If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s normal to have questions. One of the biggest ones might be about abortion risks.
At Choices Pregnancy Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy services to help you make an informed decision, without pressure. Schedule your appointment today.
Understanding Your Abortion Options
Abortion procedures depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy, also known as your gestational age. The two main types are:
- Medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill): This involves two drugs taken within 24–48 hours of each other to block progesterone and trigger the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy out of the vagina with vaginal bleeding.
- Surgical abortion: This procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic and involves dilating the cervix with tools or drugs. Then, an abortion provider will use a mixture of suction or instruments to remove the pregnancy and tissue from the uterus.
While abortion was recently made legal in Missouri, most procedures are not offered in-state as of July 25, 2025. That means many women travel out of state for an abortion, which adds extra cost, travel time, and stress. That’s why learning about the risks of abortion is even more critical.
Risks of Abortion
Abortion, either type, comes with risks. Understanding those risks is critical to making a well-informed decision. You should also be aware of how the procedures work and the side effects before proceeding.
The Risks of Medical Abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which might require a surgical follow-up)
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
- Fever
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
- Perforation of the uterus (poking a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix (the opening of your uterus)
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the wall of the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome)
Knowing the risks before deciding on an abortion helps protect your health. An ultrasound is a key first step; we offer this service at no cost. This scan will verify your pregnancy’s location, gestational age, and whether or not there’s a heartbeat.
Visit Choices Pregnancy Center
Choices Pregnancy Center is here to support you during your pregnancy. Schedule a free, confidential appointment at our center today. We’ll walk with you and ensure you’re encouraged and equipped for the road ahead.
We do not provide or refer for abortion services.
All information about abortion was accurate at the time of publishing.