Abortion
Considering Abortion in Florida?
If you’re considering abortion in Florida, you’re not alone! Our compassionate team of medical professionals is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision!
Before you schedule an abortion take these next steps:
1. Confirm your pregnancy with a free lab-grade pregnancy test.
2. Determine gestational age and viability with a no-cost limited ultrasound.
3. Get tested and treated for STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
4. Explore all of your pregnancy options in a safe place.
We offer free pre-abortion screening so you can get the answers you need to make an informed decision.
How far along can I take the abortion pill?
The abortion pill can be taken up to 6 weeks of pregnancy in the state of Florida.
The FDA does not approve use of the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy as it has shown to be less effective. Serious risks and complications, like the need for emergency surgery to complete the procedure, are also more likely late in the first trimester and beyond.
Before you have an abortion, it is important to get an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and to be sure your pregnancy is inside the uterus since the abortion pill is not effective for ectopic pregnancies.
Why would I need an ultrasound before an abortion?
An ultrasound helps confirm several things you need to know before moving forward in your pregnancy decision: viability and gestational age.
It determines how far along you are (which impacts what abortion procedures are available to you) and rules out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In either case, abortion may be dangerous and is not needed.
Is ordering abortion pills online safe?
For safety reasons, the FDA strongly advises against purchasing abortion pills online. Many online abortion pill providers are located outside of the United States, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or tampered with.
Abortion Pill vs. Surgical Abortion
There are several types of abortion, which range in price and risk level. Before deciding on an abortion, it’s important that you review the different types of procedures. Just like other medical procedures, assess the cost, risks, and side effects of each one.
Abortion pill
The abortion pill (or medical abortion) is a series of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, that are used to end an early pregnancy. The first pill will cut off the blood flow to the embryo to end the pregnancy and the second will induce labor. It is possible that after these two pills, women will still need a surgical abortion to effectively complete the procedure.
Abortion Pill Side effects
Abortion Pill side effects include:
- Severe cramping
- Bleeding
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Surgical Abortion
There are several different types of surgical abortion procedures. You will need to know how far along you are in the pregnancy to determine which procedure is done.
- Suction Aspiration Abortion: The most common procedure. This procedure includes numbing and opening the cervix to allow a suction device to enter the uterus and suction out the pregnancy. This is typically done during the first 6-16 weeks of pregnancy.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A procedure similar to a suction abortion but includes surgical instruments to scrape the remains of the pregnancy tissue out of the uterus.
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): This procedure is similar to a D&C but is performed over several days, as the cervix will need to be opened over a period of time. It requires more surgical tools to make sure all pregnancy tissue is removed properly. This procedure is generally done 16-24 weeks after your last period.
Surgical Abortion Side effects
Surgical abortion side effects include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Infection
- A hole or tear in the wall of the uterus
- Injury to the cervix
For more information regarding abortion, or to schedule your no-cost pre-abortion screening, please call (407) 208-9058.