What are the Different Types of Abortion?

February 25, 2026

Learning that you’re pregnant can bring up many emotions, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned. You may feel pressure to gather information quickly while also processing your feelings. Understanding abortion procedures can be challenging, but having clear, factual information can help you make informed decisions about your health.

If you’re looking for accurate information in a supportive, confidential setting, Nova Women’s Health offers free pregnancy services, including lab quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds. Our team can help confirm your pregnancy, explain available options, and answer questions so you’re not making decisions based on uncertainty.

If you’d like to talk through your situation, schedule a confidential appointment today.

Here are more details about the two main types of abortion: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

Medical abortion, often referred to as an abortion pill, is an FDA-approved drug regimen used through 10 weeks of gestation. It involves two drugs taken in sequence.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to continue a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes uterine contractions (which feel like strong abdominal cramps), which expel the pregnancy via vaginal bleeding.

This is more intense than a menstrual period, with blood clots up to the size of a lemon considered normal. However, every woman’s experience varies, and how far along a woman is in her pregnancy makes a difference.

In addition to vaginal bleeding and cramping, physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or headache.

The risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion requiring additional medical care. Follow-up with a medical provider is essential, and women should have access to emergency care if a complication arises.

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion refers to an in-clinic medical procedure where an abortion provider manually removes the pregnancy from the uterus using suction or surgical instruments.

There are a few different types of surgical abortion, including vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E), all of which include dilating the cervix and using suction or medical instruments to remove pregnancy tissue. Abortion providers perform these procedures, and women require either local anesthesia or sedation.

After a surgical abortion, some women experience:

• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Mild cramping for a few days

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, heavy bleeding, damage to the cervix or uterus, or scarring of the uterine lining. A healthcare provider can explain how these risks may vary based on gestational age and individual health factors.

Why an Ultrasound Matters

An ultrasound provides important information before making any pregnancy-related decision. It confirms how far along you are in your pregnancy, checks viability to determine whether the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat or if a miscarriage has occurred, and identifies the location of the pregnancy to help rule out ectopic pregnancy.

This information can clarify your options and prevent serious complications.

Moving Forward With Support

Every pregnancy decision is personal, and accurate information can help you feel more confident as you consider next steps. Nova Women’s Health offers free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and a confidential, pressure-free space to ask questions.

Contact Nova Women’s Health to schedule a free, confidential appointment and learn more about your pregnancy.

Nova Women’s Health does not provide or refer for abortions.