The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse PACT Adoption Alliance Abortion Surgical and Medical Abortion Abortion Services Deciding if Abortion is Right for You Unwanted pregnancies happen. Sometimes even the best birth control method fails. If you do not want to continue a pregnancy, you have the legal right to have an abortion. You may wish to discuss your situation and your feelings about abortion with your partner, parents or a friend. However, no one has the legal right to force you to have an abortion or prevent you from getting one.
Surgical abortion is a simple surgical procedure when done early and under good medical conditions.
It takes about 15-20 minutes and is usually done in a clinic or a doctor s office. Medical abortion is an option within the first 7 weeks after the last menstrual period and ends a pregnancy using particular drugs. It takes approximately 1-2 weeks to pass the pregnancy and you must be prepared to have a surgical abortion in the event that the medical abortion does not end the pregnancy. The staff at Planned Parenthood will be able to answer questions about types of abortions, fees and services available. If eligible, you may get financial help from the State if you cannot afford the cost of the abortion.