If you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion, you may have lots of questions. We’re here to help. LaVie specializes in supporting women and men who are making a difficult pregnancy decision and are here to answer your questions.
You owe it to yourself to get answers to your questions, weigh the alternatives, and consider how the procedure may impact your future. It’s important to have accurate information about abortion procedures and potential risks.
At LaVie, our medical staff listens to your unique story and can help you understand essential medical information about your pregnancy. We offer no-cost laboratory-certified pregnancy tests and will have your results within a few minutes. If your test is positive, we can use ultrasound technology to determine how far along you are and if the pregnancy is viable.
There are different kinds of abortion procedures. Our staff is here to help you understand each procedure and answer any questions you may have. While LaVie does not perform or refer for abortions, we offer essential medical services to empower you to take control of your health.
You deserve to get answers while you carefully consider your options.
Surgical abortion may also be known as in-clinic abortion, procedural abortion, or late-term abortion. A surgical abortion is done by opening the cervix and passing instruments into the uterus to remove the developing fetus and placenta. The exact procedure is determined by the gestational age or size of the baby.
First Trimester
Aspiration abortion (also known as D&C) is performed up to 14-16 weeks gestation. This procedure uses suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Medication may be given for pain and possibly sedation during the procedure. A speculum is inserted to open the vagina. A local anesthetic is administered to the cervix to numb it. Dilating rods are placed in the cervix to stretch it open. When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula (a long plastic tube connected to a suction device) is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta. The procedure usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but recovery can require staying at the clinic for a few hours.
Second Trimester
Dilation and Evacuation (or D&E) is performed after 14-16 weeks gestation. Medication for pain or sedation may be given. Prior to the D&E, laminaria or a synthetic dilater is inserted into the cervix to help it dilate, or open. This is often given hours to full a day before the procedure. A speculum is inserted to open the vagina. A local anesthetic is administered to the cervix to numb it. Additional dilators are inserted into the cervix to open it wide enough for the fetal remains to be removed. A cannula is inserted to remove tissue away from the lining. If needed, forceps are used to remove larger remaining tissue or fetal parts. Then using a curette (a surgical instrument shaped like a spoon), the lining is scraped to remove any residuals. The last step is usually a final suctioning to make sure the contents are completely removed. The procedure normally takes 15-20 minutes. The fetal remains are usually then examined to ensure everything was removed and that the abortion was complete.
Third Trimester
Abortion after 24 weeks may be done by inducing labor or by Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), and typically takes 2-3 days to complete. The availability of any procedure used in the third trimester is based on the laws of that state. Because a live birth is possible, injections are given to cause fetal death prior to delivery. This is done to comply with the Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003 which requires the fetus’ death before complete removal from the mother’s body. The medications (digoxin and potassium chloride) are either injected into the umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, or directly into the fetus’ heart. In the case of a D&E, the procedure is similar to second trimester abortion in which the fetus is removed with suction and other instruments. Because the fetus’ body may not remain intact during the procedure, fetal parts are reassembled after removal from the uterus to make sure nothing is left behind to cause infection or bleeding.
Side Effects and Risks related to Surgical Abortion.
Informed consent and counseling are essential when considering options for pregnancy. Counseling should be a patient-centered shared decision-making process to ensure that a patient’s decision is informed, voluntary, and free of coercion.
If you are uncertain about your pregnancy, call LaVie today to schedule an appointment with our trained and compassionate nurses to discuss all your options and receive essential information regarding your pregnancy.
Ultrasounds confirm the viability, location, and gestation of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests confirmed by a healthcare professional are the best way to verify a pregnancy.
If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STDs regularly.
Take control of your health and safety by learning evidence-based medical information about your pregnancy.
Our team is available to help determine what resources are best for your unique situation.
Increase your knowledge and support throughout your pregnancy.
LaVie provides information on birth control but does not prescribe or perform birth control measures, including performing vasectomies or abortions.
LaVie does not provide mammograms.
LaVie neither performs nor refers for abortions, and does not profit from our patients’ decisions regarding their pregnancy.
LaVie is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3). Free or reduced services are available to our patients due to receiving grants and individual and business donations.
