Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can feel like the scariest thing you have ever faced. Whether you are considering abortion or have already decided on your next steps, there may still be questions spinning around in your mind. At Willowbrook Women’s Center, we understand that education is empowering, and we want to provide you with the answers to your abortion questions so that you can make confident decisions!
What Are the Different Kinds of Abortions, and Does It Hurt?
Abortions can be medical or surgical. Here is what you need to know about each type of abortion.
- Medical Abortion
- Abortion pill (previously called RU-486): The abortion pill is a medical abortion that is actually a combination of two pills. A woman takes the first pill (mifepristone) in a physician’s office or clinic. She usually takes the second pill (misoprostol) at home 6-48 hours later. Typically, cramping and bleeding start 1-4 hours after taking the second pill. The abortion is typically completed in 5 hours, although cramping usually continues for a couple more days. The abortion pill is usually an option if the first day of a woman’s last period was 70 days earlier or less. If the medical abortion fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
2. Surgical Abortion
- Aspiration (vacuum) abortion: The most common surgical abortion is the aspiration abortion. This method can usually be performed up to about 14 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure lasts about 5-10 minutes. Pain and numbing medication is given, and sometimes a sedative to relax is also given. Women typically experience cramping while the physician is using the suction to empty the uterus.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion: A D&E abortion is done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It is similar to the aspiration abortion, but additional instruments are used.
How Much Does an Abortion Cost?
There are financial, physical, and emotional costs to consider. The financial cost of an abortion varies depending on the method and timing of the abortion.
- The cost of a medical abortion depends on the following: lab work, office visit, types of testing, region of the country, and will ultimately depend on which provider is chosen. In some cases, a medical abortion can cost more than a surgical abortion.
- A surgical abortion will vary in cost range from $500-$15,000+.
Rachel Jones, a principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that studies reproductive health policy states, “Nobody really knows what it costs to provide abortions. The numbers change from facility to facility within the same state or even the same city.”
Do I Need My Parents’ Consent Before I Have an Abortion?
Abortion laws vary from state to state. Missouri abortion law requires one parent to give consent for a medical or surgical abortion for minor patients aged 17 and under. A parent will be required to accompany the minor for an abortion as well. The new Missouri law is set to go into effect in late summer, 2019, and will require the consent of two parents.
However, parental permission is not required for education, a pregnancy test, ultrasound, or STD testing. These are all no-cost, confidential services we provide you at Willowbrook Women’s Center in a compassionate and judgment-free environment.
You Deserve Answers to Your Abortion Questions
You deserve thorough, unbiased answers to all of your abortion questions. Make an appointment at Willowbrook Women’s Center today. Our professional licensed medical providers are here to empower you with the information and no-cost services you need to make informed decisions for yourself. We will compassionately walk with you every step of the way!
