Abortion FAQs

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a 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 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 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 baby.

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 medication 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 and how far along the pregnancy is.

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.

Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/019268s051lbl.pdf

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

Every Medical Procedure Has Risks

The specific risks of abortion can vary depending on the type of procedure (medical or surgical), the stage of pregnancy, and your personal health.

Abortion by Medication (Abortion Pill, up to ~10 weeks)

Common effects: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Possible risks:

• Incomplete abortion (retained tissue may require a follow-up procedure)

• Excessive bleeding

• Infection

• Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening if untreated)

Some studies also suggest that ending a first pregnancy may reduce the natural protective effect that early full-term pregnancy has on lowering breast cancer risk.

Surgical Abortion (Aspiration or Dilation and Evacuation)

Common effects: Cramping, light bleeding, temporary fatigue.
Possible risks:

• Uterine perforation (a small hole in the uterus caused by instruments)

• Cervical injury or scarring

• Infection

• Retained tissue requiring another procedure

In rare cases, significant scarring of the uterus (known as Asherman’s Syndrome) can affect future fertility.

General Risks and Long-Term Considerations

Emotional impact:
Women report a range of emotions afterward—relief, sadness, confusion, or grief. The likelihood of distress tends to be higher if a woman feels pressured into the decision or has a history of anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Serious complications:
Heavy bleeding, sepsis (a severe infection), or death are extremely rare, but can occur in any medical procedure.

Future pregnancies:
Most women can conceive again. However, if Rh incompatibility (also called Rh sensitization) occurs and is left untreated, it can increase the risk of miscarriage or complications in future pregnancies. Rh testing and treatment with Rh(D) immune globulin are recommended when indicated.

Fertility and hormones:
Abortion generally does not cause infertility. However, complications like severe infection or uterine scarring may affect fertility in rare cases.

Breast health:
Carrying a first pregnancy to full term provides a natural level of breast cancer protection. Some studies indicate that interrupting this process early may reduce that protective effect.