Nearly 1 and 4 people will either receive an abortion or be faced with the decision to do so in their lifetime. There are various reasons a person may decide to terminate their pregnancy; those could be due to medical, mental, physical, financial or environmental factors. Despite Roe V. Wade being overturned, abortion services are still offered and protected in the state of Minnesota. This article will define abortion and the difference between services, along with providing resources in Minnesota for those who are considering this option.
Please note: This article does not hold a certain political affiliation or belief system. The intended goal here is to provide a safe place for students to seek out resources or proper information regarding reproductive health services.
Definition of Abortion: The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Types of Abortion Services
Abortion Pill
What is it?
The “abortion pill” is known as a medication abortion. It is a safe and effective way to end early pregnancy. The individual who is partaking in this method would use two different medicines; mifepristone and misoprostol. Since pregnancy relies on a hormone called progesterone to grow normally, the purpose of taking mifepristone is to block your body’s own progesterone (stopping the pregnancy from growing). In addition to that, the purpose of misoprostol is to empty your uterus. It causes cramping and bleeding, like a heavy period or the process of a miscarriage.
When do you take it?
First, you should take the pill called mifepristone. Then you would take the second medicine, misoprostol, either right away or up to 48 hours later. However, if you do not experience bleeding within 24 hours of taking the second medicine, it is advised to call your doctor.
Depending on where you live, you can use this method for up to 11 weeks. After that, you may have to get an in-clinic abortion.
How effective is it?
The effectiveness depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy when you decide to take the medicine. If you are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it ranges from 94-98 out of 100 times the pregnancy is successfully terminated. For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. However, if you’re given an extra dose, it works about 98 out of 100 times.
Clinical Abortions
What is it?
An in-clinic abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy. They are sometimes referred to as “surgical abortion.” However, they are generally an in-office procedure, not surgery. There are a few different types of in-clinic abortion procedures, but your nurse or doctor will know which one is best for you depending on how far along you are.
A suction abortion (or vacuum aspiration) is the most common among in-clinic abortions. It uses a gentle suction to empty your uterus.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is another form of an in-clinic procedure. This method uses a combination of suction and medical tools to empty your uterus.
When can you get one?
You are usually able to receive a suction abortion (in-clinic) up to 14-16 weeks after your last period. Whereas you are usually able to get a D&E procedure (in-clinic) if it has been 16 weeks or longer since your last period (may vary from clinic to clinic).
How effective is it?
In-clinic abortions are extremely effective, and it is rare that you would need to receive a repeat procedure. They work more than 99 out of 100 times.
Know Your Local MN Resources
Planned Parenthood Locations
Rochester, MN | 507.288.5168
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via in-person or telehealth appointment. In-clinic abortions are not offered. Referrals to other clinics can be made during an in-person appointment.
Minneapolis, MN | 612.823.6300
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via in-person or telehealth appointment. In-clinic abortions are not offered. Referrals to other clinics can be made during an in-person appointment.
St. Paul, MN | 651.698.2406
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via an in-person or telehealth appointment. In-clinic abortions are offered for up to 23 weeks and 5 days from your last menstrual period.
Brooklyn Park, MN | 763.560.3050
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via in-person or telehealth appointment. In-clinic abortions are not offered. Referrals to other clinics can be made during an in-person appointment.
Red River Women’s Clinic
Moorehead, MN | 218.477.3191
Medication abortion care is offered as early as 5-6 weeks and up to 10 weeks via an in-person appointment. In-clinic abortions (suction abortion) are offered roughly between 10-16 weeks from your last menstrual period.
Robbinsdale Clinic P.A.
Robbinsdale, MN | 763.533.2534
Medication abortion care is offered up to 9 weeks via in-person appointments. In-clinic abortions (suction abortion) are offered for up to 12 weeks from your last menstrual period.
WE Health Clinic
Duluth, MN | 218.727.3352
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via in-person appointments. In-clinic abortions (suction abortion) are offered for up to 15.6 weeks from your last menstrual period.
Whole Woman’s Health of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN | 1.877.835.1090
Medication abortion care is offered up to 11 weeks via in-person, telemedicine or mail. In-clinic abortion procedures are offered up to 18 weeks since your last menstrual period.
Just the Pill
Just the pill is an online service that offers consultations/appointments via your phone or computer. They offer abortion pills that are delivered to your doorstep.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please visit the unrestrictmn.org. It includes every single one of the clinics listed above. You could also individually click on one of the clinic links to learn more about their services or to talk with one of their staff.
If you would like to speak with someone on campus, Winona State University offers counseling services in the IWC. In addition, Health & Wellness Services offers medical advice through in person appointments or by utilizing their Ask-A-Nurse hotline at 507.457.2292.
-Makayla Lende ’23
