Knowledge is empowering. As with any major medical procedure, you probably have questions. We will help provide answers. Learning about abortion types, procedures, and their potential risks can help you feel more prepared and confident in your decision. 

1st Trimester Abortion Procedures 

From the date of conception through week 12 is considered the first trimester. There are two options for abortions in this early stage of pregnancy.

• Medical Abortion (AKA The Abortion Pill) The abortion pill actually uses two different drugs to end a pregnancy. It’s FDA-approved for use until week 10 of a pregnancy. The FDA requires the medication to be dispensed under the supervision of a qualified physician.[2]
  • First Medication (Mifepristone): This drug is typically taken at an abortion clinic. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which stops the pregnancy from continuing to develop,[2] and stops the body’s ability to support a pregnancy.
  • Second Medication (Misoprostol): This drug is usually taken at home 24 to 48 hours later.[2] It causes the uterus to cramp and bleed to expel the pregnancy.[2] Bleeding and cramping typically start 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol,[3] and the pregnancy is most often expelled within that time.[5] Bleeding after a medical abortion can last 6-19 days, but in some cases up to 30 days.
  • Third Step: An ultrasound to confirm the abortion is complete is important. An incomplete abortion could result in infection from decaying pregnancy tissue and be life-threatening if not resolved.
• Surgical Abortion (Aspiration/Suction AKA D&C – Dilation and Curettage)

This is the most common type of surgical abortion. It is an outpatient procedure performed at an abortion clinic. A speculum is inserted in the vagina, then metal rods to dilate the cervix. A tool called a curette is used to scrape the walls of the uterus, and a suction device may be used as well to remove the pregnancy.[5]

2nd Trimester Abortion Procedures

Week 13 to week 27 is considered the second trimester. There is one abortion procedure available in this middle stage of pregnancy.

• Surgical Abortion (AKA D&E – Dilation and Evacuation) is performed in two steps over multiple days.

First the cervix is gradually dilated with sponge-like sticks called laminaria. They absorb moisture and expand, making room for the surgical tools. Usually on the second day, similar to a first trimester abortion, tools are inserted, but due to the size of the fetus, it likely will need to be removed with forceps in pieces, and the remaining contents of the uterus are suctioned out with a cannula.[6]

D&E procedures are done under anesthesia. You will need a follow-up visit to ensure the abortion is complete and no tissue is left behind in your uterus.[6]

Every medical procedure has risks. Understanding these risks is an important part of making the best decision for your health and well-being.

Abortion Risks Include:

• Incomplete Abortion: This occurs when the abortion does not completely remove all pregnancy tissue, which can lead to infection or bleeding. It happens in about 2-7% of medical abortions and may require a follow-up surgical procedure.[5]
• Failed Abortion: This is when the pregnancy continues after an attempted abortion. It is more common with medical abortion (the Pill) and may require a surgical procedure to complete, or a change in plans may be made to continue the pregnancy.[7] 
• Infection: Instrument insertion or tissue remaining in the uterus can sometimes cause infection.[8] In some cases, this can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Severe cases can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Infection may cause scarring and impact future fertility.[9][10]
• Hemorrhage (Heavy Bleeding): About 1 in 100 women who have a medical abortion will need a surgical procedure to stop heavy bleeding.[11] Significant blood loss can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical care.
• Physical Injury: Though rare, surgical abortion carries a risk of injury to the cervix or uterus from medical instruments. The risk of more serious complications, like organ puncture, increases in later-term pregnancies.[12]
• Impact on Future Pregnancies: Some studies suggest a possible link between abortion and an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight in future pregnancies.[13][14][15][16][17] It’s always a good idea to discuss your personal health history with a provider.

A study by the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that 1 in 10 women experience a serious adverse or life-threatening event up to 45 days after a medical abortion—including sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, and hospitalization.[18]

Before an abortion, it is vital to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many STIs do not have symptoms, and an untreated infection can increase your risk of complications, like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.[19] Getting tested (and treated if necessary) is a simple way to protect your reproductive health. Little Way offers free STI testing and treatment.

Little Way’s team of compassionate, non-judgmental nurses, sonographers, and client advocates is here to serve you. All services are confidential.

We want to help you gather the information you need about your pregnancy and your options so you can move forward with confidence.

Give us a call at (502) 583-2151 or schedule your free abortion consultation appointment online today. Little Way is a great first step.

Do I need an abortion? 

Maybe your pregnancy test was positive, but is your pregnancy viable? Approximately 25% of all first trimester pregnancies are not (1 in 4), and end in miscarriage. Little Way provides ultrasounds to determine viability; a critical step before making any plans.

How far along am I?  

An ultrasound is the best tool to determine gestational age, which will play an important role in discussing abortion procedures & pregnancy options.

How will an abortion affect my health and well-being? 

Abortion is considered a major medical procedure, and there are common side effects, including both physical and emotional, some long-term. 

Should I be tested for STIs prior to getting an abortion?

To protect your health, it is vital to be tested for sexually transmitted infections prior to having an abortion. We can help. Little Way provides free STI testing and treatment.

How much does an abortion cost in Kentucky?

The cost of an abortion depends on the type of procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and the clinic. Costs may start as low as a few hundred dollars but can increase significantly from there. The total cost may or may not include consultations, testing, ultrasounds, and follow-up appointments. 

Little Way can provide many services free of charge as you develop your plan, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing & treatment, etc. 

Is abortion legal in Kentucky?

Currently, abortion is illegal in Kentucky, with an exception to save the life of the mother.[20] 

Before you head across state lines, Little Way is a great first step to find out key information about your pregnancy and health as well as abortion procedures and risks.

Do I need a doctor’s prescription to get an abortion pill?

The abortion pill is not unlike other medications. The FDA requires the abortion pill to be prescribed and dispensed under the supervision of a qualified physician for your safety. Pregnancy verification via ultrasound needs to be determined prior to an abortion.

Can I get the abortion pill by mail?

You can order the abortion pill online, but it’s incredibly risky. Oftentimes, these by-mail providers are located overseas and the pills they provide are not FDA-approved. 

The FDA requires the abortion pill to be prescribed and dispensed under the supervision of a qualified physician for your safety, which includes verification of pregnancy via ultrasound. 

Is there an abortion clinic in Louisville, KY?

At this time, abortion is illegal in Kentucky, except to save the life of the mother. There are states where abortion is legal, but before heading across state lines, finding out some key information about your pregnancy is important. 

Little Way can help determine pregnancy viability, pregnancy location, as well as gestational dating. We can also provide education on abortion procedures and risks. Both are offered at no cost to you and are important prior to determining your plan.

When should I seek emergency medical care after an abortion?

Please go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Bleeding that soaks through more than two heavy-protection pads in an hour for two or more hours
• Severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, wheezing, swelling, etc.)
• Vomiting or nausea that does not go away

Can I change my mind after taking the first abortion pill?

Often women have a change of heart after taking the first abortion pill. There have been many successful reversals. Time is of the essence. Visit AbortionPillReversal.com to get started, or simply call or text us at (502) 583-2151.

At Little Way, we love questions, so please let us know if we can help answer anything else on your mind. We are here for you.

Give us a call or a text at (502) 583-2151 or schedule your free abortion consultation appointment online today.

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, October 15). Miscarriage. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001488.htm 
2. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1 
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
4. Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). Mifepristone (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 
5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, October 15). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm 
6. Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/ 
7. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. doi:10.1097/ aog.0000000000004083. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation# 
8. Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409.
9. Bridwell RE, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2022 Oct 23;23(6):919-925. doi: 10.5811/ westjem.2022.8.57929. PMID: 36409940; PMCID: PMC9683756. 
10. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594 
11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (2016). Mifeprex Medication Guide. https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download 
12. Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgatta, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M. D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.122-29). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. http://unmfamilyplanning.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/82693954/Ch%209%20-%20Medical%20Abortion.pdf 
13. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-inflammatory-disease 
14. Swingle, H. M., Colaizy, T. T., Zimmerman, M. B., Morriss, F. H. (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: A systematic review with meta-analyses. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 54(2), 95–108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19301572/ 
15. Shah, P. S., Zao, J. (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11), 1425–42. doi: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2009.02278.x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19769749/ 
16. Moreau, C., Kaminski, M., Ancel, P.Y., Bouyer, J., et al (2005). Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: Results of the EPIPAGE study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 5,112(4):430–37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15777440/ 
17. Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N., Papiernik, E., Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Kaminski, M (2004, January 29). History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in European countries: Results. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14998979/ 
18. Ethics & Public Policy Center. (2025, April 28). Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event. https://eppc.org/publication/insurance-data-reveals-one-in-ten-patients-experiences-a-serious-adverse-event/
19. Carlsson, I., Breding, K., & Larsson, P.-G. (2018, September 25). Complications related to induced abortion: a combined retrospective and longitudinal follow-up study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156848/ 
20. 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