ABORTION PROCEDURES
ABORTION PROCEDURES
Abortion Procedures and Risks
Understand the differences between surgical and medication abortion procedures and their potential risks.
Types of Procedures
State laws and gestational age of the fetus determines the type of surgical or medication abortion methods available.
- Mifeprex
- Suction Curettage
- Dilation and Evacuation
Surgical Procedures
Suction Curettage:
between 6 to 14 weeks after LMP
This is the most common surgical abortion procedure. The provider generally dilates (stretches open) the cervix using metal rods. Opening the cervix may be painful, so local anesthesia is typically used. After the cervix is stretched open, the provider inserts a firm plastic tube into the uterus which is connected to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. The provider may also use a loop-shaped instrument called a curette to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus. (Fetal parts may be referred to as “products of conception.”).
Potential Risks
- Fetal parts not all removed requiring follow up surgery
- Pelvic infection (Sepsis)
- Heavy bleeding
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E):
between 13 to 24 weeks from LMP
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this point in pregnancy, the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction alone and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria (seaweed stick or rod) into the cervix a day or two before the abortion. Once the cervix is stretched open the provider pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus’ skull is crushed to ease removal. A sharp tool (called a curette) is also used to scrape out the contents of the uterus, removing any remaining tissue.
Potential Risks
- Heavy bleeding
- Cut or torn cervix
- Perforation of the wall of the uterus
- Pelvic infection (Sepsis)
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Weakened cervix
- Fetal parts not all removed requiring follow up surgery
Medication Procedure
Mifeprex / The “Abortion Pill”
Up to 10 weeks from LMP
What is a Medication Abortion?
The most common medication abortion regimen in the United States involves the use of two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone, sold under the brand name Mifeprex and also known as the abortion pill, RU-486, blocks progesterone, a hormone essential to the development of a pregnancy, and thereby prevents an existing pregnancy from progressing. Misoprostol, taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, works to empty the uterus by causing cramping and bleeding, similar to an early miscarriage. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled a week or two later, to confirm that the pregnancy was terminated via ultrasound or blood test.
Kaiser Family Foundation: Home > Women’s Health Policy > The Availability and Use of Medication Abortion
Potential Risks
- Fetal parts not all removed requiring follow up surgery
- Allergic reaction to the medications
- Cramping and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or infection
- Heavy bleeding
Educate Yourself
Learn more about how the abortion pill works, what to expect, ordering online, telemedicine, mail order pills, and signs to call your doctor.
What is the “Morning After Pill”?
The “morning after pill”, Plan B One-Step, is a large dose of oral contraceptive. The pill is taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It is NOT the same as RU-486. Plan B One-Step is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.
Things to Consider
- Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
- Plan B One-Step does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- The most common side effects in the Plan B One-Step clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
- The manufacturer warns that Plan B One-Step is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.
Source: Manufacturer’s Prescribing Information for Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) tablet, 1.5 mg, for oral use. Mfg. by Gedeon Richter, Ltd., Budapest, Hungary for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pomona, New York 10970 Phone: 1-800-330-1271 Website: www.PlanBOneStep.com Revised: July 2009, 11001459
You Decide
Only you can decide if abortion is the right choice for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Schedule a free appointment with our licensed staff to discuss your options. Following a positive urine pregnancy test a free limited diagnostic ultrasound may be administered.
Abortion Cost
The cost of abortion varies based on the type of procedure, whether surgical or medication. Availability depends on state laws and how far along the pregnancy is after it has been confirmed as viable. Costs typically start around $450.
Free Ultrasound
Schedule your free appointment today to confirm if you are pregnant. Free ultrasounds are offered to patients who receive a positive pregnancy test. Only a diagnostic ultrasound can confirm fetal viability and the lack of cardiac activity necessary before an abortion can be administered in GA.
