Abortion

Surgical

Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions. There are 2 types of surgical abortion:

Aspiration abortion: It is performed on women up to 14 weeks after their last period.

• Medicine given: pain medicine, which can include a numbing medication that is injected into the cervix.
• Average clinic visit: 3-4 hours
• Process: “Your doctor will first insert a speculum and examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched and opened with dilators either before or during the procedure. Your doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus. Many women will feel mild to moderate cramping during this portion of the procedure. The cramping typically decreases after the tube is removed from the uterus.” Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types

Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion: It is typically performed at 14 or 16 weeks or after.

• Medicine given: pain medicine
• Average clinic visit: 3-4 hours
• Process: “This procedure starts the same way as an aspiration abortion, with the doctor applying pain medication, checking your uterus, and dilating your cervix. Like the aspiration abortion, the doctor inserts a tube attached to a suction machine to the uterus through the cervix and, combined with the other medical tools, it will gently empty the uterus. After the tube has been removed, your doctor will use a small, metal loop-shaped tool called a curette to remove any remaining tissue that is lining the uterus. This will ensure that the uterus is completely empty.” Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types