Abortion - FAQ
Often women have similar questions when considering an abortion. Our counselors know that women have concerns about their bodies, the procedure itself and what their medical future may look like. We hope some of these questions below, questions we hear almost every week, will help you. Link to our Aftercare Instructions for more information on what women experience after they leave the clinic.
Medical Abortions
What is it?
Medical abortion terminates a pregnancy with medications instead of surgery. The process is similar to having a miscarriage. Medical abortion has been successfully used to terminate early pregnancy in Europe since 1990.
How does it work?
Having a medical abortion involves the use of two separate medications. The first, Mifepristone, is taken at the clinic before 63 days from the last menstrual period. This drug blocks progesterone from being used by the uterus. Progesterone is an essential hormone in pregnancy, and without it, the pregnancy stops growing. Within 6-72 hours after taking Mifepristone, women take another drug called Misoprostol to soften and open the cervix and induce uterine contractions, thereby expelling the pregnancy. Most women will complete the abortion within 24 hours of using the second medication. Abortion using Mifepristone and Misoprostol is about 95 percent effective in ending a pregnancy. A woman must be willing to consent to a surgical completion if this method fails.
What are the side effects of medical abortion?
Women choosing a medical abortion need to expect that they will have bleeding and cramping with this method, sometimes for many hours. These are expected effects of the medications. There are no systemic side effects of Mifepristone, however you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills and dizziness with the Misoprostol. These side effects are usually resolved within 24 hours of using the Misoprostol. There are no long term side effects of either medication.
Is medical abortion safe?
Yes. Medical abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a safe and legal way to terminate a pregnancy in the first several weeks of pregnancy. While there is always some risk with taking medications and/or having a surgical procedure, these risks are very low. In fact, having an abortion is about ten times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term. Risks of medical abortion include: Hemorrhage, incomplete abortion, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, persistent bleeding and infection (very rare).
Who can have a medical abortion?
Medical abortion is available to women who are less than 63 days from their last menstrual period. Age of pregnancy is always confirmed by ultrasound examination at the clinic. Women choosing this method must have access to emergency services and be able to reach the clinic by phone.
What are the advantages of this method?
Women choose medical abortion over the surgical alternative for a variety of reasons. Most women choose this method to avoid surgery or because they feel as though they have more control over the process. Additionally, some women find their own home to be a more comfortable environment and would prefer to monitor their own care. Whatever the reason, women need to know that having a medical abortion is no less an elective termination of pregnancy than a surgical abortion. Additionally, women need to be aware that the medications do not magically make the pregnancy disappear, and the process can be quite painful and intense. We recommend that all women choosing medical abortion have a supportive person who can remain with them throughout the process.
For more information: Call Blue Mountain Clinic at (406)721-1646 or 1-800-727-2546.
Is it legal?
Abortion is legal. Parental or spousal consent is not currently required in Montana.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your visit to our clinic is strictly confidential.
Surgical Abortions
Is this performed by licensed physicians?
Yes. Licensed physicians perform all abortions.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your visit to our clinic is strictly confidential.
Is this legal?
Abortion is legal. Parental or spousal consent is not currently required in Montana.
Is this safe?
Abortion is safe. Chances of complications are about 1%.
What do the fees cover?
Fees include:
* Options counseling
* Tests for vaginal infection and chlamydia
* Lab work
* Birth control information
* Follow up examination
* 24 hour on-call service
* Ultrasound to determine gestational age
* Medications
What is it?
A surgical abortion is a minor out-patient surgery for the prupose of terminating a pregnancy. It is the most common
out-patient surgery performed in the United States.
How does it work?
A surgical abortion involves minor surgery using dilation and evacuation with an aspiration device. The docor will numb the cervix. Then the doctor will use dilators (blunt rods) to open the cervix. After the cervix has dilated the doctor will remove the contents of the uterus with a tube attached to a suction device. The procedure itself takes approximately 8-10 minutes but you should plan on being at the clinic for up to 3 hours.
What can I expect after I leave the clinic?
Most women leave the clinic feeling period like. Following the procedure it is normal to have a wide range of vaginal bleeding. Some women will bleed very lightly or not at all right after the procedure and then experience much heavier bleeding with clots and increased cramping several days (3-7) after the abortion. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions following an abortion. For more informatoin, link to our
After Care Instuctions.
Will it hurt?
Each woman's experience is different. One may experience little to no pain or discomfort to heavy cramping. Often women who experience heavy cramping during menstruation will be more likely to experience similar symptoms during the procedure. Sedation is optional for those who request it but the patient must be accompanied by a driver.
What are the advantages of this method?
Women choose surgical over medical abortions for a variety of reasons. If a woman is over 9 weeks gestation she is no longer eligible for a medical abortion. At Blue Mountain Clinic surgical abortions are offered up to 16 weeks gestation. Additionally, many women find assurance in having the abortion completed during a short, in-office procedure. Patients do not need to monitor their own care, as is the case with medical abortion, because medical staff is on hand to do so.
Will this affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?
No. Your ability to conceive in the future will not be affected.