QuestionDear Dr Joan
I need to get an abortion-but I do not like to go to doctors. I heard about taking herbs for ending pregnancy, and I also heard about cytotec. To me these seem like the most natural methods, but I am wondering wheather they are safe. If you think they are good methods can you tell me how to find someone who can help me? I would at least like to find a doctor who has a natural approach.
AnswerDear Christa,
I am so glad that you asked this question about natural abortion methods. I am a doctor who is committed to offering the most natural abortion methods available. That said, I am not an advocate of either herbs for ending pregnancy nor cytotec unless you do not live in a country where you can access good medical care for terminating pregnancy.
The best resource for finding doctors who practice a natural approach to terminating pregnancy is: http://www.earlyabortion.com The best resource for herbal abortion is: http://www.sisterzeus.com
I recommend the Aspiration Abortion method as the most natural way to end early pregnancy. The Aspiration Abortion Procedure is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure that takes minutes to complete. The doctor simply inserts a thin cannula (like a straw) through the natural opening of the cervix. She attaches a small handheld device that applies gentle pressure. The pregnancy is expelled naturally into the device. There is no electric suction, no scraping, and no general sedation. It is completely safe for future pregnancies because there is no potential scarring.
In fact, the Aspiration Procedure has its roots in the feminist "take back our health" movement of the 1970's. The original name for the Aspiration procedure is "menstrual extraction." This device has now been modernized to be more suitable for early abortion, incomplete abortion, and miscarriage.
Many women assume that the most natural methods for early abortion are either herbal abortion, or cytotec. I do not agree, mainly because they do not work very well. They both can cause severe pain and cramping, heavy bleeding, as well as nausea - and then after going through this experience, you can find out that the abortion failed and the abortion was unsuccessful. This can be an emotionally distressing situation - many women find it upsetting that they tried to end the pregnancy and that the pregnancy continued despite their efforts. To make it worse, both herbal abortion and cytotec abortions can cause birth defects.
The Abortion Pill (RU486 or mifepristone)is my second choice for natural abortion methods. It is superior to either herbal abortion or cytotec abortion because it has a 98% success rate. In addition, you can choose a time to take the abortion pill, so you can prepare for the experience of the miscarriage by taking pain medicines to make it more comfortable. The abortion pill is completely safe and is only in your system for a few days. There are no long term consequences to taking the abortion pill.
I hope this answers your questions about natural abortion.
Doctor Joan
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City
