Termination of pregnancy
Options available Pharmacological: Physical: Mifeprex Manual Vacuum Aspiration Aspiration Dilation and Curettage Dilation and Evacuation Induction Abortion
Mifeprex May be used up to 9 weeks after the first day of last menstrual period Contains Mifepristone and Misoprostol Mifepristone taken first which blocks progesterone Lack of progesterone causes breakdown of the uterine lining Misoprostol taken 1-2 days later, causes uterine emptying
Aspiration May be manual or machine aspiration Performed 5-12 weeks after last menstrual period Local anesthetic and NSAIDS only Catheter inserted into the uterus with applied suction aspirates tissue Cramps and heavy vaginal bleeding expected Risks include infection and uterine injury
Dilation and Curettage Cervix is dilated prior to surgery General anesthesia used Curette inserted into uterus to remove uterine lining Curette may be a “sharp” curette or a suction device Risk of infection, uterine damage, and reaction to anesthesia May be performed up to 16 weeks after last menstrual period
Dilation and Evacuation Cervix dilated 1 day before surgery Combines vacuum aspiration with dilation & curettage and forceps General anesthesia used May be performed up to 24 weeks after last menstrual period Not commonly used as an elective abortion method without extenuating circumstances
Induction Abortion Cervix is dilated using medication methods and the mother is sedated Digoxin or other medication is injected into the fetal heart causing loss of life Uterine contents are removed vaginally through a labor process unlike traditional labor Performed in very late term pregnancy (second and third trimesters) Only used to abort a pregnancy incompatible with life for mother or fetus