhelm, or undue pressure by a partner, family, or friends are all factors that can make it difficult to determine the best next steps.

If you are unsure about what you should do, consider pregnancy counseling. A confidential and judgment-free conversation with a pregnancy counselor can help you gain perspective on your situation, clarifying how to proceed.

A reputable peer-to-peer pregnancy counselor will never pressure you not to have an abortion. These counseling sessions aim to answer your questions and provide all the information and resources you need to make the right decision. With your permission, a pregnancy counselor will also provide counseling and support throughout your pregnancy journey.