Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a minor surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or a simple surgical procedure.

Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue, generally within the first ten weeks.

Surgical abortion involves gently opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia.

Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion?

Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses a brief in-clinic procedure.

A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be safely taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus.

Is Abortion Legal in Iowa?

Yes, abortion is legal in Iowa, but only during the very early weeks of pregnancy. Right now, the law says that a woman can have an abortion only before a heartbeat can be detected, which usually happens around six weeks. That’s often before someone even knows they’re pregnant. After that point, abortion is only allowed in certain situations—like if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, if there’s a serious medical risk to the woman, or if the baby has a condition that means it wouldn’t survive.

If someone is under 18 and wants an abortion, Iowa law says they need to tell a parent or get permission from a judge.

Does Abortion Hurt?

Abortion does hurt, but the amount of pain felt depends on the procedure, the duration of the pregnancy, and individual pain tolerance.

Experiences can vary with both medical and surgical abortions. Physical and mental factors can influence the amount of pain one experiences. This is why talking with one of our medical professionals is so important.

How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Fertility may return as soon as two weeks but can take several months for some women.

Many women ovulate before their first post-abortion period—often around four to six weeks—but some may not ovulate again for two to three months or longer.

Because cycles vary, pregnancy is possible almost immediately, or it may be delayed. 

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Any medical procedure can carry some risks. These vary by method (medical or surgical) and factors like gestational age or personal health.

General Risks:

• Emotional Impact: Feelings like sadness or relief vary; distress is more likely with pre-existing mental health issues.
• Serious Complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, damage to other internal organs, or death are extremely rare.
• Future Fertility: Usually unaffected unless rare complications like severe scarring occur.
  
  

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill, up to ~10 weeks):

• Common: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea.
• Rare Risks: Incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy.
  
  

Surgical Abortion (e.g., Aspiration, Dilation and Evacuation):

• Common: Cramping, light bleeding.
• Rare Risks: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring (rare, may affect fertility).

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks, but could be longer depending on the procedure and length of pregnancy, including light spotting sometimes continuing for several weeks.

After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and passing small clots tend to occur in the first few days, then gradually taper off; light spotting can persist for up to six weeks.

With a surgical abortion, most bleeding clears within about a week, though mild spotting may continue for one to two weeks afterward.

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion varies widely depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage.

Some people pay only a modest out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher expenses if their insurance doesn’t cover the service or if the procedure occurs later in pregnancy.

What's In the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining, causing the pregnancy to detach.

Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA only approves of this procedure during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should only be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit to confirm success and address any cramping or bleeding.