Medical Termination of Pregnancy

This is when a woman takes a medication that causes her uterus to expel the pregnancy.




This is when a woman takes a medication that causes her uterus to expel the pregnancy.



An elective abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. There are two basic types of abortions:

  • A medical abortion is when a woman takes a medication that causes her uterus to expel the pregnancy. It is also known as the “abortion pill”.
  • A surgical abortion is when a healthcare provider surgically removes the pregnancy from a woman's uterus. This care path includes the information and costs for a medical abortion.

Once the decision to have a medical abortion is made:

  • You will be given a pill to take at the office.
  • You will take the remaining pills in one to two days, usually in the comfort of your own home. The medication will cause bleeding that is much heavier than a menstrual period.
  • The abortion is usually over in twenty-four hours. However, it can take several days or weeks for the abortion to be complete.

Having an elective abortion is a personal choice that depends on a woman's personal preferences and situation. How late a woman is in her pregnancy can determine how and where she can have an abortion.

  • Different states have different laws on the termination of a pregnancy depending on how far along the pregnancy has progressed.
  • Some healthcare providers will perform an abortion as soon as a woman has a positive pregnancy test. Other healthcare providers prefer to wait.
  • After the twelfth week of a pregnancy it may be more difficult to find a healthcare provider who will perform an abortion.

When a woman goes to a clinic for a medical abortion, she needs to allow several hours for the visit. The time is needed for:

  • Counseling
  • Labwork and/or Ultrasounds
  • Paperwork

Rh incompatibility is a condition in which the mother's blood is not compatible with a fetus's blood. If you have an abortion, and have Rh-negative blood, you will be given an injection of Rho (D) immune globulin (such as RhoGAM).

  • This injection helps prevent Rh incompatibility with future pregnancies.
  • The injection may not be necessary if it is known the fetus's father is also Rh-negative.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. If you decide to have an abortion, ask your healthcare provider the following questions.

  • What are the benefits and risks of medical and surgical abortions?
  • Is one type of abortion a better option for me than the other? Why or why not?
  • How long will the procedure take?
  • What symptoms are normal after the procedure? When should I be concerned?
  • Do I need to return to the office for a follow-up visit?

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Medical Termination of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Termination
Abortion
Miscarriage


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