This document provides information about abortion procedures and options for those facing an unexpected pregnancy. It discusses the different abortion methods including medication abortion and vacuum aspiration. Medication abortion involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol pills to end the pregnancy within the first nine weeks. Vacuum aspiration uses suction to terminate early pregnancies. The document also outlines common symptoms after an abortion like bleeding, pain, and fever. It notes declining access to abortions in the US with fewer hospitals providing the procedure and limited Medicaid coverage in some states. The last sections encourage activism and support for abortion rights.
3. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW What methods are available? What does it cost? Must the fee be paid at once? Are there age requirements? Can I bring someone else with me? How long should I expect to be late at the clinic?
4. Preparing For Your Abortion The anxiety is very normal Meditation, deep breathing, or herbal teas may help you relax If you are planning to have Iv sedation or general anesthesia then you will be advised to avoid food after midnight Give yourself positive messages Make sure to have all the paper work such as insurance card and identification card
5. Abortion Methods 88 percent are performed during first trimester using vacuum aspiration or medication abortion In a medication abortion the pregnancy is interrupted using drugs In vacuum aspiration, suction is used to terminate the pregnancy In USA most second-trimester abortions are done by dilation of the cervix and the use of instruments The length of pregnancy is counted from the first day of last normal menstrual period
6. MEDICATION ABORTION Ends the pregnancy within the first nine weeks. Mifepristone(abortion pill) and misoprostol are the two –drug regimen. It is swallowed or inserted to the vagina Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone (a hormone that is needed for the uterus to maintain pregnancy) Misoprostol is taken two days after mifepristone, it causes the cervix to become soft and uterus to cramp
7. Types of anesthesia used for abortion Local anesthesia- injection of medication to the cervix IV sedation-Injection of pain medication into a vein General Anesthesia- Administration of drugs to cause unconsciousness Vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, some alergic reaction are some ot the side effects.
9. Abortion Access in the U.S Between 1982 and 2000, the number of hospitals provoding abortions decreased 57 percent Only seventeen states provide Medicaid funsing for medically necessary abortions in most cases Only 18 percent of ob-gyn residency programs train all residents in abortion procedures
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11. Taking Action Abortion oponents have created an atmosphere that is stigmatizing, threatening, and violent Abortion right activists continue to stand up against these forces in all kinds of ways By organizing large national demonstrations Clinic defense, public education Support for Abortion
12. WHAT YOU CAN DO Be visible about your support Talk toy our family, friends, coworkers Talk about your experiences with abortion Give financial support to organizations Ask your ob-gyn if he or she performs abortion Participate in or organize a demonstration