All About Abortion
Abortion 101
Got questions about abortion? We’re here to answer them!
There are a few different types of abortions and the kind you can get will depend on how many weeks into pregnancy you are, what the nearest clinic offers (clinics can be heavily regulated by the state), and your own preference.
We know that for a lot of people, going to a medical provider—including an abortion—can bring up a lot of emotions and anxiety because we all have different experiences with medical settings. Sometimes, the anxiety comes from not knowing what’s going to happen or hearing a lot of scary things—particularly about abortion— that aren’t true but are perpetuated to make you change your mind or feel bad about your decision. You’re the expert of your own life, and we want you to have information before your abortion so you can feel confident in knowing what to expect, and so you can ask questions about your healthcare and your body. Knowing what to expect may also help you feel more calm and confident in seeking out support before, during, or after your abortion— all of which is actually proven to benefit your overall experience.
While most people feel relieved afterward, it’s still normal for a mix of other emotions to accompany that. So, if you feel confused, sad, or guilty, know that is really normal. We’re complex humans and our abortion decisions are often happening while a lot of other hard things are happening in our lives. For most people, those uncomfortable feelings will resolve with time and support. But if they don’t, there’s support available from our friends at All-Options via their talkline with volunteers who understand the spectrum of emotions and experiences that we can have after our abortion decisions. You can also read our stories.
Keep reading to learn about the different methods and some of the things you can expect to happen during an abortion. Your provider will be able to give you more individualized and precise information based on your body, health, and needs.
This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a medical professional for individualized care based on your individual situation.
Before Your Abortion
Depending on your state laws and clinic policies, you may be required to have an ultrasound and receive state-mandated information. Because routine ultrasounds are not considered medically necessary for abortions, mandatory ultrasound laws are regarded as a way for state legislators to further stigmatize abortion patients. But, not all ultrasounds are bad!
Read More
Clinics will use the ultrasound to confirm a pregnancy and determine your gestational age. Some state laws may require them to show or offer to show the sonogram screen or fetal tone. In addition to this, state-mandated materials contain biased information designed by conservative lawmakers in hopes of preventing you from having an abortion, and if you live in one of the 33 states that enforce mandatory waiting periods, you may have to wait 1-3 days after your initial appointment to have an abortion.
At the clinic, you’ll meet with clinic staff to review your medical history and a clinician, doctor, or other licensed professional depending on the state, who will perform the ultrasound and discuss what abortion options are possible. You might also meet with an abortion counselor or other clinic staff to review consent forms you’ve filled out, learn about the procedure or process, and familiarize yourself overall with what to expect. Lab work may also be performed depending on your unique medical history, like those with low iron or anemia, or who have an Rh- blood type. Your provider should give you any information you need to prepare for your abortion during this time, and prepare you for any aftercare protocols. You can ask questions at any point during your appointment, and the clinic staff will be happy to share what’s happening and why. You will also be given a number you can call at any time with questions.
Tip from a We Testify Storyteller: Bring a good book, fully charged headphones and devices, or other small activities to keep yourself entertained during the clinic waits.
After navigating these political hoops and clinic policies, you’ll be provided with an abortion.
The Procedures
Medication Abortion
AKA the Abortion Pill
or Medical Abortion
What it is: Mifepristone, a pill, is usually taken with an abortion provider while at the clinic, while Misoprostol, another type of pill, is taken 24-48 hours later inside your own home. Or, Misoprostol pills can be taken on their own in a higher dosage.
When you can take it: up to 70 days (10 weeks) from your last menstrual period.
How long it takes: Generally 6-12 hours to complete. It’s possible to continue bleeding for 2-8 weeks afterward.
Pain Relief: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, a heating pad or hot water bottle. No aspirin!
Other Symptoms: Mild to moderate cramping and bleeding, dizziness, and nausea.
What to expect afterward: Bleeding and cramping may persist for some time following
Efficacy Rate: 98% (8 weeks of pregnancy), 96-97% (8-10 weeks)
Chance of Major Complications: 0.4%
You should also call or message your provider if:
bleeding lasts for more than 2 hours and soaks more than 2 sanitary pads per hour (4 pads/2 hours)
you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea
you feel dizzy or have severe pain that does not go away
there’s a vaginal discharge inconsistent with the bleeding
a fever of over 100.4 degrees that lasts more than four hours
Vacuum Aspiration
What it is: In pregnancies less than ~14 weeks, a pregnancy can be removed through dilation, opening the cervix, and suction to remove the pregnancy.
When you can have it: Usually up to 14 weeks from your last menstrual period
How long it takes: 5-20 minutes
Pain Relief: Tylenol or Ibuprofen, IV sedation, Valium are common. No aspirin!
What to expect afterward: Short wait in the recovery room (particularly if you had sedation so that it wears off) and slight cramping, and bleeding or spotting.
Success Rate: 98%; about 2% of people may require a repeat procedure
Chance of Major Complications: It’s been shown that major complications affect less than 1% of people. Abortion does not increase your chance of infertility, breast cancer, or mental health issues like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
D&E
(Dilation & Evacuation)
What is it: Similarly to a vacuum aspiration, the cervix is dilated—often using laminaria (medical grade seaweed), a dilation tool, and/or misoprostol—and the pregnancy is removed through suction.
When you can have it: 14-24 weeks
How long it takes: 10-20 minutes for the procedure, but 1-2 days with prep time
Pain Relief: IV sedation, Valium, general anesthesia are common.
Afterward: A wait in the recovery room (particularly if you had sedation so that it wears off) and slight cramping, and bleeding or spotting.
Success Rate: 98%; about 2% of people may require a repeat procedure
Chance of Major Complications: It’s been shown that major complications from a D&E affect less than 1% of people, and abortion does not increase your chance of infertility, breast cancer, or mental health issues like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
Induction Abortion
When you can have it: usually 21 weeks and beyond
What is it: Similarly to a D&E, the cervix is dilated—using laminaria (medical grade seaweed), a dilation tool, and/or misoprostol—and the pregnancy is removed using a suction cannula and other medical tools.
How long it takes: 2-4 days, sometimes longer with travel
Pain Relief: IV sedation, Valium, general anesthesia are common.
Afterward: A wait in the recovery room (particularly if you had sedation so that it wears off) and cramping, soreness, bleeding or spotting, and milk leakage from your nipples.
Success Rate: 98%; about 2% of people may require a repeat procedure
Chance of Major Complications: Major complications from a D&E affect less than 1% of people, and abortion does not increase your chance of infertility, breast cancer, or mental health issues like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.