Abortion Facts
There are 2 types of abortions available: surgical and medical. Both procedures have potential risks and complications. Below is a brief description of each, along with other abortion terminology.
Medical Abortion:
A medical abortion is accomplished through drugs approved to be used up to the last day of the 7th week after a missed period. This procedure initially takes place in a doctor’s office but may be completed at home without medical supervision. A follow up visit takes place within two weeks to ensure the abortion has been completed without complications. If the abortion was not completed by the medication, a surgical abortion would need to be performed.
Dilation and Curettage:
D & C is a surgical abortion performed during the second trimester from 12 to 15 weeks gestation.
Surgical Abortion:
Surgical abortions are performed during all trimesters of pregnancy. The later into pregnancy an abortion is performed the greater the risk of complications.
Late Term Abortions- Dilation & Extraction:
D & X is performed after 21 weeks gestation.
Suction Aspiration:
The suction aspiration abortion is performed between 6 and 12 weeks gestation.
Dilation & Evacuation:
D & E is a surgical abortion performed later in the second trimester.