What is abortion?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines abortion as an intervention that, “ends a pregnancy with medication or a medical procedure.”
Did you know?
Roughly one-quarter of women in the United States access abortion care in their lifetime.
Abortion is a safe medical intervention. The vast majority of abortions are safely performed in outpatient non-hospital settings. The risk of maternal death associated with childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than the risk associated with abortion.
let’s talk about
TYPES OF ABORTIONS
There are two types of medically induced abortion: medication abortions and in-clinic abortions.
Medication
Abortion
In-Clinic
Procedures
This option is also known as the abortion pill, though it actually requires you to take two pills. It is generally an option up to 10 or 11 weeks from the first day of your last period. The process is similar to having a heavy and crampy period and results in something similar to an early miscarriage.
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How it works
A medication abortion is when you take two types of pills up to 48 hours apart. You can take the medication in a clinic, at home or wherever you’re staying.
The medication stops your body’s production of pregnancy hormones. This causes your uterus to expel the pregnancy.
After taking both pills, most people expel the pregnancy in four to five hours. For others, the process can take longer.
Learn more about abortion aftercare.
For more information about medication abortion, find a provider and contact them directly.
How to get it
In California, you may be able to get your abortion medication by mail after a telehealth visit with a qualified provider. Otherwise, you will need to visit a clinic in person to get the medication.
- The California abortion finder can help you find a telehealth or in-person provider.
- PLAN C provides information on how to access at-home abortion pill options online.
- Aid Access supports all people with an unwanted pregnancy to access to abortion pills.
In California, abortion services are available without a co-pay thanks to a new law signed earlier this year.
Also known as a surgical abortion, is a common medical procedure done in a clinic or hospital that works by using suction to empty the uterus.
There are two main procedure options: aspiration abortion and dilation and evacuation (D&E).
The kind of procedure you’ll need depends on your pregnancy stage and your medical needs and preferences.
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Aspiration
This option is generally available up to 14 to 16 weeks from the first day of your last period.
Your provider uses gentle suction and sometimes a small medical tool to remove the pregnancy tissue from your uterus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
This option is generally used if it’s been more than 16 weeks since the first day of your last period.
Your provider will dilate your cervix and use small medical tools to remove the pregnancy tissue from your uterus.
Learn more about abortion aftercare.
For more information about in-clinic procedures, find a provider and contact them directly.
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EMOTIONAL AND ABORTION SUPPORT
You can find in-person or online counseling or general abortion support.
- Talk to your regular health care provider.
- Visit a local family clinic.
- Exhale pro-voice provides nonjudgmental after-abortion support, including talk and text.
- All-Options Talkline offers free peer counseling to callers from anywhere in the US or Canada at 888-493-0092.
- Contact the National Abortion Federation Hotline (phone and chat).
- Read this Hey Jane article about doulas, groups, and emotional support.
let’s talk about
ABORTION ACCESS IN CALIFORNIA
Abortion is legal and protected in California.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy can be a difficult one. How do you decide if abortion is the right choice for you? What options are available for performing the procedure? How do you find a provider?
California launched abortion.ca.gov to provide a safe and comprehensive source of information for residents and non-residents who may be considering terminating a pregnancy. Visit this site to learn more about abortion, the options available to you, financial assistance and the legal protections afforded to you by California.
Sources: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Abortion.ca.gov