The most common method used for women who are between 7 and 13 weeks pregnant is called 'suction curettage.' The cervix is opened (dilated) to allow a small tube to be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the uterus (the foetus and placenta) are removed through the tube. The doctor then checks to be sure all the pregnancy tissue is removed.
Abortions are performed in licenced clinics or hospitals. Usually the operation can be performed under local anaesthetic. The operation takes about 10 minutes. Occasionally a general anaesthetic may be used.
For later abortions (those over 14 weeks), a more complex procedure is used. Abortions after 13 weeks carry more risk.
Medical Abortion
A very small number of abortions are carried out by inducing (starting) labour.
Follow-up Care
Following an abortion, the woman is observed for a few hours to check that bleeding and discomfort are within normal limits. She is given follow-up instructions, including what to expect and who to contact if complications occur.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Information on this site is provided as an aid for interested parties. It is intended to serve as a supplement to your resources and not as a substitute for professional advice, counselling or medical care. Abortion Concern presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained through this site. Abortion Concern takes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any information, recommendations, procedure, or action by any person using this site.
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