How Does Abortion End a Pregnancy?

When you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s natural to have questions, especially when it comes to abortion procedures. Maybe you’ve heard different things from friends, family, or online sources, and now you’re trying to understand what’s true.

At Caring For Women Center, we provide clear, accurate information so you can make the best decision for your health and future. Make a free appointment today.

Here’s what you should know about how abortion works and what it may involve.

Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

A medical abortion is a two-step process that uses two different drugs to end a pregnancy. The FDA approves this method only through the first 10 weeks of gestation.

• 1: Mifepristone – This pill blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the pregnancy’s growth. Without it, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy can no longer continue.

• 2: Misoprostol – Taken 24–48 hours later, this drug causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy tissue from the body.

This process usually happens at home and causes side effects like cramping and bleeding. It’s essential to know these side effects can sometimes be severe.

Other side effects can include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

It’s also important to be aware of potential risks, including:

• Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
• Prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Digestive complications

An ultrasound before taking the abortion pill is essential to confirm the gestational age and location of the pregnancy, as the abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancies and may not be effective after 10 weeks.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a clinic or hospital. The method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is and may involve suction, surgical instruments, or dilation of the cervix to remove the pregnancy.

Side effects may include cramping and spotting or light bleeding.

As with the abortion pill, risks are possible and can include:

• Uterine perforation
• Cervical injury
• Scar tissue formation
• Infection

Understanding these risks allows you to take an informed and thoughtful approach to your next steps.

We’re Here to Walk With You

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. At Caring For Women Center, we’re here to listen, support, and provide the information you need—free of charge and in total confidentiality.

We offer free pregnancy tests and accurate education about all your options, so you can make a confident and informed decision. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here for you.

Schedule your free appointment today and take the first step toward clarity.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. This facility is not a licensed medical facility.  Caring for Women Center does not perform, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients; therefore, we receive no financial gain from your decision.  We are committed to providing accurate information about pregnancy options, abortion procedure risks and alternatives, and after-abortion care.