Miscarriage care vs. abortion:

understanding the difference

If you're experiencing a possible miscarriage or considering abortion, you may have questions about what medical care is available to you, especially if you've heard potentially confusing information about abortion laws in other states.



The good news is that miscarriage care remains legal and available in Virginia and throughout the United States, including states that have abortion restrictions.

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It occurs naturally and is not intentionally caused.¹ Miscarriages are unfortunately common, affecting approximately 1 in 4 known pregnancies.²

Symptoms of miscarriage may include:³

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Passing tissue or clots
• A sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms



If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a medical provider right away.

What is miscarriage care?

Miscarriage care refers to the medical treatment provided when a pregnancy ends naturally or when a miscarriage is in progress.¹



Depending on the situation, miscarriage care may include:⁴

• An ultrasound to evaluate the pregnancy
• Blood tests to monitor pregnancy hormones
• Medication to help the body complete the miscarriage
• A medical procedure to remove pregnancy tissue if necessary
• Follow-up care to monitor your health and recovery

The goal of miscarriage care is to protect the health and safety of the mother and prevent complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.⁴

Is miscarriage care the same as abortion?

No.



Although some of the same medications or medical procedures may be used in certain situations, miscarriage care and abortion are medically and legally different.⁴ A miscarriage occurs naturally without intention. An abortion is a medical procedure or medication used to intentionally end a pregnancy. Because they are different situations, laws regulating abortion do not prevent doctors from treating women who are experiencing a miscarriage.

Is miscarriage care legal in states with abortion restrictions?

Yes.



Miscarriage care is legal in every state. Medical professionals and hospitals are both authorized and expected to provide treatment for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and other pregnancy-related emergencies.⁵ No woman should delay seeking emergency medical attention because she is concerned about whether miscarriage treatment is legal. 

When should you seek medical care?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:³⁵



• Heavy bleeding
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fever or signs of infection
• Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, such as sharp one-sided abdominal or pelvic pain. 

Prompt medical care can help protect your health and identify any complications that may require treatment.⁶

AVA Care’s role in care

Experiencing a possible miscarriage can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Emergency medical treatment and miscarriage management is outside the scope of care at AVA Care. If you think you may be experiencing a miscarriage, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately.

Whether it’s for miscarriage care or post-abortion care, it’s important to follow-up with a medical provider. Contact AVA Care for miscarriage-care referrals or to schedule an after abortion assessment. 



If you’re considering abortion, AVA Care provides information about procedures and risks, pregnancy testing, and confirmation ultrasound to determine gestational age, measure the heartbeat, and rule out ectopic pregnancy so you can make an informed decision. These services are provided at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment today.

References: 

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Early Pregnancy Loss.
2. Defines miscarriage (early pregnancy loss)
3. Explains symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options
4. Discusses expectant management, medication management, and surgical treatment
5. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Pregnancy Loss Information. 
6. Research-based information on miscarriage and treatment
7. Mayo Clinic. Miscarriage: Symptoms and Causes. 
8. Overview of causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical care
9. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Early Pregnancy Loss Practice Bulletin. 
10. Explains that the same medications and procedures may be used for miscarriage management
11. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Ectopic Pregnancy FAQ
12. Explains ectopic pregnancy, symptoms, and emergency treatment. 
13. Cleveland Clinic. Miscarriage (Pregnancy Loss). 
14. Provides patient-friendly explanations of miscarriage care and treatment options.