What to Expect from an In-Clinic Abortion

2 days ago
4 min read

An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for an abortion clinic in central Oregon, it's important to know what to expect. This can help you make a fully informed decision.

In this article, we’ll explore:

The different types of in-clinic abortion procedures
The possible risks and side effects
When to seek medical help if you experience complications
What to do before visiting an abortion clinic

Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures

The type of surgical abortion you can receive depends on how far along your pregnancy is. The abortion provider will recommend either a dilation and curettage (D&C) or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

A dilation and curettage (D&C), also called a vacuum aspiration abortion, is performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.[1] It’s often completed in under 30 minutes.

Here's how it works[2]:

Before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix.
Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped device called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus.
At the end, a suction device may be used to remove any remaining tissue that the curette missed.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester.[3] This procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes and is performed under anesthesia. It’s more complex than a D&C due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers.

Here's how it works[3]:

Before the procedure, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix.
These sticks absorb moisture and gradually expand, opening the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a cannula suctions out uterine contents, and forceps remove the fetus.

How Much Does an In-Clinic Abortion Cost in Oregon?

In Oregon, an in-clinic abortion can cost from $836 to $3,025[4], depending on how far along you are and whether or not you have insurance.

These prices do not include the cost of any pre-screening services (such as an ultrasound) or follow-up care.

Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.[5]

Potential physical risks include:

Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[6]

Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[7]

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[8]

Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[9][10]

Depression
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Substance abuse
Suicidal behaviors

If you're thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Complications can happen after an in-clinic abortion. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

Heavy, excessive bleeding
Persistent fever
Severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
No bleeding within 24 hours of the procedure

What to Do Before Visiting an Abortion Clinic

Before visiting an abortion clinic, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age. This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.

Viability

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of pregnancy.[11]

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care.

Gestational Age

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.

Knowing your gestational age is crucial because abortion becomes increasingly risky the further along you are.

The Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon provide free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Click the button below to schedule your appointment.

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

Considering an In-Clinic Abortion? Visit The Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon First.

If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion, The Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon are here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:

Free Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and more.
Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
Personalized Guidance: We are here to answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options.

Give us a call at 541-728-3037 or schedule your appointment online today.

Please be aware that The Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon do not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage
Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/
As advertised by abortion providers.
Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion - Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
Coleman, PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881096/
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth