Chemical abortion uses two separate pills to terminate an early pregnancy. It is not recommended for women over 10 weeks pregnant. The first pill, Mifepristone, stops the baby from growing by starving the uterus of Progesterone. Misoprostol induces contractions and expels the baby from the uterus. The first pill is most often taken at an abortion clinic and the other is taken at home a couple of days later.

There are inherent risks and side effects with this procedure, including:

• The procedure fails to terminate the pregnancy.
• The procedure is incomplete. The uterine material does not fully expel, which would lead to surgery.
• Hemorrhaging or infection requiring prompt medical attention.

You can expect more severe side effects and a higher risk of complications if this medication is taken after 10 weeks gestation.

It is entirely possible that you will recognize your baby’s form when it is expelled from your body. Most women are not emotionally prepared for that fact. 

There are multiple surgical abortion procedures. The most common are vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation. Missouri bans abortion except in medical emergencies and when necessary to save the life of the mother. You will have to travel out of state for this procedure. 

• A doctor provides a general anesthetic.
• The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and opens the cervix.
• Either vacuum suction or small forceps are used to extract the baby and surrounding tissue.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. They include:

• Hemorrhaging or infection requiring prompt medical attention.
• Injury to the uterus which could impact future child-bearing opportunities.