www.thealphacenter.org

Any time you consider a medical procedure, you deserve to be informed.

How Far Along Am I?

How far along you are determines the kind of abortion you are able to have, and the only way to know gestational age for sure is with an ultrasound.

Am I pregnant?

  • Did you take a pregnancy test at the right time?
  • Keep in mind, there are a number of reasons your period may be late that aren't pregnancy.
  • At Alpha Center, we will provide a pregnancy test and results will be given to you by a nurse.

Any time you consider a medical procedure, there are things to know to help ensure the best outcome possible. Before having an abortion (either medical or in-clinic), there are a few things that are important to know.

Is the pregnancy viable?

In addition to the gestational age of the pregnancy, an ultrasound will also determine whether the pregnancy is intrauterine (not ectopic, as an ectopic pregnancy would not be affected by an abortion), and viable, as nearly 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage. If our nurses determine that you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage we will send you on to be seen and treated by a physician.

Do I have an STD?

Nearly 2/3 of STD infections are asymptomatic, and if you are positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, introducing the bacteria to your cervix and uterus increases your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can hurt your future fertility.

During a pre-abortion screening, it's our goal to provide the answers to each of these questions. Please note, we do not provide or refer for abortions.

Schedule a Pre-Abortion Screening

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is a term used to describe the termination of a pregnancy using medication. Medical abortions can be performed through 12 weeks (84 days) since your last missed period (LMP). This does not require surgery or anesthesia, rather a visit to a doctor to obtain the prescription.


In the US, it is estimated that in 2019, 42.3% of all abortions were medication abortions. Medication abortions are typically performed in a two-step process. Mifepristone is taken first (typically in-clinic) and blocks progesterone, therefore causing the demise of the pregnancy. This is followed by Misopristol when the patient is home 24-48 hours later, which induces contractions and expulsion of the contents of the uterus.


The medications involved in a medical abortion will cause heavier bleeding and cramping than a normal menstrual period. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. On average, the process can last 9-16 days and up to 30 days.

You should not have a medical abortion if:

  • You are too far along in your pregnancy
  • You currently have an IUD
  • You have an ectopic pregnancy - or you haven't confirmed that the pregnancy is in the uterus
  • Have certain medical conditions - talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions
  • Are on blood thinners or certain steroids
  • Cannot make follow-up visits to a provider
  • Have an allergy to any of the medications used.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Drug Facts

Mifeprex Drug Facts

Misoprostal/Cytotec Drug Facts

The WHO Clinical Practice Handbook for Medication Abortion


Risks of Medical abortion


While the majority of women who undergo a medication abortion do not have complications, it's important to be informed about the risks and complications that may occur.


- Medication abortions are 4x as likely to experience a complication than surgical abortions, and as many as 5% of women will experience a complication.

-As many as 15% of women will experience hemorrhage as a result of a medication abortion

-When taken in the second trimester of pregnancy, a medication abortion requires surgical intervention about 39% of the time. Because of this, it is extremely important to know how far along you are.

-The risks associated with medication abortion rise as the gestational age rises.



FAQ:

Are Plan B and Medication Abortion the same thing?


Why should I get tested for STDs?


How do I know if I have an STD?


Is Abortion Legal in Colorado?

You may be able to reverse the medication and continue the pregnancy. Call 1-877-557-0333 for assistance.

What if I change my mind after taking the first pill?

Surgical (In-Clinic) Abortions


In-clinic or surgical abortion is the termination of pregnancy via an in-office procedure. This is done in either a clinic or hospital. Approximately 10% of medical abortions are incomplete and will end up needing surgical intervention.

Aspiration (Suction or D&C)
Aspiration is done mainly in first trimester abortions (6-14 weeks). A local anesthetic is applied to the cervix and the cervix is dilated. A thin plastic tube is inserted into the uterus. The tube is attached to a suction device and moved back and forth inside the uterus until the pregnancy has been removed.

Dilation and Evacuation
From 16-24 weeks of pregnancy, a more complex procedure is needed. Similar to an aspiration abortion, the cervix is dilated and the fetus is removed using forceps and suction.

Induction
From 24 weeks of pregnancy to full term, an induction abortion typically takes 2-4 days to complete. A lethal dose of a feticide agent is administered into the amniotic fluid or the fetus' heart to induce a fetal heart attack. The cervix is treated for 2-3 days to prepare it for delivery of the deceased fetus at that time. On the final day, medications are given to induce labor in order to deliver the fetus.

Post Dobbs, has anything changed in Colorado?

No. In short, the overturning of Roe v. Wade turned the decision back to individual states rather than being a matter decided at a federal level. In April 2022, the Reproductive Health Equity Act in Colorado codified the right to have an abortion, and prohibits the government from prohibiting the procedure or access to contraception.

For more information about abortion in Colorado, visit our blog post.

Sources:

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Information.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 16 Dec. 2021, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information.


Weeks, Andrew, and Christian Fiala. “Adverse Effects Potential Problems with Misoprostol.” Misoprostol, 2017, https://www.misoprostol.org/adverse-effects/.


Coleman, P. (2011). Abortion and mental health: Quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(3), 180-186. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230


Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2016, March). Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Medication Guide. Retrieved from www.earlyoptionpill.comKortsmit K, M. M. (2021, November 26). 


Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2019. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/ss/ss7009a1.htm


World Health Organization. (2014). Clinical practice handbook for Safe abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization.Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Second trimester labor induction abortion. SOM - State of Michigan. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/informedconsent/michigans-informed-consent-for-abortion-law/procedures/second-trimester-labor-induction-abortion


Niinimäki M, Pouta A, Bloigu A, Gissler M, Hemminki E, Suhonen S, Heikinheimo O. Immediate complications after medical compared with surgical termination of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Oct;114(4):795-804. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181b5ccf9. PMID: 19888037.


Mentula MJ, Niinimäki M, Suhonen S, Hemminki E, Gissler M, Heikinheimo O. Immediate adverse events after second trimester medical termination of pregnancy: results of a nationwide registry study. Hum Reprod. 2011 Apr;26(4):927-32. doi: 10.1093/humrep/der016. Epub 2011 Feb 11. PMID: 21317416.