Abortion

If you’re considering abortion in Columbia, you’re not alone. The compassionate team at Daybreak LifeCare Center is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision.

Confirm Your Pregnancy

The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. Daybreak LifeCare Center provides free medical-grade pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds to help determine how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.

Having this information can help you better understand your pregnancy and your options going forward.

Woman searching online for "What is the first step for an abortion in South Carolina?"

Be Informed

Next, be informed about the different types of abortion and their associated risks.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) typically involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Without the effects of progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue. Misoprostol is then taken 24–48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and empty.1

The FDA-approved mifepristone and misoprostol regimen is indicated for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).1

What is Surgical Abortion and How Does it Work?

A surgical abortion, also called a procedural abortion, is performed using medical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The type of procedure used depends in part on how far along the pregnancy is.

In the first trimester, vacuum aspiration is typically used. A thin tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and attached to a suction or vacuum device to remove the pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, a dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure may be used, which involves dilating the cervix and using suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy.2

Most patients go home the same day if there are no complications.2

What are the Risks of Abortion?

  • Incomplete Abortion. Sometimes pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after a medication or surgical abortion. Additional medication or a procedure may be needed to remove the remaining tissue.2
  • Heavy Bleeding. Bleeding is expected with abortion, but prolonged or heavy bleeding can occur and may require medical or surgical treatment.2
  • Infection. Infection can occur after an abortion. Although uncommon, serious infection or sepsis can occur and requires prompt medical treatment.2
  • Allergic Reaction. Allergic reactions to mifepristone or misoprostol, including rare serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, have been reported.2
  • Uterine Perforation. During a surgical abortion, a medical instrument can rarely perforate, or make a hole in, the uterus.3
  • Cervical or Uterine Injury. Surgical abortion can rarely cause injury to the cervix or uterus.3
  • Intrauterine Scar Tissue. Scar tissue can rarely form inside the uterus following procedures involving the uterus. Severe intrauterine scarring is sometimes referred to as Asherman syndrome.3

Get the accurate information you need to make a fully informed decision about your unexpected pregnancy at Daybreak LifeCare Center. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the support you need.

Get Tested for STIs

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not cause noticeable symptoms, so you may have an infection without knowing it. STI testing can help identify infections so they can be treated and help protect your reproductive health.4

If you are considering a surgical abortion, talk with a healthcare provider about whether STI testing is recommended for you. Antibiotics may also be given before a surgical abortion to help reduce the risk of infection.2

Daybreak LifeCare Center provides referrals for STI testing and treatment to help you protect your health.

Woman who wants an abortion in South Carolina getting STD and STI test results
A woman calling Daybreak LifeCare Center to get Abortion Information in Columbia, South Carolina

Abortion Information in Columbia, South Carolina

Our compassionate team is here to provide the information and support you need as you consider your pregnancy options. Get the care you deserve at Daybreak LifeCare Center.

Call us at 803-771-6634 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and provided at no cost!

Please be aware that Daybreak LifeCare Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Request an Appointment

Sources

  1. 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-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
  2. Abortion Care. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
  3. Dilation and Curettage (D&C). American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dilation-and-curettage
  4. Getting Tested for STIs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, March 17). https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html