Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure performed to end a pregnancy.

Depending on the stage of pregnancy, it may be done with medication or with a surgical technique.

Medication abortion involves two drugs, while surgical approaches include vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion ends a pregnancy through either medication or a surgical procedure.

Medication abortion typically involves two drugs. The first blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports pregnancy, and the second causes the uterus to contract and release pregnancy tissue, usually within the first ten weeks.

Surgical abortion opens the cervix and uses suction or instruments to remove the pregnancy under anesthesia.

Medical Abortion V. Surgical Abortion?

Abortion may be completed with medication or through a brief in-clinic procedure.

A medication abortion uses two prescribed pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, which can be taken only in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

In a surgical abortion, the cervix is opened and the pregnancy is removed with suction or instruments.

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding typically lasts between one and two weeks but may extend longer, depending on the procedure and how far along the pregnancy is. Spotting can continue for several weeks.

Following a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and clotting are expected at first, with lighter spotting that can last up to six weeks.¹

After a surgical abortion, bleeding often stops within a week, though mild spotting may remain for another week or two.

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion

How Much Does An Abortion Cost?

The cost of abortion is not the same for everyone. It depends on the method used, how advanced the pregnancy is, and what insurance will pay. Some people owe only a small fee, while others encounter larger bills if coverage is absent or the pregnancy is later.

What's In The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill uses two drugs: mifepristone, then misoprostol.

Mifepristone stops progesterone, the hormone that maintains the uterine lining, leading the pregnancy to detach. A day or two later, misoprostol is taken to cause contractions and release pregnancy tissue.

This method is FDA-approved only during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and should always be overseen by a healthcare provider with a follow-up appointment to ensure completion and manage any bleeding or cramping.

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

Like any medical procedure, abortion carries risks that depend on the method, stage of pregnancy, and individual health.

Medication abortion (pill, up to about 10 weeks):
Common effects include bleeding, cramping, and nausea. Rare risks are incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or an untreated ectopic pregnancy.

Surgical abortion (aspiration or dilation and evacuation):
Typical effects are cramping and light bleeding. Rare risks include cervical injury, infection, uterine perforation, or scarring that could affect fertility.

Overall risks:
Emotional impact differs from person to person, ranging from relief to sadness. Distress is more likely in those with prior mental health concerns. Severe complications like sepsis or life-threatening bleeding are extremely rare. Fertility is generally not impacted unless rare complications cause significant scarring.

A healthcare provider can explain risks and provide follow-up care.

Sources

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation

https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/nwcjrf0o/abortion-guideline_web_1.pdf