Abortion 

A medical abortion (“abortion pill”) is when medications*, mifepristone and misoprostol, are used to bring about an abortion. The process includes taking one medication, mifepristone, first and then after some time (time between medications can vary) the second medication, misoprostol is taken.  Medical Abortions require a prescription for the medications. These medications end the continuation of the pregnancy and cause cramping to shed the uterine lining (This often feels like a very heavy, crampy period for most people).  You will then have a follow-up appointment with your provider to ensure the medical abortion was successful. 

Medical Abortions are an option during the first 11 weeks of a pregnancy. 

To learn more, watch this video about medical abortions. 

*These medications are not the same thing as emergency contraception, also known as the "morning after pill." 

Surgical abortions are medical procedures that are done inside a medical clinic and result in a termination of a pregnancy. They are conducted by trained medical professionals and are very common and safe. Around 600,000 million Americans have induced (surgical) abortions each year.  Less than .25% of patients experience complications associated with their in-clinic abortion.  In-clinic abortions are done in one of two ways: aspiration and D&E (dilation and evacuation).  

• Aspiration is usually performed in the first 16 weeks after the person’s last period (5-10 minutes)  

• D&E is usually performed after the first 16-weeks of the pregnancy has passed (10-20 minutes) 

Both options use medical equipment to remove the endometrial lining of the uterus, the embryo, and the placenta. You will be provided with pain medications and can discuss other medications with your provider. Follow the link to learn more about in-clinic abortions.