There are a few different methods of abortion that are used, depending on what stage the pregnancy is at.
Up to nine weeks
If you have an abortion up to nine weeks, the most common method used is the medical abortion, sometimes known as the abortion pill. This method does not involve any surgery or anaesthetic.
The medical abortion involves taking two medications which cause a miscarriage. The medication is taken 48 hours apart, and so requires two visits to the clinic, in addition to the initial assessment. The first medication is a pill, mifepristone, which you swallow.
The second medication is prostaglandin, a pessary that is inserted into the vagina 36-48 hours later. Four to six hours after this the pregnancy will end in a very heavy bleed, and you may experience painful, period-pain type cramps.
Between seven and 15 weeks
If you have an abortion between seven and 15 weeks, the most common method used is vacuum aspiration. This is not a surgical procedure, but does involve having a local or, in some cases, a general anaesthetic.
Vacuum aspiration involves a day visit or an overnight stay in a clinic. A tube is inserted into the vagina and passed through the cervix to the womb and the pregnancy is ended by the foetus and contents of the womb being sucked out. This all happens very quickly and most women will be able to return home within a few hours.
Over 15 weeks
As a pregnancy continues, the foetus grows bigger and so methods of abortion over 15 weeks may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. In general they usually involve having a general anaesthetic, and the surgical dilation of the cervix to enable removal of the foetus using suction and forceps. If the pregnancy is over 20 weeks you will be required to stay in the hospital overnight.
It is also possible that you could have a late medical abortion between 13 and 20 weeks, however, there would be higher doses of medication used and it will take longer to complete. Most women could still go home the same day, but some might need an overnight stay in hospital.
What happens afterwards?
Within the weeks following the abortion you will see a doctor for a check-up. Also, after an abortion it is normal to experience bleeding and discomfort for a few days, and it might feel a bit like you are having a period. But if you are bleeding very heavily and feel very unwell it is important to see a doctor in case you have developed an infection.
As well, different women will experience different emotions after having an abortion. Some women may need time off work but others will continue as normal. It’s important to have someone you can talk to if you need support at this time and you can ask the clinic where to go for help.