Medical abortion is a viable option for women under seven weeks pregnant. Learn about the procedure, its drawbacks and benefits.
The majority of women who seek an abortion are only told about the surgical procedure. With a surgical abortion, you must wait until you are at least 8 weeks pregnant. There are also greater risks to a woman's health. If you are under seven weeks pregnant, a medical abortion can be a better option for faster, safer termination.
The Procedure
A medical abortion can be performed if you are over eighteen years of age and under 7 weeks or 49 days pregnant. In the United States, it is up to 63 days as they use a different mode of medication. In Canada, the drug combination is Methotrexate and Misoprostol. You will visit the doctor or clinic three times. The first time, you will receive a general checkup, blood tests and an ultrasound. If the fetus is under 7 weeks, then you will be scheduled for a second visit the following day. On this visit, you will be given the Methotrexate by injection. This is a drug that treats cancer and also arrests fetal growth. At home you will take the Misoprostol in pill form. This drug causes uterine cramps that expel the fetus over a period of a few hours to several days. The third visit will be a week later. You will have another ultrasound to ensure that no fetal tissue remains. At this time, you can discuss any side effects with the doctor as well as future birth control options.
The Drawbacks
In Canada, surgical abortion is covered by the medical plan. However, medical abortion is not as of yet. Thus, the three visits can cost between 250-400$. It is also more difficult to find a doctor or clinic who will perform the procedure, though the option is increasing in its availability. Side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and heavy bleeding. Women should take several days off work. Sexual abstinence is required for 2-5 weeks afterwards.
The Benefits
Much of the stress of obtaining an abortion is often caused by the long waiting period many women must endure prior to the surgery. With a medical abortion, you don't have to wait to undergo the procedure. The abortion process itself takes longer, but within days of discovering the pregnancy, the termination will have been completed. There are also few side effects over the short term and no long term consequences for a woman's sexual health. According to Planned Parenthood, “97 percent” of women who had medical abortions would recommend them as a termination option.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research and experience. Always consult a doctor first before making any medical decision.
