https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/abortion-procedures daily 0.75 2019-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145557148-3D3RG9W48F05YAI8VAYB/1.png Abortion Procedures Plan B One-Step (also known as the “morning-after pill") is intended to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse, or forced sex. It is one pill that contains large amounts of levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone found in some birth control pills. It is recommended to be taken within 72 hours of sex. It may work by preventing an egg and sperm from meeting. It won’t disrupt an implanted pregnancy, but may prevent a newly formed life from implanting in the uterus and continuing to develop, which is a form of early abortion. Side effects may include changes in periods, nausea, lower abdominal pain, tiredness, headache and dizziness. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. Plan B One-Step should not be taken during pregnancy. Nor should it be used as a routine form of birth control because it isn’t as effective. Women who experience severe abdominal pain after taking the drug may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical help. Studies on Plan B’s effectiveness come down to an educated guess. Some conclude that it is “more effective than nothing” while others suggest it was not shown to reduce unintended pregnancy rates. There are no long term studies on the safety of current forms of Emergency Contraceptive if used frequently over long periods of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145557444-5KQZ4Z9IHD76SDFZ424O/2.png Abortion Procedures Ella is an emergency contraception for use within 5 days of sex or contraceptive failure. It is to be used only once during a menstrual cycle. If used as directed, Ella is reported to reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it is not effective in every case. Ella may reduce the chance of pregnancy by preventing or postponing ovulation. It may also work by preventing an embryo from implanting in the uterus, which is a form of early abortion. Ella is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill, Mifeprex. Both share the progesterone-blocking effect of blocking the embryo’s attachment to the womb, causing its death. Ella’s impact on existing human pregnancies was not tested, however Ella did cause abortions in pregnant animals, including monkeys, which carries the same potential in humans. The most common side effects of Ella include headache, nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, menstrual cramps, tiredness, and dizziness. Women who experience abdominal pain after using Ella should be evaluated right away for ectopic pregnancy. Ella may not be as effective if taken with certain drugs, or may change the effectiveness of certain drugs. Much is unknown about the drug, including its effect on women under 18, on pregnant women, and on women who are breast-feeding. The effect on pregnancies that continue after using Ella is unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145558069-JBFBZ6KFVFUO45ZFENSI/3.png Abortion Procedures This drug is approved to use on women up to 70 days (10 weeks) after their last menstrual period (LMP). The approved medication requires a single office visit, and additional office visits are up to the medical practitioner’s discretion. On the first office visit, the woman is given mifepristone to swallow, which causes the death of the baby. 24 to 48 hours later, misoprostol tablets are taken which cause cramping that expels the baby. It is possible that she may see identifiable parts expelled if she is beyond 8 weeks LMP. By 10 weeks LMP, the developing baby is over one inch in length with clearly recognizable arms, legs, hands and feet. Follow up occurs one to two weeks after taking the 1st pill to determine if the procedure is complete and to check for complications. The abortion provider decides if the follow up is a phone call, blood test, in-office exam and/or an ultrasound. Risks include serious and sometimes fatal infections and bleeding, failed abortions, and risk of fetal abnormalities. Women who change their mind after taking just the first drug of a medical abortion and want to try to continue their pregnancies can call the “Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline” at 1-877-558-0333. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145558194-IS3I12FEICUP0V4T2VLL/4.png Abortion Procedures Methotrexate - This drug is approved for treating certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, but is used off-label to treat ectopic pregnancies and to induce abortion. It works by stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cells. It is used up through 49 days of pregnancy and given orally or by injection. Three to seven days after methotrexate is taken, misoprostol is used vaginally which causes cramping and bleeding that expels the baby. Side effects include diarrhea, mouth ulcers, nausea, abdominal distress, fatigue, chills, fever and dizziness. Bleeding typically lasts 2-3 weeks. Both methotrexate and misoprostol are associated with reports of birth defects in pregnancies that continue. Misoprostol Only: This form of medical abortion uses only the second drug given in the RU-486 method. It is typically inserted vaginally, requires repeated doses and has a significantly higher failure rate than “the abortion pill” method. It is associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and with potential birth defects in pregnancies that continue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145558810-UADAGB6XKYJ9FDE2HILF/5.png Abortion Procedures First trimester suction/aspiration abortion (4-13 weeks LMP) This surgical abortion is done throughout the first trimester. Varying degrees of pain control are offered ranging from local anesthetic to full general anesthesia. For very early pregnancies (4-7 weeks LMP), after local anesthetic is given, a long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus which is then attached to a manual suction device and the embryo is suctioned out. Later in the first trimester, the cervix needs to be opened wider because the fetus is larger. The cervix may be softened the day before using medication placed in the vagina and/or slowly stretched open using thin bundles made of seaweed inserted into the cervix. The day of the procedure, the cervix may need further stretching using metal dilating rods. This can be painful, so local anesthesia is typically used. Next, the doctor inserts a stiff plastic tube into the uterus and applies suction by either an electric or manual vacuum device. The suction pulls the baby’s body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a sharp loop-shaped tool, called a curette, to scrape any remaining fetal parts out of the uterus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145559191-XVC3FEWDG3A1JOAD9GS5/6.png Abortion Procedures Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) About 13 weeks LMP & up: The majority of second trimester abortions are performed using this method. The cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion because the baby is larger. Sometimes laminaria and/or vaginal medications are placed in the cervical opening the night before to soften the cervix. Up to about 16 weeks gestation, the procedure is similar to the first trimester one, with the following addition: after the cervix is stretched open and the uterine contents are suctioned out, any remaining fetal parts are removed with forceps (grasping tool). A curette (loop-shaped tool) may also be used to scrape out any remaining tissue. After 16 weeks, much of the procedure is done using forceps to grasp, tear and pull fetal parts out through the cervical opening, as suction alone will not work due to the baby’s size. The doctor keeps track of what fetal parts have been removed so that none are left inside. Lastly, a curette, and/or the suction machine are used to remove any remaining tissue or blood clots, which, if left behind, could cause infection and bleeding. Medical Methods for 2nd & 3rd trimester abortions: This procedure induces abortion using drugs to cause labour and eventually delivery of the baby and placenta. Like labour at term, this procedure typically involves 10-24 hours in a hospital’s labour and delivery unit. Digoxin or potassium chloride is injected into the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord or fetal heart prior to labour to avoid the delivery of a live fetus. The cervix is softened using laminaria and/or medications. Next, pitocin, misoprostol and sometimes mifepristone are used to induce labour. In most cases, these drugs result in the delivery of the dead fetus and placenta. The patient may receive oral or intravenous pain medications. Occasionally, scraping of the uterus is needed to remove the placenta. Potential complications include hemorrhage, the need for a blood transfusion, retained placenta and possible uterine rupture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145559815-0ZZ2WIE0HN2B4VN4S8RB/7.png Abortion Procedures D&E after Viability (24 weeks & up): This procedure typically takes 2-3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. Because a live birth is possible, injections are given to cause fetal death. Medications are either injected into the amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord or directly into the baby’s heart. The remainder of the procedure is the same as the second trimester D&E. Fetal parts are reassembled after removal from the uterus to make sure nothing is left behind to cause infection or bleeding. An alternative procedure, called “Intact D&E” is also used. The goal is to remove the baby in one piece, thus reducing the risk of leaving parts behind or causing damage to the woman’s body. This procedure requires the cervix to be opened wider; however, it is still often necessary to crush the fetus’ skull for removal as it is difficult to dilate the cervix wide enough to bring the head out intact. Medical Methods for 2nd & 3rd trimester abortions: This procedure induces abortion using drugs to cause labour and eventually delivery of the baby and placenta. Like labour at term, this procedure typically involves 10-24 hours in a hospital’s labour and delivery unit. Digoxin or potassium chloride is injected into the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord or fetal heart prior to labour to avoid the delivery of a live fetus. The cervix is softened using laminaria and/or medications. Next, pitocin, misoprostal and sometimes mifepristone are used to induce labour. In most cases, these drugs result in the delivery of the dead fetus and placenta. The patient may receive oral or intravenous pain medications. Occasionally, scraping of the uterus is needed to remove the placenta. Potential complications include hemorrhage, the need for a blood transfusion, retained placenta and possible uterine rupture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145560182-DGFJB9JWAAY1953QPQ5D/8.png Abortion Procedures Abortion carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection and damage to organs. Serious or immediate physical complications occur infrequently in early abortions, but increase with later abortions. - Heavy Bleeding: some bleeding after an abortion is normal. However, there is a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. - Incomplete/Failed Abortion: sometimes, a surgical abortion fails to suction out the embryo and the pregnancy continues. - Infection: infection can develop from the insertion of medical instruments into the uterus or from fetal parts that are mistakenly left inside. - Damage to organs: the cervix and/or uterus may be cut, torn or punctured by abortion instruments. - Emboli: clots may form in the bloodstream. If they break off and travel, they are known as “emboli”. They can lodge in the lungs, causing illness and even death. - Anesthesia: may cause allergic reactions with varying degrees of severity. - Death: in extreme cases, complications from abortion such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, organ damage and other adverse reactions may lead to death. The risk of death immediately following an induced abortion performed at or below 8 weeks is extremely low, but increases with the length of the pregnancy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568145560518-U9UHJPCCNC4CNUND9QRE/9.png Abortion Procedures Abortion & Pre-term Birth: Women who undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significantly increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future. Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of children with cerebral palsy, as well as all other newborn complications (respiratory, bowel, brain and eye problems). Abortion & Breast Cancer: Medical experts debate the association between abortion and breast cancer. Research has shown the following: 1) carrying a pregnancy to full term gives a measure of protection against breast cancer, especially if the pregnancy is before the age of 30, 2) the hormones of pregnancy cause breast tissue to grow rapidly in the first 3 months, but it is not until after 32 weeks LMP that breasts mature enough to produce milk and become more cancer resistant, and 3) the majority of worldwide studies report a positive association between induced abortion and later development of breast cancer. Abortion & Placenta Previa: Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers or partially covers the cervix. This can result in unpredictable massive bleeding that threatens the life of baby and mother, especially during labour. In addition to the risk of bleeding, it is associated with the risk of preterm birth and death in early infancy. Psychological & Emotional Impact: After abortion, many women say they initially felt relief and looked forward to their lives returning to normal. But some women report negative emotions after abortion that linger. There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in long-term emotional and physical health. In line with the best available evidence, women should be informed that abortion significantly increases risk for clinical depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Relational Impact: Pregnancy often affects a woman’s most important relationships. Research reveals that couples who choose induced abortion are at increased risk for problems in their relationships. Women experiencing lack of support and pressure to abort from their partners were more likely to choose abortion. Women who face intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to experience abortion. https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/take-action daily 0.75 2019-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1568146309784-HYS2K79P0QU7K0ZPDEHD/image-asset.jpeg Take Action https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/home daily 1.0 2019-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1567535921686-50S9M24H43GF4NJ6IT27/image-asset.jpeg Home - legalized abortion Abortion is legal anytime, for any reason. Canada is the only democratic country in the entire world to have zero laws on abortion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1567536039853-1PY0T81D5BLQS0U083SF/image-asset.jpeg Home - what is abortion Click below to read a non-graphic description of the various abortion procedures available, depending on the gestation of the baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1566910432503-IUBIXL4OMDX15PMYS7CF/image-asset.jpeg Home https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/bills-laws daily 0.75 2021-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6526496c81ea0001e05374/1566910714697-4ADJ2MUFQAISG6M0X2HU/image-asset.jpeg Bills & Laws https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2022-05-12 https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/contact daily 0.75 2019-09-03 https://abortionlaws.squarespace.com/home-alt-bedford daily 0.75 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500612440-PGQSIY8KL9F7T5VIXQLO/chambers-2.jpg Home Alt A better world Starts with a choice Contact Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500503574-5BAPXZO9U06UV61P49UO/chambers1.jpg Home Alt Sustainability Starts with you Join Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500933384-LII4SRIPHFYOUFX0UCXC/chambers-4.jpg Home Alt A better world Starts with a choice Join Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390504287124-HQ8GNX1JCE22V047MSQ9/chambers-8.jpg Home Alt Preserve Nature Join Us