Choosing a Method
If you are 11.1 weeks or more, you are eligible for the procedure abortion only.
We provide abortions from positive pregnancy test (usually 4-6 weeks) up to about 15-16 weeks, depending on the physician scheduled & your pregnancy history.
Medication abortion is available to about 11 weeks, based on your last menstrual period. It is best to be approximately 5-6 weeks from your last menstrual period when taking the medication abortion. The medications are slightly less effective if you are earlier than 5 weeks.
Both methods can be completed in only one visit to our clinic.
Medication Abortion
If you choose the medication abortion, the doctor gives you the first pill, Mifepristone, while you are in our office. This pill blocks the hormone that your body needs to stay pregnant. Sometime in the next 24-48 hours later you will take a second medication, misoprostol. These pills start a miscarriage like process where you pass the pregnancy. You should be prepared to be somewhere comfortable, not working or driving, when you take the second medication. We prepare you for the worst experience, and not every patient has these side effects, but you may experience; a headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding & heavy cramping for a day or so.
As part of the medication abortion process you must complete a follow-up to confirm that the medication abortion is complete. You do not have to return to our clinic or to Fargo for this. You can complete the medication abortion process with only one visit to our clinic. This will be discussed with you in detail at your appointment.
Procedure Abortion
The procedure abortion procedure takes about 5-10 minutes. The doctor will numb your cervix with a local anesthesia. Most patients say the injection feels like a pinch, a cramp or a sting, or you may not feel it. The doctor then dilates, or opens your cervix. The doctor will then gently suction the lining of your uterus and the pregnancy comes out at this time. This can feel weird, bubbly and crampy all at the same time.
We also offer the option of mild sedation with the procedure abortion. This involves taking medications that make you feel more relaxed and minimize pain. You need to have someone drive you home to be eligible for the mild sedation.
A follow-up is NOT required with a procedure abortion.
You can expect to have some menstrual like bleeding anywhere from 1-3 weeks after either method of abortion which should get lighter & lighter. You can resume normal activity as soon as you feel ready, and for many patients, this is immediately.
Effectiveness
Medication abortion is 91-98% effective. The effective rates for medication abortion are:
8 weeks or less = 98% effective
8 to 9 weeks = 96% effective
9 to 11 weeks = 91 - 93% effective
The procedure abortion is 99% effective.
Cost
The medication abortion and procedure abortion cost the same amount. We don’t want money to be a factor in a patient receiving the kind of abortion care they prefer.
“I really appreciate how nice, caring and genuine everyone was.”
- Red River Women's Clinic Patient