Abortion Costs In Chattanooga, Tennessee

February 20, 2022

There are many abortion procedures available, before saying yes to any of them, it’s imperative that you understand the methods and risks involved. Although we do not refer or offer abortions, our staff will give you the guidance and support you to need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy. Learn more about your pregnancy and schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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MEDICAL ABORTION

Medication abortion (also called the pill) can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant) after the start of your last menstrual period.

• It’s called RU-486 and was approved by the FDA in 2000; it is also called a medical or chemical termination.
• The pill is actually two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in two separate doses.
• It is usually taken between 4-6 weeks but can be taken up to 11 weeks in most cases.
• It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.
• The pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step.
• Abortion pill reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose.

Action – The first medication, Mifeprex blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo dies. The second medication, Mifepristone, causes cramping, expelling the embryo and uterine contents.

Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding may be like a heavy period. Bleeding can last 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.

Complications – Possible complications include heavy bleeding requiring surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what do to if complications arise.

Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor 1 to 2 weeks after taking this medication regime to see if a termination has occurred and to assess for complications.

SURGICAL ABORTION

Surgical terminations are done by opening the cervix and passing instruments into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and scrape the pregnancy out. The exact procedure is determined by the baby’s level of growth.

Aspiration/Suction^23,24 – Up to 13 weeks LMP. Most early surgical terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves opening the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls the embryo out.

Dilation and Evacuation^25,26 (D&E) – 13 weeks LMP and up. Most second trimester abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to open the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the baby in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.

D&E After Viability^27-29 – 24 weeks LMP and up. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the baby’s heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is opened wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then crushes the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece.