Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion?

The abortion method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is, personal health factors, and clinical circumstances.

Medication Abortion

A medication abortion uses two prescribed medications:

1. Mifepristone, which stops the pregnancy from continuing
2. Misoprostol, which causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy tissue

This method is generally used in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The process can take several hours or days.

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion takes place in a clinic or medical setting.

It may involve:

• Vacuum aspiration, which uses suction to remove the pregnancy
• Dilation and evacuation, which uses suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy

The cervix is opened, and anesthesia or pain medication may be used..

Why the Method Matters

Medication and procedural abortions involve different steps, timing, risks, and levels of medical care. Before making a decision, it is important to understand all your options. Agape's Pre-Abortion Screening can help provide the essential info you need before making a decision. 

Source

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/

Is Abortion Legal in Texas?

Abortion is illegal in Texas with limited exceptions. If you have questions about the current legal landscape, our team can provide accurate information during a pre-abortion screening appointment.

Does Abortion Hurt?

Abortion can involve physical pain. For some people, it can bring emotional pain too. The experience depends on the abortion method, how far along the pregnancy is, and the person’s body and history.

A medication abortion can feel similar to an intense miscarriage.

Common experiences may include:

• Strong cramping
• Heavy bleeding
• Passing pregnancy tissue
• Nausea, chills, or fatigue

The cramping can feel stronger than a typical period and may last for several hours or longer.

A surgical abortion is done in a clinic or medical setting. Pain during the procedure is usually managed with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Afterward, it is common to have:

• Cramping
• Soreness
• Bleeding
• Fatigue

Emotional responses can vary. Some people feel relief. Others may feel sadness, grief, regret, anxiety, or numbness. These feelings can show up right away or much later.

Abortion is not always just a medical event. Getting clear information before making the decision is recommended for your mental and emotional health.

Source:

https://srh.bmj.com/content/51/2/137

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding after an abortion often lasts 1 to 2 weeks. For some people, light spotting can continue for several weeks.

The timing can depend on:

• The type of abortion
• How far along the pregnancy was
• How the body heals

After a medical abortion, bleeding is usually heaviest in the first few days.

Common experiences may include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Strong cramping
• Small clots
• Passing pregnancy tissue

Bleeding usually gets lighter over time. Spotting may last up to 6 weeks in some cases.

After a surical abortion, bleeding is often lighter and shorter than with medication abortion.

Many people bleed for about 1 week, with light spotting for another 1 to 2 weeks.

Contact a healthcare provider right away for:

• Very heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Feeling weak, dizzy, or faint

Source:

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.in-clinic-abortion-what-to-expect-at-home.av2707

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

Abortion costs can vary widely.

The price depends on:

• The type of abortion
• How far along the pregnancy is
• The clinic or provider
• Insurance coverage
• State laws and access limits

For many people, cost is a real part of the decision. Before scheduling for an abortion, Agape can help you identify how far along your pregnancy is, and talk through all your options. Schedule a pre-abortion screening appointment to get help with answers. 

Source:

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/why-its-done/

What's In the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill uses two prescription medications:

• Mifepristone
• Misoprostol

These medications are taken in sequence.

Step 1: Mifepristone

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to support the pregnancy.

Without progesterone, the pregnancy stops developing and begins to detach from the uterus.

Step 2: Misoprostol

Misoprostol is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later.

It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. This often involves:

• Cramping
• Bleeding
• Passing clots or tissue

Timing and Follow-Up

In the United States, the FDA has approved the abortion pill regimen for use through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Because the process is similar to a miscarriage, medical oversight matters.

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Yes. Pregnancy can be possible as soon as 2 weeks after an abortion.

For some people, fertility returns quickly. For others, it may take longer.

Ovulation can happen before the first period after an abortion. For many people, cycles return within 4 to 6 weeks.

But recovery is not the same for everyone. Some people may not ovulate again for 2 to 3 months or longer, depending on their body, hormones, and how far along the pregnancy was.

Cycles can be unpredictable during recovery. That means pregnancy can happen quickly, even before the first period, or fertility may take more time to return

Source:

https://biologyinsights.com/when-do-you-start-ovulating-after-abortion/

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion risk varies based on the method used, how far along the pregnancy is, personal health history, and follow-up care.

Medication abortion, also called the abortion pill, is usually used in early pregnancy.

Common effects may include:

• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Nausea or digestive discomfort

Possible risks include:

• Incomplete abortion requiring more treatment
• Excessive or prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Missed ectopic pregnancy

Surgical abortion includes methods such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation.

Common effects may include:

• Cramping
• Light to moderate bleeding
• Soreness or fatigue

Possible risks include:

• Infection
• Injury to the cervix
• Uterine perforation
• Scar tissue inside the uterus, which is rare but may affect future fertility

Emotional responses can vary. Some people feel relief. Others may feel sadness, grief, regret, anxiety, or numbness. Distress may last longer if there is a history of anxiety, depression, trauma, or feeling pressured.

Serious complications, such as severe bleeding, sepsis, or death, are uncommon but recognized medical risks. Most people can become pregnant again after an abortion, though rare complications may affect fertility.

Source:

https://informedconsent.utah.gov/information-module/abortion/abortion-risks/

We care about you and respect your situation. However, we don’t provide or referr for abortion medication or birth control, nor perform any surgical procedures.

If you’re looking for a safe, confidential place to talk, we do provide all the essential services and answers needed before making an abortion decision. Schedule a pre-abortion screening and we can walk with you as you navigate an abortion decision.