--- title: Abortion FAQs | Lugoff, South Carolina description: You're not the only one wondering. Find answers on abortion options, process, costs, and support in one clear, caring FAQ. --- [Skip to Content](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/abortion-faqs#main-content) - [![Call Icon](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/call%20icon.svg) Call Us | **(803) 900-5647**](tel:+18039005647) - [![Text Icon](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/top%20header%20text%20icon.svg) Text | **(803) 598-8400**](sms:+18035988400) [![Hope For Life Logo](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Hope%20For%20Life%20Logo.svg)](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com?hsLang=en) - [HOME](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com) - Show submenu for SERVICES SERVICES - [Text Our Nurses](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/nurse-texting) - [Free Testing & Ultrasounds](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) - [Planning for Abortion](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/abortion) - [Taking the Abortion Pill](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/abortion-pill-lugoff) - [Parenting Services](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/prenatal-parenting-support) - [Adoption Info](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/adoption-information) - [Healthy Relationship Coaching](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/healthy-relationships-coaching) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/what-to-expect) - [When Did I Conceive?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/when-did-i-conceive) - [Is The Abortion Pill Legal In South Carolina?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/is-the-abortion-pill-legal-in-south-carolina) - [How Do I Prepare For The Abortion Pill?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/abortion-pill-checklist) - [Does Abortion Hurt?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/does-abortion-hurt) - [How Much Does An Abortion Cost?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/how-much-does-an-abortion-cost) - [HELPFUL ADVICE](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice) [Make An Appointment](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/make-appointment?hsLang=en) [HOME](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com) Show submenu for SERVICES SERVICES [Text Our Nurses](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/nurse-texting) [Free Testing & Ultrasounds](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) [Planning for Abortion](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/abortion) [Taking the Abortion Pill](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/abortion-pill-lugoff) [Parenting Services](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/prenatal-parenting-support) [Adoption Info](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/adoption-information) [Healthy Relationship Coaching](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/healthy-relationships-coaching) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/what-to-expect) [When Did I Conceive?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/when-did-i-conceive) [Is The Abortion Pill Legal In South Carolina?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/is-the-abortion-pill-legal-in-south-carolina) [How Do I Prepare For The Abortion Pill?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/abortion-pill-checklist) [Does Abortion Hurt?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/does-abortion-hurt) [How Much Does An Abortion Cost?](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice/how-much-does-an-abortion-cost) [HELPFUL ADVICE](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/helpful-advice) [Make An Appointment](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/make-appointment?hsLang=en) ###### Reliable Facts on Abortion # Abortion FAQs You're not the only one wondering. Find answers on abortion options, process, costs, and guidance in one place.. ###### When you need answers fast ## Our Nurses Are Here To Help > Text with our nurses anytime for free at [(803) 598-8400](sms:+18035988400) to talk or [schedule an appointment](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/make-appointment?hsLang=en). - ### What is an abortion? ### What Is An Abortion? **Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.** It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a minor surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation. - ### How does abortion occur? ### How Does Abortion Occur? **Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or a simple surgical procedure.** Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue, generally within the first ten weeks. Surgical abortion involves gently opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia.   Source https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/ - ### What is the Difference Between a Medical and a Surgical Abortion? ### Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion? **Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses a brief in-clinic procedure.** A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be safely taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus.   Source https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/ - ### Is abortion legal in South Carolina? ### Is Abortion Legal in South Carolina? Yes, abortion is legal in South Carolina, but only during the very early weeks of pregnancy. State law generally prohibits abortion once cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound, which usually happens around six weeks of pregnancy. That's often before someone even knows they're pregnant. After cardiac activity is detected, abortion is only allowed in certain situations. These include a medical emergency that threatens the woman's life or could cause serious, lasting physical harm, pregnancies resulting from rape or incest through 12 weeks, or a diagnosed fatal fetal condition. In cases of rape or incest, the doctor must report the allegation to law enforcement. If someone is under 17, South Carolina generally requires written consent from a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or another qualifying adult. Emancipated minors may consent on their own, and a judge can also grant permission without an adult's consent. Sources: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c041 - ### Does abortion hurt? ### Does Abortion Hurt? **Abortion does hurt**, but the amount of pain felt depends on the procedure, the duration of the pregnancy, and individual pain tolerance. Experiences can vary with both medical and surgical abortions. Physical and mental factors can influence the amount of pain one experiences. This is why talking with one of our medical professionals is so important.   Source: https://srh.bmj.com/content/51/2/137 - ### How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? ### How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? Fertility may return as soon as two weeks but can take several months for some women. Many women ovulate before their first post-abortion period—often around four to six weeks—but some may not ovulate again for two to three months or longer. Because cycles vary, pregnancy is possible almost immediately, or it may be delayed.   Source: https://biologyinsights.com/when-do-you-start-ovulating-after-abortion/ - ### What Are the Risks of Abortion? ### What Are the Risks of Abortion? Any medical procedure can carry some risks. These vary by method (medical or surgical) and factors like gestational age or personal health. **General Risks:** - Emotional Impact: Feelings like sadness or relief vary; distress is more likely with pre-existing mental health issues. - Serious Complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, damage to other internal organs, or death are extremely rare. - Future Fertility: Usually unaffected unless rare complications like severe scarring occur. **Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill, up to ~10 weeks):** - Common: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea. - Rare Risks: Incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy. **Surgical Abortion (e.g., Aspiration, Dilation and Evacuation):** - Common: Cramping, light bleeding. - Rare Risks: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring (rare, may affect fertility). Always consult a healthcare provider to discuss personal risks and follow-up care.     Source: https://informedconsent.utah.gov/information-module/abortion/abortion-risks/ - ### How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion? ### How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion? **Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks**, but could be longer depending on the procedure and length of pregnancy, including light spotting sometimes continuing for several weeks. After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and passing small clots tend to occur in the first few days, then gradually taper off; light spotting can persist for up to six weeks. With a surgical abortion, most bleeding clears within about a week, though mild spotting may continue for one to two weeks afterward.   Source: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.in-clinic-abortion-what-to-expect-at-home.av2707 - ### How Much Does an Abortion Cost? ### How Much Does an Abortion Cost? **The cost of an abortion varies widely** depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage. Some people pay only a modest out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher expenses if their insurance doesn’t cover the service or if the procedure occurs later in pregnancy.   Source: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-107477.pdf - ### What's in the abortion pill? #### What's In the Abortion Pill? The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: **mifepristone followed by misoprostol**. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining, causing the pregnancy to detach. Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue. The FDA only approves of this procedure during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should only be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit to confirm success and address any cramping or bleeding.   Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation [![Hope For Life Logo](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Hope%20For%20Life%20Logo-1.svg)](https://242974443.hs-sites-na2.com/home?hsLang=en) QUICK LINKS ![Rectangle 14064](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Rectangle%2014064.svg) - [Contact Us](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/contact) - [Give A Gift](https://buy.stripe.com/fZe9DT8SjgsigF28ww) ADDRESS ![Rectangle 14064](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Rectangle%2014064.svg) 20 Townlee Lane Suite B Lugoff, SC 29078 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/20+Townlee+Ln+b,+Lugoff,+SC+29078/@34.222776,-80.6807902,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8855f974f643bebf:0x7f2748703e5aae82!8m2!3d34.222776!4d-80.6807902?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)   HOURS ![Rectangle 14064](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Rectangle%2014064.svg) Mondays: 3:30-6:30 Tuesdays: 1:30-7:30 Wednesdays: Appointment Only Thursdays: 1:30-7:30 Fridays: 9:30-4:30 HERE FOR YOU ![Rectangle 14064](https://hopeforlifepregnancycenter.com/hubfs/Rectangle%2014064.svg) Hope for Life Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortions and is a 501c3 independent, faith-based, non-profit organization. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about abortion procedures, side effects, and more. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. All services are free and completely confidential.   [Make An Appointment](https://242974443.hs-sites-na2.com/request-a-consultation?hsLang=en)   \*Image Disclaimer: Some images feature models or have been digitally enhanced. They're simply here to help tell our story and don't represent anyone's personal or medical experience. © 2026 Hope For Life Pregnancy Center. 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