Manual Vacuum Aspiration  (within 7 weeks after LMP)

This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up to 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.

Suction Curettage (most common; within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP)

In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus's body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop shaped knife, to scrape the fetus out of the uterus.

Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) (within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP)

This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus's skull is crushed to ease removal.

Dilation & Extraction (D&X or partial birth) (from 20 weeks after LMP to full term)

This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor used ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the scull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

RU 486, Mifepristone (abortion pill) (within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP)

This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given and the woman returns two days later for a second medication called miprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus. - read more

Heavy Bleeding:

Some bleeding after abortion is normal.  There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn.  When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.\

Infection:

Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection.  A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.

Incomplete Abortion:

Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion.  Bleeding and infection may occur.  RU 486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs:

An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.

Tearing of the Cervix:

The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining:

Suction tubing, curettes and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus:

The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments.  The risk of this complication increases with length of the pregnancy.  If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.

Damage to Internal Organs:

When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death:

In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death.  This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year.

Breast Cancer:

Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. However, here are some important facts:

	Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.
	Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more prone to cancer.
	Most studies conducted so far show a significant linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

A 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found: "Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women."