Different types of Abortion
A medical abortion uses drugs (as opposed to surgery) to terminate a pregnancy. RU 486 (mifepristone) and methotrexate are the two drugs used for medical abortions. Given orally or vaginally by injection, they cause you to bleed and pass clots, tissue and the fetus over a course of few hours or days. You may bleed for up to three weeks and will require a follow-up visit with your physician.
Plan B
Plan B also known as the Morning After Pill, or Emergency Contraception, works to prevent pregnancy by impeding fertilization. However, if the egg is fertilized, Plan B can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the wall of the uterus because it is too thin, which results in the abortion of the fetus. Plan B has a 12-13% failure rate.
D&C
D&C means dilation and curettage with vacuum aspiration.
This form is used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The doctor dilates (opens) the cervix and empties the uterus using suction. After suctioning, the doctor may also scrape the walls of the uterus to endure the fetus and placenta have been completely removed.
D&E
D&E means dilation and evacuation.
This procedure is used after the first trimester and may need to be done in the hospital. It can be a painful process, so painkillers, local anesthesia, or sedatives may be used. The doctor dilates the cervix and scrapes the uterus, removing the fetus. If preformed after 16 weeks, the fetus must be taken out piece-by-piece using forceps and other medical instruments.
D&X
D&X means dilation and extraction.
Used in pregnancies after 16 weeks of gestation, this procedure begins with the doctor dilating the cervix and grasping the fetus by its foot. The fetus is then delivered, except for the head. While the head is still in the birth canal, scissors are used to make a hole at the base of the skull. A tube is inserted and the contents of the head are suctioned out. The skull is crushed and the fetus is delivered dead.
IDX
IDX stands for intact dilation and extraction also known as partial-birth abortion.
This procedure follows similar steps as a D&X abortion, which involves delivering the fetus except for the head, puncturing the skull, and suctioning it out. Used for late-term pregnancies, it has been banned in the United States under most circumstances.
Saline
Saline abortions are preformed by injecting a saline chemical solution through the abdomen into the uterus. The chemicals induce pre-mature labor. Sometimes additional vacuuming or scraping may be required to remove the fetus and placenta
Abortion Recovery
Having an abortion can be an emotionally traumatizing experience. After an abortion, many women have feelings of guilt, regret, emptiness, loneliness, and grief. Some experience serious psychological effects such as depression, lowered self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, and even suicide. While some of these feelings surface immediately, others may come later after a second pregnancy or the anniversary of the abortion.
Abortion Recovery at Rachel's Ministries
Pre- and post-abortion counseling is very important. Talking with a professional counselor before an abortion is a crucial step in making an informed decision and understanding the feelings you may have after the procedure. Most pregnancy resource centers offer free professional counseling services.
If you have already had an abortion, Rachel's Ministries offers counseling and weekend retreats to help heal the grief caused by an abortion in a confidential supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
For more information about Rachel's Vineyard visit their website linked below