Abortion is defined as the termination of a human pregnancy from within the intrauterine (womb) cavity with the intent not to produce a live birth. The way abortions are carried out in the first trimester of pregnancy is either 1) medical abortion where RU486 or methotrexate are given the first day a patient visits the medical office or clinic. Misoprostol (cytotec) is given on the same day or up to 48 hours after the initial visit which causes the uterus to contract and expel its content. 2) Suction Dilation and Curettage or a Vacuum Aspiration surgical procedure. The Surgical Abortion procedure will be the focus of this article.
The patient presents to the medical office and fills out several forms that pertain to having the abortion procedure. She is taken to the lab where a small amount of blood is taken along with a urine sample to confirm blood type, hematocrit (checking for anemia), a positive pregnancy test, urinary tract infections, or other problems that can be detected with a urinalysis test. A counselor goes over the benefits and risks of the surgical procedure.. Birth control is offered for patients who are not on birth control. It is discussed and confirmed that the patient is making the decision on her own to terminate her pregnancy and that she is not being forced. IV sedation is discussed. Deep Sedation can be also given for patients who do not want to remember or feel any discomfort during the surgical procedure. All consent forms are signed.
