Understanding Abortion Options & Planning Your Appointment

Question
I am 29 and 8 1/2 weeks pregnant, and after much soul searching I have decided to have an abortion.  I called planned parenthood and I have an appointment there tomm.  They were a little vague on the phone and actually made me a little nervous, plus I kept telling them I was 8 weeks pregnant and they kept telling me I was 7 which was strange.  They said I could have a surgical abortion or the other kind (with the pill I don't remember the name).  The issue is that although I am pro-choice and have decided this is the best decision for myself and my husband I don't want anyone else to know.  First of all I don't feel its anyone elses business and second the few people who do know (one of my closest friends and my boss) would not be ok with me having an abortion.  My friend is a RN and just had her first child 6 months ago and is VERY anti-abortion.  Although I don't agree with her on every aspect of life I still love and respect her.  I also don't want to lose my job and I realize this may require a couple of days off of work.  I guess what I am asking is, is it common for someone who has had an abortion to tell people she miscarried?  And how does one go about doing that?  I have never been pregnant before and I would have no idea what to say or do.

Answer
Hi Lynn :)

Did you calculate how far along you are from you Last Menstrual Period? I know that's how they calculate, and sometimes they do come up with a different amount of time of pregnancy. And you're right-it's no-one's business but yours. And yes, a lot of women do do that. And it's not wrong-you will be miscarrying, it's just that you're inducing the process instead of it happening on its own. And to add to that, miscarriages are most common in the first trimester, so someone miscarrying at 8 weeks would not be surprising. You can tell them you miscarried, and you weren't very far along, and needed to see the doctor. Sometimes when women miscarry, they'll need a procedure called a D&C which cleans their uterus of any remaining embryonic/fetal tissue so they won't get an infection. It's similar to a surgical abortion-before abortion was legalized, D&Cs were what the doctor would use/report it as so that the woman could still terminate. Similar recovery time as well. So those days you may need off work can simply be because you miscarried and needed to go to a doctor/hospital. Nothing more is necessary. Maybe a they will inquire more, asking how you're doing, etc., but that's it. Hope that helps, if not, let me know!