If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, you might be considering abortion. Abortion is a serious medical procedure with risks. Learn about the different types of abortion and their risks, so you can keep your safety a priority.
Because abortion is illegal in Jamaica, receiving an abortion can increase your health risks due to a lack of oversight and the potential inability to access follow-up care.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses drugs to terminate a healthy pregnancy. Medical abortion is sometimes called ‘the abortion pill,” even though it is actually two drugs that work together. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that supports the pregnancy’s development. The second drug is taken within 48 hours and begins uterine contractions. The contractions force the pregnancy out of the woman’s body with vaginal bleeding.
The risks of a medical abortion include the following:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Infection
- Fever
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
Medical abortion is safest when performed under 9 weeks of pregnancy. Medical abortion is not a safe option for every woman. Examples of women for whom medical abortion is dangerous include:
- Women with anemia or clotting disorders
- Women that have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Women that do not have access to emergency medical care
- Women that are unable to keep follow-up appointments
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that takes place in a provider’s office. A provider uses rods to open the woman’s cervix (the opening of the uterus) and then uses surgical tools, suction, or both to remove the pregnancy from the woman’s uterus.
The risks of a surgical abortion include the following:
- Uterine perforation (a hole poked through the wall of the uterus)
- Uterine infection
- Uterine bleeding
Complications
Complications from abortion can become life-threatening if they are not addressed immediately. Women receiving a medical abortion or recovering from a surgical abortion should monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of complications and seek medical care if they experience any. Signs and symptoms of complications can include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Abortion is illegal in Jamaica, but you do have other options. The Pregnancy Resource Centre of Jamaica offers information about your options. Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.