Considering Abortion in Illinois?
You don’t have to make this decision alone! Our compassionate team of medical professionals is here to help you navigate this stressful time.
Get the unbiased medical information needed to make an informed and empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy at Southside Women’s Services. We’re happy to answer all of your questions.
Four Things To Do Before an Abortion
Before having an abortion, it is important to confirm several things about your pregnancy first.
Step 1
Confirm your pregnant with a medical-grade pregnancy test.
Step 2
Find out how far along you are with a medical diagnostic ultrasound.
Step 3
Test and treat any STIs.
Step 4
Make an informed pregnancy decision you are confident in.
Be Informed
Next, be informed about the different types of abortion and their associated risks.
Surgical Abortion
In a surgical abortion, a suction device is used to remove the fetus from the uterus through the vagina. This procedure is performed at an abortion clinic and you are sent home the same day. However, if complications arise, you may need to go to the emergency room to receive treatment.
Depending on the type of surgical abortion, they are usually performed around 6 to 21 weeks gestation. The availability of any procedure used in the third trimester is based on the laws of the state.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. 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 fetus, which ends the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is only approved by the FDA to be taken up to 10 weeks gestation.
Abortion Risks
Uterine Perforation. Uterine perforation occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus.[1]
Incomplete Abortion. The procedure may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur due to surgical abortion or the abortion pill. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection.[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 vaginal misoprostol if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the medication[3].
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during a surgical abortion, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).[4]
Get Abortion Information in Illinois
An unexpected pregnancy may leave you with a lot of questions. That’s completely normal. Just know you don’t have to do this alone.
Make a no-cost appointment to discuss your pregnancy options and abortion information. We are here for you.
All of the Facts. None of the Judgment.
Our compassionate team is ready to serve you. Get the facts you need and the care you deserve at Southside Women’s Services! Give us a call at (708)-229-0092 or schedule your appointment online today!
Please be aware that Southside Women’s Services 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