Question 1

What Is An Abortion?

Accepted Answer

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a minor surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation.

Question 2

How Does Abortion Occur?

Accepted Answer

Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or a simple surgical procedure. Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue, generally within the first ten weeks. Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia.

Question 3

Medical Abortion vs. Surgical Abortion?

Accepted Answer

Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses an in-clinic procedure. A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be safely taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus.

Question 4

Is Abortion Legal In North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In North Carolina, abortion is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. After that, it’s only allowed in certain cases—like if the pregnancy is from rape or incest, the baby has a serious health problem, or the mother’s life is in danger. There’s also a 72-hour waiting period, which means you have to wait three days after talking to a doctor before you can have an abortion.

Question 5

Does Abortion Hurt?

Accepted Answer

Abortion does hurt, but the amount of pain felt depends on the procedure, the duration of the pregnancy, and individual pain tolerance. During a medical abortion, you may experience strong cramps similar to a heavy menstrual period as the uterus expels the fetus. In a surgical abortion, local or general anesthesia is used, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself, though you might have varying levels of pain afterwards.

Question 6

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks, but could be longer depending on the procedure and length of pregnancy, with light spotting sometimes continuing for several weeks. After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and passing small clots tend to occur in the first few days then gradually taper; light spotting can persist for up to six weeks. With a surgical abortion, most bleeding clears within about a week, though mild spotting may continue for one to two weeks.

Question 7

How Much Does An Abortion Cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an abortion varies widely depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage. Some people pay only a modest out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher expenses if their insurance doesn’t cover the service or if the procedure occurs later in pregnancy.

Question 8

What’s In The Abortion Pill?

Accepted Answer

The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, causing the pregnancy to detach. Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue. The FDA approves this regimen for use during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit.

Question 9

How Soon After An Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Fertility may return as soon as two weeks, though for some it can take several months. Many ovulate before the first post-abortion period—often around four to six weeks—while others may not ovulate again for two to three months or longer. Because cycles vary, pregnancy is possible almost immediately, or it may be delayed.

Question 10

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

Accepted Answer

Any medical procedure can carry risks that vary by method and individual factors. Medical abortion (abortion pill, up to ~10 weeks): common effects include heavy bleeding, cramping, and nausea; rare risks include incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy. Surgical abortion (e.g., aspiration, dilation and evacuation): common effects include cramping and light bleeding; rare risks include uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring. General considerations: emotional responses vary; serious complications are extremely rare; future fertility is usually unaffected unless rare complications like severe scarring occur. Always consult a healthcare provider about personal risks and follow-up care.

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