ABORTION INFORMATION
Are you pregnant and considering abortion? Learn about procedure methods, and your
options. Valley Women’s Clinic understands the difficulty of facing an unexpected pregnancy. Perhaps you’re considering a termination, or you may have already called an abortion clinic. Take time to learn more about your
options and abortion information in Virginia. We do not profit from your decision and neither perform nor refer for abortions, allowing us to provide unbiased support.
No cost. No age restriction. 100% confidential.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment to learn more about abortion and your options.
MEDICAL ABORTION
Medical termination, also known as the abortion pill or medication abortion, can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks gestation) after the start of your last menstrual period (LMP). Many telehealth abortion pill providers require an ultrasound before administering the pills, which we can provide at no cost. We can also provide vital information about your pregnancy and whether the abortion pill is an option for you.
Here are some facts about the abortion pill:
- It was approved by the FDA in 2000; it is also called a medical or chemical abortion.
- The pill is actually two drugs taken in two separate doses.
- It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.
- The abortion pill is not the same as emergency contraceptives (The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step).
- Abortion pill reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose.
SURGICAL ABORTION
Vacuum Aspiration/Suction Curettage3,4 – Up through 13 weeks LMP. Most early surgical terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically used to reduce pain. The abortion involves opening the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls the embryo out.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)5,6 – 14 weeks LMP and up. Most second trimester abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. General anesthesia may be used, if available. Besides the need to open the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp and remove fetal parts. D&E has a higher risk of complications compared to Vacuum Aspiration/Suction Curettage.
D&E After Viability7-9 – 21 weeks LMP and up. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the fetal heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is opened wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and the fetus is removed by forceps. An increased risk to the life and health of the mother is associated with this procedure.
REFERENCES
MEDICAL ABORTION
Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/
1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/
2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/
SURGICAL ABORTIONS
3. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). First Trimester Aspiration Abortion. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 135-156).
4. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
5. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
6. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). Dilation and Evacuation. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 157-74). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
7. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). Dilation and Evacuation. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 157-74). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
8. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2013). Practice Bulletin: Second-Trimester Abortion (135).
9. Pasquini, L., et al. Intracardiac injection of potassium chloride as method for feticide: Experience from a single U.K. tertiary centre. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 2008;115(4):528–31.
PREGNANCY VERIFICATION
Book An Appointment
Question? Let's Chat.
Our staff and nurses are ready to assist you. Get answers to your questions and learn about our free services.
Call (540) 552-5556.
SAVE YOURSELF MONEY
All of our services are 100% free and confidential. Valley Women’s Clinic is a non-profit medical clinic that is free for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Learn more about abortion information in Virgina and abortion laws.
Abortion Laws Virginia
Information retrieved 10.13.2022
MINORS
Virginia state law requires those under the age of 18 to have one parent or legal guardian to be notified of and give consent to an abortion procedure.
LATE TERM ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
Late term abortions (terminations in the third trimester of pregnancy) are currently banned in Virginia, but exceptions are made in cases where the pregnancy is putting the mother’s life or health at severe risk.
References:
ABORTION LAWS VIRGINIA
Information taken from Commonwealth of Virginia (2022). “Code of Virginia, Chapter 4, Article 9. Abortion.” Retrieved from: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title18.2/chapter4/article9/
The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.
Dr. Matthew McCarthy
Medical Director