What to Know If You’re Considering an Abortion

June 18, 2025

Abortion is a serious medical decision that carries both physical and emotional risks. Taking the time to become fully educated beforehand can help you avoid unnecessary complications. At Heart to Heart, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your well-being.

While we do not perform or refer for abortions, we are available to meet with you to discuss abortion procedures, possible side effects, and potential risks. Your health matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Scheduling an appointment with us first can give you clarity and confidence in your next step.

Abortion Methods

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. The method typically depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Determining the timing of your pregnancy can be difficult without an ultrasound. Period tracking apps are often unreliable. An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine gestational age and assess your pregnancy’s location and development.

Get a Free Ultrasound

At Heart to Heart, we offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy’s progress and ensure it is developing in the right place.

This scan reveals how many weeks pregnant you are, checks for signs of life, and verifies whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus—important information for any next steps.

What Is a Medical Abortion?

Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, involves taking two drugs over 24 to 48 hours to end a pregnancy. According to the FDA, this method is only approved through 10 weeks gestation. Effectiveness decreases the further along the pregnancy is.

Side Effects and Risks

Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding are the most common side effects of a medical abortion. You could also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headaches. 

Possible risks include:

• The body doesn’t release all pregnancy tissue, also known as an incomplete abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection

What is a Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortions are typically performed in a clinic or hospital setting. They involve anesthesia, dilation of the cervix, and removal of the pregnancy using suction, scraping tools, or forceps, depending on gestational age.

Side Effects and Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical abortion may result in:

• Bleeding and cramping
• Uterine perforation
• Cervical damage
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

What Else Should I Know?

While some women feel initial relief after an abortion, others may face emotional or psychological effects later. These may include sadness, guilt, anxiety, or depression, which can occur weeks, months, or even years afterward.

We can help you weigh the physical and emotional risks before making a decision. 

Schedule a Free Appointment Today

Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are free at Heart to Heart with an appointment. We care about you and want you to have as much information as possible. Let’s discuss your situation and how we can help.

Make a free appointment today. 

*Heart to Heart does not provide or refer for abortions.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.