You may have heard that there isn’t just one type of abortion.
In fact, there are a few different kinds of abortion that you may be able to get, including the abortion pill and surgical abortion procedures.
For the most part, the type of abortion you can get depends on how many weeks you have been pregnant (also known as gestational age).
Once you know how far along you are, you can see what types of abortion procedures may be available. Before you go through the trouble and pay for any of these procedures, you should confirm your pregnancy and get a quick check-up.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of abortion that you may have heard about, and what they normally involve:
Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill)
A medication abortion, more commonly known as the “abortion pill,” may be available to you during your first trimester, normally up to 10 or 11 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on what state you live in or which clinic you go to, it may only be available at nine weeks or earlier.
We know this sounds confusing, but the abortion pill is actually two different pills that are taken a day or two apart. The combination of the pills leads to the end of the pregnancy.
How and where you get the abortion pill can vary based on where you live, which clinic you go to, and your health status, among other factors.
Dilation and Curettage with Vacuum Aspiration Abortion (D&C or Suction Abortion)
This type of abortion, which is often shortened and called a D&C or suction abortion, is a surgical abortion procedure that may be available up to about 12 or 13 weeks into pregnancy (or right at the end of your first trimester). Depending on where you live or which clinic you go to, it may be used a little later in pregnancy.
A D&C abortion is like a surgery and will require a doctor and anesthesia. A few appointments in a clinic or doctor’s office may be needed.
The procedure uses a vacuum-like device to end the pregnancy. Sometimes, the doctor will need to use other medical tools in the procedure to complete the abortion.
Dilation and Evacuation Abortion (D&E Abortion)
A Dilation and Evacuation Abortion, which is also known as a D&E abortion, is a surgical abortion procedure that may be available to you at the end of your first trimester and beginning of your second trimester (or 12 to 14 weeks). This procedure can normally be done until about 24 weeks into pregnancy but can vary based on where you live and which clinic you go to.
A D&E abortion is like a surgery and will require a doctor and anesthesia. A few appointments in a clinic or doctor’s office may be needed.
Like a suction abortion, a vacuum-like device is used to help end the pregnancy. Medical tools will be necessary after the suction to complete the procedure.
Induction Abortion (Late-Term Abortion)
An Induction Abortion, which may also be called a late-term abortion, is an abortion procedure that is performed late in the second trimester, up to the time of delivery. In some cases, this procedure could be available as early as 16 weeks.
This is not a surgical procedure. Instead, this type of abortion is like going through the process of giving birth.
An induction abortion uses medication to induce labor and end the pregnancy. This procedure takes a few days to complete and requires a doctor and multiple appointments.
In some cases, an induction abortion may require medical tools used in a D&E abortion to complete the procedure.
Each one of these procedures may come with different risks depending on your health status and how far along you are. They also come with different costs and requirements depending on where you live and where you go for the procedure.
That’s why it’s so important to confirm your pregnancy, figure out how far along you are, and get a consultation before moving forward.
You can receive a consultation over the phone with a nurse and schedule an appointment in a clinic TODAY – completely FREE of charge.
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The information provided in this resource is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care. Please seek the advice, attention, and assistance of a physician or other qualified health care provider or medical professional concerning any health care-related questions or concerns you may have, and do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice, attention, or assistance based upon any of the information you have read or is otherwise communicated or made available on or through this website.
