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Comparison Of The 2 Types Of First Trimester
Abortion
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Abortion Pill (Mifeprex or RU 486)
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Surgical Abortion (Vacuum Aspiration)
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Can the abortion fail?
Success rate varies with the length of the
pregnancy and protocol used. When it fails, a surgical abortion may be necessary. |
Over 99% successful. Less than 1% of the
time it fails and needs to be repeated. |
Is it safe, and can I still have children afterwards?
- Both medications have been formally
studied and used safely. Possible complications are rare.
- Childbearing ability is not affected, barring rare serious complications.
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- Surgical abortion has been formally studied for over 25
years. First trimester abortion has less than 1% complication rate, and
is at least 10 times safer than childbirth.
- Childbearing ability is not affected, barring rare serious complications. |
What are the advantages?
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Abortion Pill
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Surgical Abortion |
- It may seem more natural, like a miscarriage.
- No shots, anesthesia, instruments, or vacuum aspirator machine, unless
it fails.
- The pregnancy can be ended earlier than with surgical abortion.
- Being at home instead of clinic may seem more comforting and private.
- Any support person can be there during the abortion process. |
- It's quick, over in a few seconds.
- It's highly successful.
- There's less bleeding than with the other method.
- There's less time spent cramping than with the other method.
- Medical staff is present.
- A counselor is usually available before, during, and afterwards for emotional
support.
- It can be done farther along in the pregnancy than with abortion pills,
up to 17 weeks in our clinic. |
What are the disadvantages?
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Abortion Pill
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Surgical Abortion
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- It takes several days.
- It is not completely predictable.
- Bleeding can be very heavy and lasts longer than with surgical.
- If hemorrhage occurs, traveling either to the provider or a hospital
is necessary.
- Cramping can be severe and usually lasts longer than with surgical.
- Two visits to the provider are necessary, and possibly more.
- It fails more often than surgical.
- It cannot end a tubal pregnancy.
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- A clinician must insert suction tip into uterus.
- Anesthetics and drugs to manage pain during the procedure may cause side
affects.
- There are possible complications, although in less than 1% of cases.
- The woman has less control over the abortion process and who is with her.
- The vacuum aspirator makes a noise.
- It can't be done early in the pregnancy as with the abortion pills.
- It cannot end a tubal pregnancy.
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