Abortion Care
An abortion is a medical process or procedure that ends a pregnancy. If you want to have an abortion or just have questions, visit an abortion care center to talk about your options.
Abortion Process
Every state has its own abortion laws and care options. In some states, such as Indiana and West Virginia, abortion is completely banned. If you live in one of these states and want to have an abortion, you must travel to another state.
Many other states have restrictions to abortion care. For instance, Georgia and South Carolina only allow abortions for people who are no more than six weeks pregnant.
In New Jersey, abortion is completely legal. You can have an abortion at any time during pregnancy. NJFPL supports abortion care in 15 New Jersey counties. Nobody is ever turned away for care, regardless of immigration status and ability to pay.
Types of Abortion Care
There are two options for abortion: an abortion pill and an abortion procedure. A healthcare provider at an abortion care center can discuss which option may be right for you.
Here’s how these methods work and what to expect.
Abortion Pill
In New Jersey, many abortion care providers offer the abortion pill up to about 11 weeks of pregnancy.
First, you may have an ultrasound. This is done to see how far along the pregnancy is. Then, you will be given one or two abortion medications with instructions on how to take the pills.
After you take the pills, you may experience cramping, fever, and heavy bleeding. Depending on how your body responds, these symptoms may last up to several hours and lighter cramping, bleeding and/or spotting lasting a few days to a few weeks. Your provider will advise you on how to make sure the pregnancy has ended.
Abortion Procedure
An abortion procedure is also known as an in-clinic, suction or aspiration abortion. It may be done on the same day you talk to a healthcare provider or at a later date. The amount of time since your last period will often determine the exact details of the procedure. The information below is what to expect in most cases.
First, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. Then, you will lie on an exam table with a sheet over your lap and place your feet in stirrups. Your provider will discuss options to reduce the pain you may feel. This can range from comfort measures like a heating pad and over-the-counter medicines to full sedation.
Next, your provider will use a gentle suctioning device to empty your uterus and end the pregnancy. In most cases, this abortion procedure lasts about five to ten minutes. You may experience some cramping, bleeding and/or spotting for a few days to a few weeks.
A quality abortion care provider will help you feel as comfortable and safe as possible during your abortion. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider for more information.
The New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL) is dedicated to providing access to sexual and reproductive health services and education for all people regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or ability to pay. Visit NJFPL to find an abortion care center near you today.
If you are experiencing any form of abuse and/or violence, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.
The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence offers lifesaving tools and immediate support 24/7 to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence to find safety and live free of abuse. Their toll-free 24/7 hotline is available at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or text LOVEIS to 22522.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault offers medical, legal and support services for survivors of sexual violence. Their toll-free 24/7 hotline is available at 1-800-601-7200.
Your safety comes first, all calls are confidential. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
