Abortion
If you’re considering an abortion in Missouri, you’re not alone! The compassionate team of medical professionals at PLL is here to help you make the decision that is right for you!
There is a lot of information out there, but how do you sort through it? The decisions you’re facing are stressful enough. Our goal is to equip you with the facts about abortion so you can make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
So how do we start? Well, first things first. You’ll want to confirm whether you’re pregnant or not. PLL provides free medical-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether or not the pregnancy is developing properly inside the uterus. Having this information will help you know what your abortion options are going forward.
Be Informed
The most important thing at this point is to gather all the abortion facts you can so you can make an educated decision. We’re talking about what abortion is, what it involves at each stage of pregnancy, and whether there are any risks to consider.
Let’s take a look at some information on abortion to get a clearer picture.
What is the Abortion Pill?
Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.
You may have heard that you can order the abortion pill online, but if you do, you’re not guaranteed to receive FDA-approved medications or even medications that have been produced in places where the FDA has oversight.
What are the Risks of Abortion?
- Incomplete Abortion. An abortion may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur in a surgical abortion or with the abortion pill. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection[1].
- Uterine Perforation. Uterine perforation occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus[1].
- Asherman Syndrome. Asherman Syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus. This can occur as a result of multiple surgical abortions, making it difficult to become pregnant in the future[2].
- Negative Impact on Future Pregnancies. Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies[2].
- Allergic Reaction. Although rare, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock after taking misoprostol if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the medication[3].
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during any abortion, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)[4].
Get the unbiased medical information needed to make a fully informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy at PLL! We’re happy to answer all of your questions!
So, What’s Right For You?
An unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling stressed and scared, with no one to turn to. It’s important for you to gather accurate pregnancy and abortion information so you can make an informed decision.
At PLL, we can discuss your options and help you feel more knowledgeable and comfortable with your situation. We want you to make an informed decision about your pregnancy and know all the resources that are available to you.
It’s also important to be tested for STIs if you are planning on an abortion.
Get Tested for STIs
It’s crucial to get tested for STIs regularly because many of them don’t have obvious symptoms. Additionally, STIs can increase your risk of developing a post-abortive infection.
PLL provides free STI testing and treatment so you can protect your health!
Abortion Information in Branson West, Missouri
Our compassionate team is ready to serve you. Get the facts you need and the care you deserve at PLL. Call us at 417-272-5210, text us at 417-593-1882 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.Sources
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 3). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
- “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Symptoms, Treatments and Causes.” Cleveland Clinic, 23 Nov. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid