Abortion

Considering Abortion in Pennsylvania? Get the Facts First!

If you’re considering abortion in Pennsylvania, you deserve accurate medical education to make the best decision for your situation. The compassionate medical professionals at Expectations Women's Center provide free resources to help you understand all your options and next steps.

A woman considering her options in Pennsylvania

A woman smiling after her appointment at Expectations Women's Center

Step 1: Confirm Your Pregnancy

Before considering abortion, it’s essential to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are. Expectations Women's Center offers:

Free medical-grade pregnancy tests – Get accurate results you can trust

Free ultrasounds – Determine gestational age and confirm proper uterine development

Step 2: Understand Abortion Types and Risks

The Abortion Pill (Medication Abortion)

The abortion pill involves two separate medications taken over several days:

Mifepristone (First Medication):

Blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain pregnancy
Causes the embryo to stop growing
Taken at the medical facility under supervision

Misoprostol (Second Medication):

Taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone
Causes uterine contractions to expel pregnancy tissue
Usually taken at home
Most effective up to 10 weeks of pregnancy

Learn More About Abortion Pill

Surgical Abortion Procedures

Aspiration/Suction Abortion:

Most common surgical abortion method
Uses suction device to remove embryo or fetus through the vagina
Performed at abortion clinic as outpatient procedure
Typically completed the same day

Learn More About Surgical Abortion

Abortion Risks and Complications to Consider

Understanding potential risks helps you make a fully informed decision about abortion procedures.

Common Complications and Risks

Incomplete Abortion[1]:

Failure to remove all fetal tissue completely
More common with abortion pill than surgical procedures
May require additional surgical intervention to prevent infection or bleeding
Occurs in approximately 2-7% of medication abortions

Failed Abortion[2]:

Pregnancy continues despite abortion attempt
More common with medication abortion
May require surgical procedure to complete abortion
Some women choose to continue pregnancy when this occurs

A woman considering abortion risks and complications

Abortion Risks and Complications to Consider

Infection Risk[3][4][5]:

Can result from instrument insertion or retained tissue
May develop into serious pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Severe cases can lead to sepsis (life-threatening body-wide infection)
Can cause scarring that impacts future fertility

Hemorrhage (Heavy Bleeding)[6]:

Approximately 1 in 100 women using abortion pill require surgical intervention for bleeding
May require emergency medical treatment
Can be life-threatening if not treated promptly

Physical Injury[7]:

Risk of cervical or uterine damage from surgical instruments
Rare but serious complications include organ puncture
Risk increases with later gestational age
May require surgical repair

Long-Term Health Considerations

Impact on Future Pregnancies[8][9][10][11][12]:

Research indicates increased risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies
Studies show potential link to low birth weight in future babies
Risk may be higher with multiple abortions
Discuss personal risk factors with healthcare provider

Two women discussing the Long-Term Health Considerations

A woman searching for Abortion Education in Williamsport and Lewisburg, PA

Abortion Education in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Making decisions about pregnancy requires accurate, comprehensive medical education. At Expectations Women's Center, our experienced medical team provides:

Free pregnancy testing
Pregnancy confirmation and dating ultrasounds
Pregnancy options education
Compassionate, judgment-free support

Give us a call at 570-523-6872 or make an appointment online today.

Make an Appointment

*Please note: We do not provide extended OB/GYN or prenatal care, birth control prescriptions or devices, fertility testing, abortion services, or referrals for abortion or STI/STD testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does abortion cost in Pennsylvania?

Abortion costs vary based on procedure type, gestational age, and location. Additional costs may or may not include required consultations, testing, and follow-up care.

What are the abortion laws in Pennsylvania?

Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.

When should I seek emergency medical care after abortion?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 2 pads per hour for 2+ consecutive hours)
Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Signs of allergic reaction
Persistent nausea or vomiting

Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, October 15). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. doi:10.1097/ aog.0000000000004083. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation#
Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409.
Bridwell RE, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2022 Oct 23;23(6):919-925. doi: 10.5811/ westjem.2022.8.57929. PMID: 36409940; PMCID: PMC9683756.
Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (2016). Mifeprex Medication Guide. https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download
Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgatta, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M. D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.122-29). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-inflammatory-disease
Swingle, H. M., Colaizy, T. T., Zimmerman, M. B., Morriss, F. H. (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: A systematic review with meta-analyses. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 54(2), 95–108.
Shah, P. S., Zao, J. (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11), 1425–42. doi: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2009.02278.x.
Moreau, C., Kaminski, M., Ancel, P.Y., Bouyer, J., et al (2005). Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: Results of the EPIPAGE study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol,5,112(4):430–37.
Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N., Papiernik, E., Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Kaminski, M (2004). History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in European countries: Results
Carlsson, I., Breding, K., & Larsson, P.-G. (2018, September 25). Complications related to induced abortion: a combined retrospective and longitudinal follow-up study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156848/