What to Expect from an In-Clinic Abortion

Where Can I Get an In-Clinic Abortion in Kentucky ?

Currently, abortion is illegal in Kentucky . 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 Kentucky . 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
• When to seek medical help if you experience complications
• 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 the abortion pill, a suction (vacuum) aspiration, or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).

Abortion Pill

The abortion pill (also known as chemical or medication abortion) is a two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy in its early stages. It is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[2]

Here’s how it works:

• Mifepristone: The first pill is taken in an abortion clinic. It blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.

• Misoprostol: The second pill is taken at home, 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes uterine contractions, expelling the embryo or fetus.

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 a medication is used to open (dilate) 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 most often performed in the second trimester (after 12 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:

• 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[3]: 

• 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 $1,500-2,000. 

These prices do not include the cost of any pre-screening services (such as an ultrasound) or follow-up care.

Side Effects and Risks

Abortion Pill

Common side effects of the abortion pill include[4]:

• Bleeding that can last up to a month
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)

Severe side effects include:

• Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[5]
• Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[6]
• Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[7]
• Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[4]

If you experience any of these side effects after taking the abortion pill, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Surgical Abortion

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.[8]

Potential physical risks include:  

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[9]
• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[10]  
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[11]  

Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[12][13]

• 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.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care 

Complications can happen after an in-clinic abortion. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Heavy, excessive bleeding
• Persistent fever
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• No bleeding within 24 hours of the procedure

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

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 5.3 and 7 weeks of pregnancy.[14]

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care.

Gestational Age

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.

Knowing your gestational age is crucial because abortion becomes increasingly risky the further along you are.

Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Click the button below to schedule your appointment.

Considering an In-Clinic Abortion? Visit Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky First.

If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion, Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky is here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:

• Free Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI/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 (859) 282-9878 or schedule your appointment online today.

Sources

1. 1. 1. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf     
      2. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
      3. As advertised by abortion providers.
      4. 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/
      5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
      6. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
      7. FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf 
      8. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
      9. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
      10. 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
      11. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
      12. 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
      13. 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/
      14. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth