Abortion Procedures
Before 14 weeks
  • Medical Abortion: RU 486 (mifepristone) or Methotrexate
  • Manual vacuum aspiration
  • Suction curettage
  • Dilation & Curettage (D & C)
At 14 weeks or more
  • Dilation & Evacuation (D & E)
  • Labor Induction--only 0.8%
In April 2007 the Supreme Court upheld a law that bans Dilation & Extraction (D & X or "partial birth" abortion) as a method of abortion.
Possible Abortion Risks

Possible Physical Risks

- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion
- Tearing of the cervix
- Allergic reaction to drugs
- Scarring of the uterine lining
- Damage to internal organs1,2

Possible Long-Term Risks

- Statistically significant increased risk of preterm birth even after one abortion.3
- Increased risk of mood disorders/depression.4
- Possible increased risk of breast cancer.4

Emotional Impact

Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years. Symptoms may include: guilt, anger, anxiety, depression, anniversary grief, flashbacks & more.1

Spiritual Consequences

People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than your body or your mind. It may affect you spiritually.1
References: 1. CareNet, Before You Decide, 2003 2. VA Department of Health, Abortion: Making An Informed Decision 3. Rooney, Brent, Calhoun, B., Induced Abortion and Risk of later Premature Births. Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons 2003, 8(2):46-49. 4. Thorp, John M., Hartmann, Katherine E., Shadigan, Elizabeth. Long-term Physical and Psychological Health Consequenses of Induced Abortion: Review of the Evidence.
Additional Reference: F. Gary Cunningham, et al., Williams Obstetrics, 2003, McGraw-Hill;