What to Expect from an In-Clinic Abortion
An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering traveling to an abortion clinic, it's important to know what to expect. This can help you make a fully informed decision.
Where Can I Get an In-Clinic Abortion in Alabama?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama. However, exceptions can be made in the case of life endangerment to the pregnant woman.[1]
Because of the ban, there are no legal abortion clinics operating in Alabama. If you plan to travel to another state for an abortion, you need to understand:
The different types of in-clinic abortion procedures
The possible risks and side effects
What to do before visiting an abortion clinic
Keep reading to learn more.
Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures
The type of surgical abortion you can receive depends on how far along your pregnancy is. The abortion provider will recommend either a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Suction (Vacuum) Aspiration Abortion
A suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion is typically performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Here's how it works:
Before the procedure, small instruments or medication are used to dilate (open) the cervix.
Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a suction device is used to remove the fetus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion often performed in the second trimester (after 13 weeks). This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia. It’s more complex than a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion due to the fetus’s size.
Here's how it works:
Hours or days before the procedure, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix.
These sticks absorb moisture and gradually expand, opening the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a suction device and tools like forceps are used to remove the fetus.
How Much Does an In-Clinic Abortion Cost?
The cost of an in-clinic abortion depends on how far along you are. Here are the national averages[2]:
First Trimester (up to 13 weeks of pregnancy): Prices range from $600 to $979.
Second Trimester (13 to 24 weeks of pregnancy): Early in the second trimester, the average cost is $715. Later in the second trimester, the cost can range from $1,500 to $2,000.
These prices do not include the cost of any pre-screening services (such as an ultrasound) or follow-up care.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.[3]
Potential physical risks include:
Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus and may need surgical repair.[4]
Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures could impact future fertility.[5]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery could cause infection in the reproductive tract.[6]
Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[7][8]
Depression
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Substance abuse
Suicidal behaviors
If you're thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
What to Do Before Visiting an Abortion Clinic
Before visiting an abortion clinic, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age. This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.
Viability
Viable pregnancies continue to progress. Medical professionals look for signs like a fetal heartbeat that can appear with a vaginal ultrasound between 5 and 6 weeks of pregnancy.[9]
An ultrasound helps rule out nonviable pregnancies such as miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo grows outside the uterus). In these cases, abortion is not necessary, and alternative medical interventions are required.
Gestational Age
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Although you can try to calculate based on your last menstrual period, the most accurate measurement is done with an ultrasound.
Knowing your gestational age helps you know what type of abortion you are eligible for and which states you could travel to obtain an abortion.
HPRC provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests. Click the button below to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Clinic Abortion
Q: How long does recovery take after an in-clinic abortion?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure and how far along the pregnancy is. Most women experience cramping and bleeding for a few days to up to two weeks. Some women also need additional time for emotional recovery.
Q: Will I feel pain during an in-clinic abortion procedure?
Pain levels differ for each person. Suction aspiration procedures often involve cramping similar to strong menstrual cramps, while second-trimester D&E procedures are typically performed under anesthesia. Many women report the pain was more intense than they expected, especially in later procedures.
Q: What should I know before traveling out of state for an abortion?
Key considerations include confirming your gestational age with an ultrasound, understanding the specific laws and waiting periods in the destination state, arranging transportation and lodging, and planning for follow-up care. Getting accurate information about your pregnancy first can help you understand all of your options.
Considering an In-Clinic Abortion? Visit HPRC First.
If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion, HPRC is here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:
Free Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, and treatment.
Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
Personalized Guidance: We are here to answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options.
Give us a call at (256) 371-4654 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that HPRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
Alabama Legislature. (2024, February 1). House Bill 80. https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/HB80-int.pdf
As advertised by abortion providers.
Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion - Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
Coleman, PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881096/
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth