Michigan’s Informed Consent For Abortion Law requires that any woman seeking an abortion be given the following information at least 24 hours before the scheduled abortion:

• A summary of the abortion procedure she will undergo submitted in writing.
• By clicking below, you can see video of fetal development corresponding to the gestational age5 Weeks
  • 8 Weeks
  • 11 Weeks
  • 16 Weeks
• Prenatal care information.
• Parenting information.

ArborWoman cares very much about each woman and her future. That’s why we offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can come to speak to our team of licensed medical and counseling professionals to gather all the information you need. If you are considering abortion and are feeling alone or confused, please come see us to talk privately.

If you are thinking about abortion, it is important to educate yourself on the procedures and risks involved. There are multiple abortion procedures; each with their own potential side effects.

• If a woman’s fetus is in the first trimester, the following procedures may be used:
  • 1st trimester medication abortion procedure:
    “The Abortion Pill” or RU486
    (4-7 Weeks after last menstrual period (LMP))
    RU-486, known as “the abortion pill,” is actually a combination of two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — that cause early abortion. According to the manufacturer, it should not be used if it has been more than 7 weeks since your last period. It is NOT the same as the “morning after pill.” Side effects can include: heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramping. If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
    
    
  • 1st trimester surgical abortion procedure:
    Suction Abortion
    (4-13 weeks after LMP)
    The most common abortion during this stage is a suction abortion. The cervix is dilated/stretched by inserting a series of metal rods into the cervix. When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula, which is a long plastic tube connected to a suction device, is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta. Varying degrees of pain control are offered ranging from local anesthetic to full general anesthesia. Although rare, side effects can occur with any medical procedure. They can include: heavy bleeding/hemorrhage, infection, and injury to uterus, cervix or other organs.
    
    
• If a woman’s fetus is in the second trimester, the following procedures may be used:
  • 2nd trimester surgical abortion procedures:
    Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
    (14 weeks after LMP)
    In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This can be done using medication or by placing absorbent dilators into the cervix several hours or the day before the abortion procedure. Dilating the cervix may cause cramping. Once the cervix is stretched open, the provider uses medical instruments like forceps and/or suction curettage to remove the fetus and placenta. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, it may be necessary to use medication to stop the fetus’s heart prior to the procedure. To remove the fetus from the uterus, it may also be necessary to dismember the fetus during the procedure. Although rare, side effects can occur with any medical procedure. They can include: heavy bleeding/hemorrhage, infection, and injury to uterus, cervix or other organs.
  • Dilation and Extraction (D&X)
    (20 weeks after LMP to full-term*)
    This procedure can take up to three days. The cervix is first dilated by placing absorbent dilators into the cervix which will typically stay in place up to two days. Dilating the cervix may cause cramping. On the third day, the provider will provide local or general anesthesia before the abortion procedure. The fetus is removed using instruments such as forceps, suction, and/or curettes. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, it may be necessary to use medication to stop the fetus’s heart prior to the procedure. To remove the fetus from the uterus, it may also be necessary to dismember the fetus during the procedure. Although rare, side effects can occur with any medical procedure. They can include: heavy bleeding/hemorrhage, infection, and injury to uterus, cervix or other organs.
    • *Please Note: In Michigan, elective abortion is legal up to the point of viability, around 23 weeks.

A limited obstetrical ultrasound will provide information about three things:

• Is the pregnancy growing in the uterus
• How far along are you (also known as gestational age)? This will help to determine the due date.
• Cardiac activity (the human heart starts to beat at 5 weeks)

If the pregnancy test performed at ArborWoman is positive and you are at least six weeks along in your pregnancy, you’re eligible to receive a free limited obstetrical ultrasound.