Medical/Chemical Abortions

Morning After Pill (MAP)
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Emergency Contraception (EC) is a series of pills taken by a woman within 72 hours after engaging in sexual intercourse. (Conception can occur 15 minutes after sexual intercourse). EC can work in three different ways: (1) It can prevent or delay ovulation, restricting the release of an egg from the woman's ovary; (2) It can prevent conception, or the fertilization of an egg that has been released; and (3) It can also interfere with the implantation (attachment) of an embryo (baby) in the uterus. If the last has occurred, the drugs make the uterus inhospitable for the baby to attach, causing a very early abortion. There is no way to know which of the three possible effects will occur. It is a medical fact that the life that comes into being at the moment of conception (when egg and sperm meet) is entirely unique, and distinct from his/her mother and father. If you value the human life that begins at conception, you will want to avoid using EC. This method fails 25% of the time. Some medical authorities have indicated there is also an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which can be life threatening.

RU-486 (The Abortion Pill). Used 5 to 7 weeks (up to 49 days LMP). RU-486 is a combination of two drugs. The first, Mifepristone (Mifeprex), blocks production of progesterone, a hormone your body needs to sustain the baby's life. After the baby dies, the mother is given the second drug, Misoprostol. In a few hours, contractions begin and the fetus is expelled. This may happen at any time or place over the span of several days or sometimes weeks. Two weeks later, the woman returns to the doctor for an examination to be sure the abortion was completed. If the abortion failed, the woman must have a surgical abortion because of risks to the mother and the high risk of fetal deformities from the drugs.

M&M Method. Used 5 to 9 weeks LMP. As with RU-486, the pregnant woman is given two drugs. The first is Methotrexate (a cancer drug), which stops cell growth and prevents the baby from being implanted in the mother's womb. The second drug, Misoprostol (an ulcer drug), causes contractions to expel the baby. As with RU-486, this may happen at any time or place over the span of several days or sometimes weeks. Two weeks later, the woman returns to the doctor for an examination to be sure the abortion was completed. If the abortion failed (up to 10% fail), the woman must have a surgical abortion because of risks to the mother and the high risk of fetal deformities from the drugs.

Surgical Abortion

Suction Aspiration. Up to 12 weeks. A powerful suction tube is inserted through the cervix and into the womb. The force of the suction pulls the fetus apart; fetal body parts and the placenta are suctioned into a jar.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Up to 14 weeks. The cervix is dilated (stretched open) and a special loop-shaped knife (curette) is used to cut the fetus into small pieces and scrape the inside of the womb. Fetal pieces are pulled out of the womb through the cervix with tubing attached to a suction machine.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). 13-20 weeks. The cervix is stretched opened. Using forceps, the doctor dismembers and removes the fetus in pieces from the womb. To make sure no fetal parts are left inside, the fetus is then reassembled and the uterus is suctioned out and/or scraped.
Induction. After 15 weeks. A lethal chemical is injected directly into the heart of the fetus. Then the mother is given prostaglandin to induce labor, and the fetus is expelled.
Dilation and Extraction. 20 to 32+ weeks. Also known as partial birth abortion. This procedure takes 3 days. The first day, the cervix is dilated and medication given for cramping. The third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to his/her head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed in the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

Abortion Risks

Physical Risks Some side effects may occur with induced (surgical) abortion. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most abortions, no serious complications occur. However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications may include: Heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, allergic reaction to drugs, tearing of the cervix, scarring of the uterine lining, perforation of the uterus, damage to internal organs, death (rare, less than 20 cases per year).

Effect on Future Pregnancy In rare cases, there can be infection or tearing or other damage to the cervix or uterus. If this occurs, it can cause miscarriage in future wanted pregnancies, and can also affect a woman's ability to become pregnant later. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy.

Breast Cancer. Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found: Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women. Here are some important facts: 1) Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen. 2) Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cancer cells more susceptible to cancer. 3) Most studies conducted so far show significant linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

Medical/Chemical Abortion. The risks of chemical abortion (RU486 and M&M) include heavy bleeding, hemorrhage, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a high risk of fetal deformities if abortion fails, or death. The abortion may complete anytime or anywhere and may take 9-14 days. If it fails, surgical abortion is necessary.

Emotional Impact. Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years. This psychological response is known as Post Abortion Stress (PAS). Several factors that impact the likelihood of PAS include: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs.

PAS symptoms:
• Guilt
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anniversary grief
• Flashbacks of abortion
• Sexual dysfunction
• Relationship problems
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Psychological reactions

Spiritual Consequences.
People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and your mind?it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.