Abortion Methods

Available abortion methods by trimester

The abortion methods available depend on the state in which abortion care is being provided and what the abortion provider offers. In general:

• Medication abortions (using pills) are available up to 11 weeks after the first day of your last period
• In-clinic abortions are available up to 24 weeks after the first day of your last period. In the rare cases of abortion after 24 weeks for medical reasons, these are performed in hospital settings

Medication Abortion

A medication abortion isn’t the same as Plan B or emergency contraception, which delays ovulation so pregnancy can’t occur. Abortion medication is used after the sperm and egg have met (fertilization) and a pregnancy is confirmed.

Medication abortion is a very safe and effective method, and over 50% of abortionsopen_in_new are performed this way. This method is available up to 11 weeks after the first day of your last period. 

These pills can be obtained in-person at clinicsopen_in_new or online through verified providers such as AidAccessopen_in_new or The Mapopen_in_new.

Medication abortions are done using either Mifepristone and Misoprostolopen_in_new, or just Misoprostolopen_in_new. Some local laws and providers require you to take the medication at a clinic, and others allow you to take the medication at home.

These medications work by causing the pregnancy tissue to come out of the uterus through the vagina.

In-Clinic Abortion

Vacuum aspiration (suction abortion)

This method is known by the following names: 

• Vacuum aspiration
• Suction aspiration
• Aspiration, vacuum               
• Suction abortion      

It’s most commonly used up to 12 weeks after your last period (first trimester), but can be used up to 14 weeks after your last period. 

It can be performed with a hand-held syringe (manual vacuum aspiration) or an electric device (electric vacuum aspiration). Many providers will require you to have someone to drive you home after the procedure. 

The availability and method vary based on local laws and the abortion provider.

The entire procedure usually takes about 15 minutes with suctioning lasting one minute. You might be given painkillers and medication to relax prior to the procedure. During the procedure the provider willopen_in_new: 

1. Use a speculum to view inside your vagina 
2. Clean and apply numbing medication to your the opening between the vagina and uterus (cervix)     
3. Open (dilate ) your cervix using thin metal rods
4. Insert a flexible tube into your uterus
5. Use suction to remove the pregnancy tissue

Procedures Beyond 14 Weeks

Abortion procedures past 14 weeks are similar to vacuum aspiration, but in addition to gentle suctioning the provider may use surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy tissues. You may be given medications to soften and/or dilate your cervix prior to the procedure. You may need conscious sedation or general anesthesia. To learn more about in-clinic abortions, visit Planned Parenthoodopen_in_new.