How Does an Abortion Work?

An abortion ends a pregnancy. Most typically, an abortion is provided in the first trimester, or first three months, of pregnancy. A woman can choose either a surgical abortion or a medical abortion. A medical abortion requires a doctor to administer the medication, but the abortion occurs after the patient is sent home to rest. A doctor performs a surgical abortion at either a clinic, hospital or doctor's office.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion can be done in the first nine weeks of pregnancy. The patient takes two doses of medication, provided with medical supervision. The patient is given a dose of mifepristone (Mifeprex) to block progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone required for pregnancy, it aids in thickening the uterine wall. Without progesterone, the uterine wall thins and the pregnancy cannot continue.

Once the mifepristone is administered, the patient returns home to rest. The next day or in a few days, depending on the doctor's advice, the patient returns to the doctor and takes a second medication, misoprostol (Cytotec). Misoprostol causes uterine contractions, emptying it. This will typically cause bleeding for about 13 days and light bleeding and discharge for several weeks.

A patient can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to minimize the discomfort and cramping that will occur. Contact the doctor if bleeding is heavy (more than two pads in an hour), if the patient develops a fever or if the pain isn't manageable with over the counter medications.

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion can be completed up until the 12th week of pregnancy, though statutes vary. For some women, surgical abortion is an option later in pregnancy if there is a health issue for the mother or fetus; for example, if amniocentesis results in the 15th or 16th week suggest a severe birth defect. Only 2 percent of abortions are third trimester abortions, as noted by the National Abortion Federation. Late term abortion procedures vary, depending on the health of the mother.

In a surgical abortion performed prior to the third trimester, the doctor removes the lining of the uterus using one of two methods: manual vacuum aspiration, called MVA, or dilatation and suction curettage, also called a D&C. Both methods use suction to remove the pregnancy and the uterine lining. With an MVA, the doctor uses a handheld surgical tool. In a D&C, the doctor uses a suction machine and tools.

A patient receives pain medication prior to the procedure, and most women experience pain similar to menstrual cramps. After the abortion, the patient is sent home to rest and take over the counter pain medication. Bleeding may occur intermittently for several weeks.