Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a minor surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or a simple surgical procedure.

Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue, generally within the first ten weeks.

Surgical abortion involves gently opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia.

Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion?

Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses a brief in-clinic procedure.

A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be safely taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus.

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks, but could be longer depending on the procedure and length of pregnancy, including  light spotting sometimes continuing for several weeks.

After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and passing small clots tend to occur in the first few days, then gradually taper off; light spotting can persist for up to six weeks.

With a surgical abortion, most bleeding clears within about a week, though mild spotting may continue for one to two weeks afterward.

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion varies widely depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage.

Some people pay only a modest out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher expenses if their insurance doesn’t cover the service or if the procedure occurs later in pregnancy.

What's In the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining, causing the pregnancy to detach.

Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA only approves of this procedure during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should only be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit to confirm success and address any cramping or bleeding.

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Any medical procedure can carry some risks. These vary by method (medical or surgical) and factors like gestational age or personal health.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill, up to ~10 weeks):

• Common: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea.
  
  
• Rare Risks: Incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy.
  
  

Surgical Abortion (e.g., Aspiration, Dilation and Evacuation):

• Common: Cramping, light bleeding.
  
  
• Rare Risks: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring (rare, may affect fertility).

General Risks:

• Emotional Impact: Feelings like sadness or relief vary; distress is more likely with pre-existing mental health issues.
  
  
• Serious Complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, or death are extremely rare.
  
  
• Future Fertility: Usually unaffected unless rare complications like severe scarring occur.