Abortion Education

Why should I confirm my pregnancy?

Confirmation: An ultrasound is helpful in determining if there really is a pregnancy, and if that pregnancy appears to be viable (capable of living). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Early pregnancy loss is common, occurring in 10% of all clinically recognized pregnancies." Of that 10%, approximately 80% of all cases of pregnancy loss occur within the first trimester.  It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result, even while being in the early stages of miscarriage. 

Early Pregnancy Dating: Knowing the gestational age of the pregnancy can be extremely helpful  if you are trying to decide which pregnancy option is best for you (abortion, adoption, or parenting). The gestational age of the embryo will affect what's available to you.

Here at the Pregnancy Resource Center we do limited ultrasounds which a) make sure the baby is in the correct place (not ectopic), b) check for heartbeat, and c) measure for gestational age.

Ectopic Pregnancy: It is important to rule out a potential ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy, which can lead to life-threatening situations.

What is abortion?

Abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy.

Are abortions legal?

Following the reversal of Roe V Wade in 2022, abortion laws are determined by state legislatures and vary from state to state. At this time there is no limit on abortion in New Mexico based on how far along in pregnancy you are.

Do I have to have a parent's consent to get an abortion?

Again, abortion laws are now determined by state legislatures and rules vary from state to state. Parental involvement is not required in New Mexico. If you're younger than 18, you can consent to an abortion and do not have to notify a parent to get an abortion in New Mexico.

What kind of abortions are there?

There are three kinds of abortion: medical abortion (abortion pill), suction curettage (surgical abortion), and D&E or dilation and evacuation (later term abortion).

When can I have an abortion?

Medical abortion is safe only within the first ten (10) weeks LMP (last menstrual period) of pregnancy. Surgical abortions must be performed before the 14th week LMP of pregnancy, after which dilation and evacuation must be performed to end a pregnancy.  

How does the abortion pill (medical abortion) work?

Also known as Mifeprex, ™ Mifepristone, or RU-486, the abortion pill is actually two pills- one taken to cause the embryo's death and the second taken to cause cramping to expel the baby. Only a licensed, medical doctor should prescribe and oversee this process. It is very important that you meet with a medical doctor before beginning a medical abortion. You should be given a thorough physical examination which includes an ultrasound to confirm gestational age and to rule out ectopic pregnancy.

You should be aware that this procedure takes place outside a medical facility, most often in your own home. Side effects of this procedure include abdominal pain, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fever and chills. Risks include seeing embryonic parts expelled, partial abortion and infection. You should follow-up with your doctor seven to fourteen days following your medical abortion to ensure that all the contents of your uterus are expelled.

Is the abortion pill reversible?

Yes if the reversal process is started in time. Many women who have taken the abortion pill experience regret.  Abortion Pill Reversal is a medical procedure available to reverse the effects of the abortion pill.  It is best to start the reversal treatment within the first 24-72 hours of taking the abortion pill mifepristone, also known as RU-486. Using the natural hormone progesterone, medical professionals have been able to save 64-68% of pregnancies through abortion pill reversal. Please call our offices for a referral.

How does a surgical or suction abortion work?

Also known as vacuum aspiration, this procedure is usually performed without anesthesia. A local anesthetic is injected in the cervix, after which the cervix is stretched open using metal dilating rods increasing in sizes. Tubing connected to an electric or manual vacuum device is then inserted into the uterus and pulls the baby's body apart and out. A curette (surgical instrument) may also be used to scrape any remaining fetal parts out of the uterus. Finally, the removed tissue is examined to verify completeness.

Risks include bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, allergic reaction to medications and organ damage. Recovery time following this procedure varies.

How do later term abortions work?

Abortion after 15 weeks LMP are considered later term abortions. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Apart from 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. Due to the larger size of the baby, D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester procedure.

D&E After Viability is the procedure label for an abortion performed after 24 weeks LMP and up. "After Viability" means that the baby could survive outside the womb at this gestational age. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia if available is usually recommended. 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.

Labor Induction may be used to abort pregnancy in the second or third trimesters depending on circumstances. Like D&E After Viability, lethal injection may be given to end the fetus' life, after which drugs are given to induce labor of the deceased baby.

Risks for all the above described later term abortions include heavy bleeding or hemorrhage, reactions to anesthesia, infection, and organ damage. Side effects include abdominal pain, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fever and chills. 

Could abortion affect me long-term?

Data about the long-term effects of abortion is incomplete and constantly being updated. However, there is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in long-term emotional, physical and mental health. Best available evidence indicates significant increases in risk for clinical depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Evidence also suggests that the abortion choice significantly affects relationships of all kinds. For more information about the long-term effects of abortion on women and families, including options for post-abortion counseling visit us here.

Will I be able to have children after an abortion?

The research is clear: induced abortion significantly raises a woman's future risk of delivering a premature, "preemie" baby. This risk exists for even one very early surgical abortion and increases with each additional one. In addition, the risk for placenta previa is higher in women who -among other factors- have had a prior induced abortion.

Informed Decision Checklist:

• Am I pregnant? Get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional.

• Do I understand the potential risks? You have the legal right to have an explanation of the abortion procedures, risks, side effects and other options.

• Have I considered alternatives to abortion? An educated decision includes knowledge of all the options available to you.

• Have I gotten information about the abortion provider? For your safety check your potential provider at https://www.healthgrades.com/

• Do I know how the clinic handles complications during the procedure? Make sure the clinic has a plan to provide follow-up and emergency care.

• Do I know what to do if I change my mind? Abortion is your choice- you can change your mind at any time before the procedure starts.

• Ask: Will I feel pain? People have different levels of tolerance for physical pain. You can gauge your response based on how you have handled pain in the past.

• Ask: What feelings can I expect after the abortion? Many women experience initial relief, but months or even years later, some struggle with their decision. If that's you visit www.PDL-Help.org to be connected with trained, compassionate people who are ready to help.

• Do I know my rights as a minor? No one can legally force you to have an abortion, including your parents.If you are being pressured to get an abortion you don't want, contact the police or the Pregnancy Resource Center for help.

• Have I been tested? Any surgical procedure can be complicated by infection. You may be carrying an STI and not know it because they often do not have symptoms.The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free STI testing and treatment.

How can the Pregnancy Resource Center help me if I'm considering an abortion?

We do not perform or give referrals for abortion. However, with respect and compassion we provide factual information on your choices when facing an unplanned pregnancy. We also provide free pregnancy tests for confirmation of pregnancy, free ultrasounds to determine how far along you are and most importantly, a listening ear in a time of crisis.  You can call, email or even schedule an appointment online!

1.  https://thrivemedicalclinic.org/blog/confirm-your-pregnancy

2. https://medlineplus.gov/abortion.html

3.  https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-new-mexico

4.  https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-new-mexico

5.  "Early Non-surgical Abortion", Before You Decide, Ed. 3.1, page 15

6.  "Early Surgical Abortion", Before You Decide, Ed. 3.1, page 17

7.  "Later Term Abortions", Before You Decide, Ed. 3.1, page 19

8.  "Long Term Affects of Surgical + Late Term Abortion", Before You Decide, Ed. 3.1, page 22

9.  "Informed Decision Checklist", Before You Decide, Ed. 3.1, page 23