Abortion Near Harrisburg, PA

If you’re considering abortion near Harrisburg, PA, you’re not alone. The compassionate medical staff at Morning Star Clinics is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision.

Below are the steps you need to take before an abortion. 

Confirm Your Pregnancy

The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. Morning Star Clinics provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether or not the pregnancy is developing properly inside the uterus. 

If your ultrasound determines that the pregnancy isn’t viable, you can move forward with the appropriate medical care. If your pregnancy is viable and you’re considering abortion, there are a few questions you need to ask first. 

Be Informed

After confirming your pregnancy, be informed about the different types of abortion and their associated risks. 

What is Surgical Abortion and How Does it Work?

In a surgical abortion, a suction device is used to remove the embryo from the uterus through the vagina. This procedure is performed at an abortion clinic and you are sent home the same day. However, if complications arise, you may need emergency care. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first, usually in an abortion clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

• Uterine Perforation. Uterine perforation occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus[1].
• Incomplete Abortion. The procedure may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur with surgical abortion or the abortion pill. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection.[1]
• Asherman Syndrome. Asherman Syndrome is a condition in which ​​scar tissue forms inside the uterus. This can occur as a result of multiple surgical abortions, making it difficult to become pregnant in the future.[2]
• Negative Impact on Future Pregnancies. Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies[2].
• Allergic Reaction. Although rare, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock after taking misoprostol if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the medication.[3]
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during a surgical abortion, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).[4]

Get the unbiased medical information needed to make a fully informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy at Morning Star Clinics. We’re happy to answer all of your questions. 

Get Tested for STDs

It’s crucial to get tested for STDs regularly, as many don’t have obvious symptoms. Additionally, STDs can increase your risk of developing an infection after an abortion. 

Morning Star Clinics provides free STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health! 

Abortion Information Near Harrisburg, PA 

Our compassionate team is ready to serve you. Get the facts you need and the care you deserve at Morning Star Clinics. 

Schedule your appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Ultrasound

Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.   

Sources

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm 
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 3). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551 
3. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594