Abortion

Considering abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure, and like all of them, it has side effects and potential risks. You deserve to know the facts. Learn more about what you can expect if you choose abortion.

What Should I Do First?

Confirm your pregnancy before you schedule an abortion. Set up an appointment at Life Options Clinic for free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasound.

We’ll provide the information you need to make a confident decision.

What do I need to know about abortion?

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Your procedure is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, like the abortion pill, uses drugs to end a known pregnancy. It is a three-step process involving two different drugs.

The first drug, mifepristone, thins the uterus lining and prevents the pregnancy from staying implanted or growing. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24- 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Only Up To 10 Weeks

The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill method up to 70 days (10 weeks) past the first day of your last menstrual period. Florida’s abortion law allows for abortion up to 15 weeks.

Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is essential for the abortion pill method. You must follow up with the doctor you received the drugs from so they can ensure all the contents of your uterus have been expelled.

Side Effects and Risks

• An incomplete abortion
• Potentially heavy bleeding
• Severe cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Diarrhea
  

Surgical Abortion

How far along you are determines the type of surgical abortion procedure you receive. Because it is illegal to have an abortion in Florida past 15 weeks, you will most likely have a vacuum or suction aspiration.

Suction aspiration uses a small vacuum to suck out fetal tissue. Later pregnancies require dilation and evacuation (D & E), which includes using sharp instruments to scrape the inside of the uterus and forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.

Side Effects and Risks

• Damage to your cervix
• Perforation of the uterus
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about these procedures and if you qualify.

Current Abortion Laws In Florida

As of April 2023 these are the current abortion laws in Florida.

• Abortions in Florida are legal up to six (6) weeks gestation.  This is typically the time in which a heartbeat is detectable.
• Miscarriage is NOT an elective abortion.  Therefore, women will not be denied medical care for miscarriages.
• Ectopic pregnancy care is NOT an elective abortion, and an abortion will not resolve that serious medical condition. Therefore, women will not be denied medical care for ectopic pregnancies.
• The abortion pill must be adminstered in person by a physician; outlawing the dispensing of the pill through the mail.
• Exceptions to the law exists in cases of rape, incest, human trafficking, fatal fetal abornomality, or when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger.
• What does all this mean?  If you have a positive at-home pregnancy test, the next thing to do is schedule a medical-grade pregnancy test and pregnancy confirmation ultrasound. Then, based on the results and the date of the pregnancy, you can explore all your pregnancy options. If you were planning to have an abortion but are not able to because of the laws, you are not alone. We are here to help with the resources and support that you need. Call today to schedule a free pregnancy test and ultrasound or to discuss your options with a registered nurse. We are here for you.

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.  Life Options Clinic does not perform or refer for abortion.