Does Abortion Hurt?

Does Abortion Hurt?

When it comes to abortion, there’s a lot of information out there—some accurate and some not. It’s natural to wonder, “Do abortions hurt?” This is an important question, and the truth is that the answer depends on several factors, including your pain tolerance, the type of abortion, and how your body responds. Need answers now? You can talk with a nurse at no cost by calling or texting (385) 483-3227.

 

Understanding Abortion Types: Chemical vs. Surgical

There are two primary types of abortion: chemical (medical) and surgical.¹

  • Chemical abortion: Involves taking medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol—commonly referred to as the abortion pill—to end a pregnancy. The FDA has approved its use up to 70 days from the first day of your last period.²

  • Surgical abortion: A procedure performed in a medical setting to remove the pregnancy. This method is typically used after the first ten weeks of pregnancy.³


How Painful Are Abortions?

So, do abortions hurt? The experience can vary widely.

  • Medical abortion: Many women report cramping and discomfort similar to a heavy period, while others may experience stronger pain.

  • Surgical abortion: Performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. However, cramping and discomfort afterward are common.

As a general rule, the further along the pregnancy, the more discomfort you might experience. Everyone’s body responds differently, so the level of pain can vary from person to person.

 

What are the risks of abortion?

Like any medical procedure, abortion carries potential risks. These may include:

  • infection

  • heavy bleeding

  • incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care

  • accidental injury to surrounding organs in surgical procedures, particularly later in pregnancy

  • risks related to anesthesia

Medical abortion is not always 100% effective, and in some cases, pregnancy may continue. This is why verifying pregnancy with an ultrasound is important. Taking abortion medication without being pregnant or with an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.⁴

 

Emotional Impact of Abortion

Abortion isn’t only a physical experience—it’s an emotional one as well.

Every woman’s journey is different, and feelings before, during, and after an abortion can range from relief to sadness, loss, or guilt.⁵ None of these responses is wrong. Reaching out for support from trusted friends, family, or a professional trained in post-abortion care can be very helpful.

 

Is Abortion Legal in Utah?

Abortion laws differ from state to state. In Utah, abortion is currently legal up to 18 weeks of pregnancy. This does not affect care for miscarriage management or ectopic pregnancy treatment. Women themselves cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for seeking an abortion.

If you’re unsure about how the law applies to your situation, you can contact Charis Pregnancy Clinic to speak with someone who can help you understand your options.

 

Post-Abortion Care and Support

Taking care of your body and mind after an abortion is essential. Finding a safe and supportive place to process what you’ve gone through can make recovery easier.

You don’t have to do this alone. At Charis Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free post-abortion care, no matter when your abortion took place.

So, the question “Do abortions hurt?” isn’t only about physical pain—it’s about the full experience, including the risks, emotions, laws, and recovery. If you’d like to talk, text or call us at (385) 483-3227 to connect with one of our care experts.

We also provide free and confidential consultations to confirm pregnancy, estimate how far along you are, and answer any questions you may have about abortion pills or procedures.

 

 

 

Sources:

1. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. "What are the different types of abortion?" nichd.nih.gov 

2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

3. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion

4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Facts About Abortion." acog.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 

5. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pregnancy/how-you-may-feel-when-youre-no-longer-expecting/