This page lays out how abortion works, the two types, and the risks, so any decision you make is a fully informed one.
A solid first step is confirming the pregnancy and how far along you are. A free limited ultrasound does both, and it rules out an ectopic pregnancy, which grows outside the uterus and needs different medical care.
If you are considering abortion, schedule a confidential appointment today to talk it through.
The Facts About Abortion
Abortion ends a pregnancy, either through a two-drug process or an in-clinic procedure. Which one applies depends largely on how far along you are; another reason that confirming your gestational age comes first.
It’s also worth knowing that some early pregnancies end on their own. Confirming that the pregnancy is in the uterus and viable means you’re deciding based on where things actually stand, not on guesswork.
Two Types of Abortion Procedures
Medical abortion (the abortion pill)
This process involves using drugs. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone a pregnancy needs to keep growing. The second, misoprostol, taken up to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract, leading to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The goal is to end and expel the pregnancy from the body and fully empty the uterus.
Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping are how the process works, and the intensity varies from person to person. The FDA has approved this two-drug combination for use through 10 weeks, or 70 days, of pregnancy.
Surgical abortion
A surgical abortion takes place in a clinic, where a trained provider dilates the cervix (opening of the uterus) and uses suction or medical instruments to end the pregnacy and remove the fetus or embryo. It’s generally used later in pregnancy than the two-drug abortion pill process.
Understand the Risks Of Medical Abortion
Possible risks of having a medical abortion include heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, and an incomplete abortion, which happens when some pregnancy tissue stays inside the uterus. A follow-up surgical procedure is often needed.
Along with the abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, potential side effects can include vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Understand the Risks Of Surgical Abortion
Possible risks of a surgical abortion include heavy bleeding, infection, and an incomplete abortion that leaves tissue in the uterus and requires a repeat procedure. There is also a possibility that you will injure the cervix or perforate the uterine wall, and scar tissue can form on the uterine lining.
Afterward, cramping and bleeding are expected as the uterus returns to its normal size. Some women also experience nausea, dizziness, or a reaction to the sedation used during the procedure.
Abortion Laws in Michigan
Abortion is legal in Michigan, protected by a 2022 amendment to the state constitution and by the Reproductive Health Act. Michigan sets no gestational limit on abortion. Parental consent is required before a minor can obtain one. State Medicaid covers abortion only in limited situations, such as rape, incest, or when the pregnant woman’s life is at risk.
Laws can shift, so it’s worth confirming the current details as part of your decision.
Abortion Pill Reversal
Changing your mind partway through a medical abortion is more common than people realize. If you’ve taken the first drug, mifepristone, but not yet the second, you may still have options.
A process called abortion pill reversal uses the hormone progesterone, the same one mifepristone blocks, to try to keep the pregnancy going. Timing matters most. It works best when it starts within 24 hours of taking mifepristone, but you can still reach out if more time has passed. If you’re considering this, do not take misoprostol, the second drug.
The first step is a call to the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, a free and confidential hotline staffed 24/7 at 1-877-558-0333. A medical professional talks through your situation, and an ultrasound confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus before any treatment begins. Outcomes vary, and no result is guaranteed, but starting quickly gives the protocol its best chance to help.
You can also call us directly at 906-482-8681. We’ll help you take the next step.
You Don’t Have to Sort This Out Alone
Whatever you’re leaning toward, you can talk it through first, for free, and in confidence. Sit down with a mentor who answers your questions, get a free limited ultrasound, and take the time you need.
Disclaimer: Life Outreach does not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions. We are committed to providing accurate information about abortion procedures and risks so you can make an informed decision.
