Does Abortion Hurt?

Does Abortion Hurt?

When it comes to abortion, there’s a lot of confusion out there, especially about how it feels.

If you’ve been wondering, “Do abortions hurt?”—you’re not alone. The truth is, it depends. Everybody is different, and every pregnancy experience is unique. What’s most important is getting real answers so you can feel informed and supported.

Need help right now? Text (262) 300-7796 to speak with a nurse for free.

 

Understanding Abortion Types: Medical vs. Surgical

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical.¹

  • Medical abortion—often called the abortion pill—involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. This method is approved by the FDA for pregnancies up to 70 days from the start of your last period.²
  • Surgical abortion is a procedure done in a medical setting to remove the pregnancy. This option is usually offered after the ten-week mark.³

 

How Painful Are Abortions?

So, how much does it hurt? That really depends on your pain tolerance, how far along you are, and how your body responds.

With the abortion pill, some people describe cramping and bleeding that feels like a very heavy period. For others, the pain can be more intense.

Surgical abortions are typically done under anesthesia, so the procedure itself isn’t usually painful. However, cramping afterward is common. The further along the pregnancy is, the more discomfort you might expect.

Everyone’s experience is different, so don’t feel like yours has to fit a certain mold.

What are the risks of abortion?

Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with potential risks.

These can include:

  • Infection

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Incomplete abortion (requiring follow-up care)

  • Reactions to anesthesia

  • Injury to surrounding organs (especially in later-term procedures)

With the abortion pill, there's also a chance the medication won’t fully work, and the pregnancy could continue. That’s why getting an ultrasound before taking the pill is so important—it helps confirm how far along you are and checks for things like ectopic pregnancy, which is a serious health risk.⁴

Emotional Impact of Abortion

Beyond the physical part, abortion can carry emotional weight.

Some women feel immediate relief. Others may experience sadness, regret, or even grief in the days, weeks, or months afterward.⁵ There’s no right or wrong way to feel.

If you’re unsure what emotions to expect, or you’ve already had an abortion and you’re struggling, you don’t have to process it alone. Talking with a counselor, support group, or trusted care provider can help you find peace and clarity.

 

Is Abortion Legal in Wisconsin?

As of September 2024, abortion is legal in Wisconsin up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.⁶ A court ruling clarified that earlier laws did not apply to abortion, and providers in the state resumed offering services under this legal framework.

This includes both in-clinic and medication abortions, within the approved gestational limits. It’s also important to know that treating an ectopic pregnancy or managing a miscarriage is not considered an abortion under medical or legal definitions—those are separate and necessary medical situations.

If you're unsure whether abortion is still an option for you—or you want to explore other options—we’re here to walk with you. Text (262) 300-7796 to speak with someone who understands.

 

Post-Abortion Care and Support

Taking care of your body and mind after an abortion is just as important as the decision itself. Whether it happened recently or a while ago, you deserve a space to heal and feel supported.

At New Day Women's Clinic, we offer free post-abortion care, including follow-up support and a safe space to talk, without pressure or judgment.

 

So, does abortion hurt?

For some, the answer is yes. For others, not as much. But the question is bigger than just physical pain—it’s also about the emotional impact, the risks, the legal landscape, and the kind of care you deserve.

If you're navigating any of this, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Text (262) 300-7796 to connect with a nurse. You can also schedule a free, confidential consultation to confirm your pregnancy, get an ultrasound, and ask any questions you have.

 

 

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/