Abortion Dos and Don’ts: Your Guide to a Safe Decision

Abortion Dos and Don’ts: Your Guide to a Safe Decision

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion might seem like your only option. However, making an informed choice requires understanding the abortion dos and don’ts.

These guidelines can help ensure your safety and well-being throughout the process. At Pathway Health Clinic, we’re committed to providing you with the facts you need. Here’s what you should—and shouldn’t—do before considering an abortion.

Things to Do Before An Abortion:

1. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound

One of the most critical things to do before an abortion is confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound.

This simple test determines the pregnancy’s location (ruling out dangerous ectopic pregnancies) and gestational age. Knowing these details is essential before choosing abortion pills or a surgical procedure. Skipping this step could lead to serious health risks.

Contact Pathway Health Clinic to schedule a free limited ultrasound today and take the first step toward clarity.

2. Know What Makes You Ineligible for the Abortion Pill

You should not take the abortion pill if you[1]:

  • Are having an ectopic pregnancy (which can be confirmed with an ultrasound)
  • Have problems with your adrenal glands
  • Are currently being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy
  • Are allergic to mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs
  • Have bleeding problems or are taking blood thinning medication
  • Have inherited porphyria (a disorder that can affect the liver and other organs)
  • Have an IUD in place

You need to know if you have any of these conditions to avoid preventable abortion complications. If you are ineligible for the abortion pill, you will need to explore other pregnancy options.

3. Understand Your Abortion Options

To make an informed decision, you need to understand how abortions are performed. There are two methods:

    • Abortion Pill: FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[2] This involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy.
    • Surgical Abortion: Performed in a clinic, usually after 10 weeks, with techniques varying by gestational age and state laws.

4. Understand the Potential Risks and Complications

A vital step in the decision-making process is learning about potential risks of abortion.

    • Abortion Pill Risks: For the abortion pill, risks may include prolonged bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, or an incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care.
    • Surgical Abortion Risks: For surgical abortion, risks may involve bleeding, infection, pain, incomplete abortion, or rare issues like uterine perforation.[3] Repeated procedures may also cause scarring, potentially affecting future fertility.[4] 

Ask your provider to explain these risks in detail so you’re fully prepared.

5. Plan for Recovery

Planning for recovery after an abortion is an often-overlooked step.

After the abortion pill, expect strong cramping and bleeding for a few days, possibly up to four weeks.[5] Surgical abortion recovery typically involves light bleeding for one to two weeks. Arrange time to rest and heal—your body needs it.

 6. Explore All Your Pregnancy Options

The final step is exploring all possibilities. To make a fully informed decision, you need all the facts about parenting, adoption, and abortion.

Call (760) 945-4673 for a free appointment with our compassionate staff to discuss your options.

 

Things to Not Do Before An Abortion:

1. Don’t Get an Abortion Without an Ultrasound

Topping the abortion don’ts list is getting an abortion without verifying your pregnancy first. Without an ultrasound, you risk missing an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Protect your health by confirming the details first.


2. Don’t Buy Abortion Pills Online or from Unapproved Sources

Another critical abortion don’t is purchasing abortion pills from unverified online pharmacies.
These sources may sell fake, expired, or ineffective drugs, putting your health at risk.[6]


3. Don’t Ignore Medication and Substance Warnings

Avoid drugs and alcohol before and after an abortion. These substances can interfere with the abortion process or worsen side effects. Consult your provider about what to steer clear of before proceeding.


4. Don’t Schedule Plans Right After
Resist the urge to jump back into your routine. Recovery times vary, and you’ll need space to rest. Cancel plans and prioritize your healing.

5. Don’t Go Through It Alone
Don’t isolate yourself after an abortion. Lean on healthcare providers and a support system for guidance and comfort. We’re here to help—call (760) 945-4673 for compassionate care.

Abortion Information in Vista, California

Navigating the abortion dos and don’ts can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. At Pathway Health Clinic, we simplify the process by offering clear, factual guidance about your pregnancy and options.

Schedule a free appointment to get personalized support tailored to your needs.

Please be aware that Pathway Health Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.


Sources

  1. FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, November 7). Dilation and Curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
  3. Yvonne Butler Tobah. (2022, August 4). Could an Elective Abortion Increase the Risk of Problems in a Subsequent Pregnancy? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
  4. Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
  5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion – procedure – aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
  6. See source #1.