Abortion FAQs

This option includes two drugs and is only approved for use in pregnant women up to the 70th day after their last period. The first pill(s) is Mifepristone, which blocks the effect of the body's natural hormone progesterone, a key pregnancy hormone, in turn weakening the embryo's connection to blood and nutrients.

24-48 hours later, the second pill(s), Misoprostol, is taken to cause uterine cramping. These contractions expel the embryo and empty the uterus through heavy bleeding within a few hours.

A follow-up visit 7-14 days later is critical to evaluate for a complete abortion (that the uterus is empty) and to assess for any complications.

This chemical abortion process will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and, in some cases, the death of the woman.

We provide ultrasounds to confirm location and gestational age, call us to schedule an appointment, so you have this necessary information about your health and options.

Some women regret their abortion after starting this process. Click Here to talk to a healthcare provider near you to discuss options.

Note: Along with the physical risks of abortion, there are also mental and emotional risks.

This is the most common surgical abortion procedure, used throughout the first trimester (also called a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) or Vacuum Aspiration). Sometimes the cervix is softened and stretched with laminaria or a vaginal medication ahead of time.

During the procedure, the doctor inserts a speculum and may use dilating rods depending on the size of the baby. Opening the cervix may be painful, so local anesthesia is typically injected into the cervix to numb the area.

After the cervix is stretched open, the doctor inserts a plastic tube through the cervix into the uterus and attaches a vacuum device. The suction pulls the embryo and placenta out of the uterus, or a larger baby may be pulled apart and out of the uterus.

The doctor may also use a loop-shaped surgical instrument called a curette to scrape any remaining fetal parts and/or other tissue out of the uterus. They will then assess that all parts have been removed to prevent infection or heavy bleeding.

Note: Along with the physical risks of abortion, there are also mental and emotional risks.

During the first two days, the cervix is stretched open using thin rods made of seaweed (laminaria), or mifepristone is given. A lethal injection is given into the uterus or directly into the baby to stop the baby's heart.

Once the baby is confirmed deceased, medication is given to the woman to start labor. This can include misoprostol and Pitocin. Pain medication can be given orally or intravenously.

After delivery of the deceased baby and the placenta, sometimes a curette is also used to ensure placental tissue is fully removed. Typically longer monitoring is required, including monitoring overnight in a hospital.

Note: Along with the physical risks of abortion, there are also mental and emotional risks.

In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting numerous thin rods made of seaweed (laminaria) a day or two before the abortion.

If the fetus is 23 weeks or more, lethal injections may be given to stop the baby's heart. 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.

Once the cervix is stretched open, the doctor uses forceps to break the body of the fetus into smaller pieces so that it can be removed. A curette is also used to scrape out the contents of the uterus, removing any remaining fetal parts and/or tissue.

Note: Along with the physical risks of abortion, there are also mental and emotional risks.