In Zambia, it’s essential to know that abortions on demand are illegal. However, a stipulation in the law means many women can access abortions up to 12 weeks gestation. Abortions are also legally allowed if your life is in danger or if your pregnancy has a life-threatening condition.

If you’re considering abortion for one of these reasons, it’s essential to learn all you can to ensure you’re making an informed decision since abortion comes with risks to your health.

It’s also important to know that seeking an illegal abortion puts your health and safety at risk. Illegal abortions are performed in dirty conditions, and many women have died after seeking them.

Read on to learn more about the different types of abortion and the risks involved.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, also called the “abortion pill,” involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone, which starts the abortion process. Without this critical hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will eventually detach and end.

Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy through your vagina.

After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. In some cases, this can be severe. You might also witness the expelled embryo, which can be distressing for some women.

You might experience a risk like incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus), infection, or prolonged and heavy bleeding.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is typically done later in pregnancy in a clinical setting.

The surgical abortion process involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, strong suction and scraping tools are used. Later in pregnancy, other instruments like forceps are used to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.

Uterine perforation is one of the main risks of surgical abortion. This is when one of the abortion instruments pokes a hole in your uterus, and it can lead to painful menstrual periods or future infertility. 

Before Your Abortion

If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s critical to learn whether you’re eligible. The only way to know your eligibility is to get an ultrasound. This scan will tell you the details you need to know.

We offer free, limited ultrasounds and are here to walk with you every step of the way.

Contact us today. We’re here for you.