Abortion Info in Medford
If you’re considering abortion in Medford, you’re not alone! Our compassionate team of medical professionals at The Pregnancy Center is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision!
If you're thinking about finding an abortion clinic, it is important to remember that abortion is a medical procedure.
What type will you have? What are the risks? You deserve to know the facts. You owe it to yourself to make an informed decision.
We are here to walk beside you (without judgement, without criticism and without shame) during this difficult time in your life.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. The Pregnancy Center provides free medical-grade pregnancy tests and early Limited Obstetrical Ultrasounds to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether or not the pregnancy is developing properly inside the uterus. Having this information will inform your abortion options going forward.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill regimen involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for sustaining pregnancy. Misoprostol is then administered to induce uterine contractions, completing the process. The timing and method of administration vary by jurisdiction and clinical protocol, and patients are often responsible for self-managing portions of the procedure.
Be Informed
Next, be informed about the different types of abortion procedures and their associated risks.
What is Surgical Abortion?
A surgical procedure removes the fetus from the uterus through the vagina. The procedure is typically done using suction or an instrument called a curet. Different processes are used depending on the gestational age of your pregnancy. If you are unsure how far along you are, contact us for a free ultrasound to confirm your dates.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Uterine Perforation. Uterine perforation occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus[1]
Incomplete Abortion. An abortion may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur in a surgical abortion or with the abortion pill. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection[1].
Asherman Syndrome. Asherman Syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus. This can occur as a result of multiple surgical abortions, making it difficult to become pregnant in the future[2].
Negative Impact on Future Pregnancies. Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies[2].
Allergic Reaction. Although rare, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock after taking misoprostol if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the medication[3].
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during any abortion, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)[4].
Please be aware that, The Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Could Abortion Affect You Later?
Emotional – some women say that initially they feel relief and looked forward to returning to “normal”. But other women report negative emotions that linger. For some the emotional repercussions of their abortion decision emerge months or even years later. Studies have shown that abortion significantly increases your risk for
Clinical depression and anxiety
Drug and alcohol abuse
Symptoms consistent with PTSD
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Relational – Many people choose abortion to preserve their relationship. Yet, research reveals that couples who choose induced abortion are at increased risk for problems in their relationship.
After abortion many women find that their experience of sexuality changes. Some may experience a longer-term lack of interest, discomfort, or decreased satisfaction.
Spiritual – Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, having an abortion may impact more than just your body and mind. What might God or your equivalent think about your abortion? What impact might your abortion decision have on your spiritual development? What might be true for the baby’s spiritual being?
Questions to Ask Yourself
Am I being pressured to have an abortion?
Do I have a history of mental health struggles?
Am I uncertain or struggling to decide?
Do I have past trauma (like abuse)?
Do I feel unsupported?
Do I want this pregnancy?
Is abortion against my values or faith?
Would I need to keep it secret?
Do I feel attached to this pregnancy?
Answering “yes” to any may mean you’re at higher risk for emotional, relational, or spiritual struggles afterward.
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1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 3). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
3. Shin, H. J., Kim, M. J., Lee, H. J., Kim, D. Y., & Park, K. S. (2018). Anaphylactic shock to vaginal misoprostol: A rare adverse reaction to a frequently used drug. Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018, Article 6137020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6137020
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2020, November 23). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Symptoms, treatments and causes. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid
Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.). Abortion pill reversal.https://www.abortionpillreversal.com
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on dismemberment abortion bans. https://aaplog.org
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on the necessity for informed consent before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on the necessity for ultrasound before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). Medication abortion (AAPLOG Practice Guideline No. 8, pp. 1–17). https://aaplog.org
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022, November). The reversal of the effects of mifepristone by progesterone (AAPLOG Practice Guideline No. 6, pp. 1–5). https://aaplog.org
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Fetal development: How to calculate gestational age. https://americanpregnancy.org
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). I need help with an unplanned pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). What is hCG? https://americanpregnancy.org
Chasen, S. T., Kalish, R. B., Gupta, M., Kaufman, J. E., Rashbaum, W. K., & Chervenak, F. A. (2004). Dilation and evacuation at ≥20 weeks: Comparison of operative techniques. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 190(5), 1180–1183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2004.02.043
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, September 28). Ultrasound in pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org
Healthwise Staff. (2021, November 22). Dilation and evacuation (D&E). C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: University of Michigan Health. https://www.mottchildren.org
Healthwise Staff. (2021, November 22). Vacuum aspiration for abortion. University of Michigan Health. https://www.uofmhealth.org
Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 19). Dilation and curettage (D&C).https://www.mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic pregnancy.https://www.mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical abortion.https://www.mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 3). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.https://www.mayoclinic.org
Option Line. (n.d.). Abortion safety checklist. https://optionline.org
Option Line. (n.d.). Considering abortion. https://optionline.org
Option Line. (n.d.). Medication abortion. https://optionline.org
Option Line. (n.d.). Surgical abortions. https://optionline.org
Option Line. (n.d.). What are my pregnancy options? https://optionline.org
Option Line. (n.d.). When should I take a pregnancy test? https://optionline.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). Depression. https://www.samhsa.gov
Tufa, T. H., Prager, S., Lavelanet, A. F., & Kim, C. (2020). Drugs used to induce fetal demise prior to abortion: A systematic review. Contraception: X, 2, 100046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conx.2020.100046
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Questions and answers on mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation. https://www.fda.gov
Villines, Z. (2023, February 21). Signs of womb damage after abortion. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
Have You Had an Abortion? We Are Here to Support You Through Recovery
Learn more about our Post Abortion Support program, “Forgiven And Set Free”