Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that intentionally ends the life of a developing baby during pregnancy.

The method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is. In the first weeks, abortion is often done with medication, using two drugs that cause the pregnancy to stop developing and the uterus to contract and empty. While sometimes described as “less invasive,” many women are surprised by the intensity of the cramping, bleeding, and emotional impact that can follow.

Later in pregnancy, abortion is usually performed through a surgical procedure such as suction or dilation, done in a clinic. This involves removing the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Even when performed in a medical setting, abortion carries both physical risks—like heavy bleeding, infection, or injury—and emotional effects, which can include sadness, regret, or a sense of loss that may surface weeks or years later.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion is a medical process that intentionally ends the life of a developing baby during pregnancy.

The method depends on how far along the pregnancy is. In the first 10 weeks, abortion is often done with medication. This involves taking two drugs: the first blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, causing the developing baby to stop growing, and the second causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. While some expect this to feel like a heavy period, many women experience stronger cramping, heavier bleeding, and more emotional distress than anticipated.

After the first 10 weeks, or when medication isn’t chosen, abortion is usually performed surgically in a clinic. The cervix is dilated, and the pregnancy is removed with suction or medical instruments. Anesthesia may be used for pain control, but the procedure can still cause physical discomfort and carries medical risks such as heavy bleeding, infection, or injury. Beyond the procedure itself, some women experience feelings of grief, regret, or loss—sometimes immediately, and sometimes months or years later.

Medical Abortion V. Surgical Abortion?

A medical abortion ends a pregnancy using two prescription drugs and a surgical abortion uses medical instruments to remove the pregnancy in a clinic.

Medical abortion combines two medications: mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone so the developing baby can no longer grow, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Approved for use up to 10 weeks, this process often involves significant cramping, bleeding, and sometimes nausea, diarrhea, or fever. While it can be completed at home, many women are surprised by how physically intense and emotionally distressing it can feel.

Surgical abortion takes place in a clinic. The cervix is dilated, and suction or other instruments are used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Even with anesthesia or sedation, some women experience discomfort or cramping during or after the procedure. Physical risks include heavy bleeding, infection, or injury to the uterus or cervix. Emotional responses can range from immediate relief to later feelings of sadness, regret, or loss, which may surface weeks or years afterward.

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding after an abortion is common, but the amount and duration can vary depending on the method used and the stage of pregnancy.

With a medical abortion, heavy bleeding and cramping are expected in the first few hours to days as the uterus expels the pregnancy. Passing blood clots—sometimes larger than anticipated—is also common. Light spotting can continue for several weeks. Some women describe the process as more intense than they were prepared for, both physically and emotionally, especially if they are at home during the experience.

After a surgical abortion, bleeding is often lighter than with a medical abortion and may slow within a week. However, spotting or occasional passage of small clots can last up to two weeks. Even when bleeding is within the expected range, unexpected emotions can surface during recovery, such as sadness, anxiety, or regret, which may be as significant as the physical symptoms.

How Much Does An Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion can vary widely depending on the stage of pregnancy, the method used, and whether insurance covers the procedure.

Earlier abortions, such as those done with medication, typically cost less than surgical procedures performed later in pregnancy. If insurance covers abortion, the out-of-pocket cost may be smaller. Without coverage, expenses can be significant—especially for later procedures that require more time, specialized equipment, or travel to a clinic.

In addition to financial costs, some women describe a personal “cost” in the form of physical side effects—such as pain, heavy bleeding, or complications—and emotional effects that may surface days, months, or years later. Feelings of sadness, loss, or regret can sometimes linger long after the medical bill is paid, making it important to consider both the financial and emotional impact before making a decision.

What's In The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill uses two medications to end an early pregnancy.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone—a hormone the body needs to sustain the pregnancy—causing the developing baby to stop growing. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This process often brings heavy bleeding, strong cramping, and the passing of blood clots. Some women also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or chills.

While the abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, it is not always as quick or simple as expected. Many women describe the process as more physically intense and emotionally difficult than anticipated, especially if they go through it at home. Medical supervision and a follow-up exam are important to confirm the abortion is complete and to address possible complications such as retained tissue, infection, or heavy bleeding. Emotional effects—ranging from relief to sadness, regret, or grief—may appear soon after or months later.

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

Abortion carries both physical and emotional risks, which can vary based on a woman’s health, the stage of pregnancy, and the method used.

Medical abortion (up to 10 weeks):

• Common: Heavy bleeding, strong cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or chills.

• Less common but serious: Incomplete abortion requiring further medical intervention, infection, or an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
  Many women describe this process as more physically intense and emotionally difficult than they expected, especially when completed at home.

Surgical abortion:

• Common: Cramping, moderate bleeding, and fatigue.

• Less common but serious: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring of the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome), which can affect future fertility or increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Other risks:

• Emotional impact: Feelings after abortion can range from initial relief to sadness, guilt, regret, or grief. Women with a history of mental health struggles or limited emotional support may be at greater risk for ongoing distress. These feelings may surface days, months, or even years later.

• Severe complications: Though rare, life-threatening events such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe infection, or death can occur.

• Fertility: Most women can conceive again, but scarring or other complications can make future pregnancy more difficult.

Because risks extend beyond the procedure itself, it is important to discuss both physical and emotional concerns with a qualified healthcare provider and to have follow-up care to confirm the abortion is complete and recovery is progressing safely.