Surgical Methods of Abortion

--Trimester 1

--Trimester 2

--Trimester 3

Medical Methods of Abortion

--Trimester 1

--Trimester 2

Stages of Pregnancy and Fetal Development Introduction

Home

There are different options for terminating a pregnancy, and selecting a method is determined both by the duration of the pregnancy and individual preference of the pregnant woman. Options are increasingly limited the later the gestation, but earlier abortions can be performed in a few different ways. The most crucial distinction between methods is surgical versus medical abortion. Surgical abortion involves the surgical removal of the contents of the uterus by a medical provider, while medical abortion involves induced expulsion of the contents of the uterus following the administering of abortifacients either orally or vaginally. Surgical abortion is faster, more certain, and in direct control of the abortion provider, yet it is an invasive surgical procedure that carries slight risk of uterine perforation and infection. Medical abortion is less invasive, more private, and seemingly more natural, yet the abortion may not occur for sometimes weeks after administering the abortifacients, it is less predictable, and excessive bleeding can be experienced. Knowledge of the various options allows women to make informed decisions about terminating a pregnancy.