What can I expect?
The abortion methods available today are broadly classified into two categories: (1) in-clinic (or procedural) abortions and (2) medication abortions.
Regardless of the procedure used, an in-person clinical appointment will typically include:
A pregnancy test and ultrasound to ascertain the gestational age;
Counseling about pregnancy options; and
A full explanation of the abortion process.
Depending on your individual needs and where you are getting care, you might be eligible for a telehealth appointment.
Providers will work with patients to figure out what, if any, follow-up care is necessary.
Busting Disinformation
Anti-abortion extremists and anti-abortion centers have created a massive disinformation campaign about the effect of abortion on physical and mental health that has infiltrated U.S. policy, law, and medical practice.
Some of the most common false claims made by anti-abortion extremists are that abortions lead to an increased risk of medical problems (such as breast cancer) and severe mental health disorders. Both the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that there is no scientific evidence that supports a link between abortion and breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “scientific research studies have not found a cause-and-effect relationship between abortion and breast cancer.”
There is also no causal link between having an abortion and severe mental health disorders. The Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion formed by the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association concluded that “among adult women who have an unplanned pregnancy the relative risk of mental health problems is no greater if they have a single elective first-trimester abortion than if they deliver that pregnancy.” Research shows that the strongest predictors of a negative psychological response after an abortion are feelings related to stigma, perceived need for secrecy, exposure to anti-abortion picketing, and low perceived or anticipated social support for their abortion decision.
Abortions are safe and common procedures. A study issued by the National Institute of Health concluded “legally induced abortion is markedly safer than childbirth.”
Birth control
Although you may not get your period for a number of weeks after your abortion, you can get pregnant right after the procedure. If you do not wish to get pregnant again, you may want to consider birth control. You can discuss options for birth control with your abortion provider. In many cases, the provider can get you started with the contraceptive of your choice immediately after the abortion.
