Different Types of Abortion: Procedures, Risks, and More

If you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant and it’s not what you planned, you’re probably researching your abortion options.

Before contacting an abortion clinic, it’s important to know the types of abortion procedures. You should also understand when they can be done and what risks and side effects they may have.

This knowledge equips you to make a well-informed decision about your next steps. Keep reading to learn more about first-trimester abortions, second-trimester abortions, and what to expect!

First-Trimester Abortion Procedures

The first trimester spans from conception to the end of week 13. During this period, abortion providers typically offer medical abortions or dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures.

What Is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. It’s FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1]

The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[1]

Mifepristone is usually taken in an abortion clinic. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later at home.[1] The bleeding and cramping will begin between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.[2] Most women expel the pregnancy within that same timeframe.[3]

The experience can feel like a heavy period, though intensity varies. Recovery often involves rest and over-the-counter pain relief, but follow-up care may be needed if bleeding persists.

What Is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

A dilation and curettage (D&C), also called vacuum aspiration abortion, is a surgical abortion available up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.[4] It’s often completed in under 30 minutes.

Hours before or the day before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix. Misoprostol may be given to soften the cervix.[5]

During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped device called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus. They may also use a suction device at the end to remove any remaining tissue that was missed by the curette.[5]

Second-Trimester Abortion Procedures

The second trimester runs from week 13 to week 27. During this stage, dilation and evacuation (D&E) becomes the standard procedure due to the pregnancy’s advanced development.

What Is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)?

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester.[6] It’s more complex than a D&C due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers.

Here’s how a dilation and evacuation works:

• Cervix Dilation: The day before, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix, absorbing moisture to expand and open it gradually. Medication may also be used overnight to soften the cervix.[6]
• Procedure: A cannula suctions out uterine contents, and forceps remove remaining tissue.[6]

D&E procedures typically take 10-30 minutes and are done under anesthesia. You may experience cramping and bleeding for up to two weeks, with a follow-up visit to ensure everything is complete.

Risks and Side Effects of Abortion

Every abortion type—medical or surgical—carries risks and side effects. Understanding these can help you weigh your options.

Medical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

After a medical abortion, expect vaginal bleeding or spotting for 9-16 days, though it can last 30 days or longer in some cases.[2]

Other common side effects include[2]:

• Abdominal cramping (from misoprostol)
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive discomfort
• Chills or mild fever

Severe risks to watch for:

• Hemorrhaging: Bleeding that soaks two full-size pads per hour for 2+ hours requires immediate attention.[7]
• Incomplete Abortion: If tissue remains, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent infection.[8]
• Infection: Persistent fever, nausea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours post-misoprostol could indicate an infection, potentially requiring antibiotics or surgery.[2]

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

D&C and D&E procedures carry risks such as:

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[9]
• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[10]
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[11]
• Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[12]

Is Abortion Legal in My State?

With all of this in mind, you may be wondering what your abortion options are. It all depends on how far along you are and the abortion laws in your state. Here’s a breakdown:

*Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. It occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.[33]

Before choosing abortion, visit ICU Mobile for a free ultrasound. This will determine:

• How far along you are
• The location of your pregnancy
• Whether your pregnancy is viable

This will help you understand what options are available to you and make a fully informed decision.

Have Questions About Abortion in ? Get the Facts at ICU Mobile.

If you’re exploring abortion, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The caring team at ICU Mobile provides free, confidential guidance to help you make the best choice for your health and future.

Call us at (877) 231-2005 or schedule an appointment online today.

Please be aware that ICU Mobile does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
3. Mifepristone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage 
5. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
6. Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/ 
7. Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
8. Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
9. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
10. Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
11. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
12. Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
13. Alabama Legislature. (2025, February 4). House Bill 50. https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB50-int.pdf 
14. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Arizona Abortion Laws. (2024, November 5). https://www.azag.gov/issues/reproductive-rights/laws     
15. Arkansas General Assembly. Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act (SB6). Arkansas State Legislature. (2021, February 9, 2021). https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FSB6.pdf   
16. Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf   
17. The Florida Senate. (2023, April 14). SB 300: Pregnancy and Parenting Support. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/300  
18. Georgia General Assembly. (2019, May 7). House Bill 481. https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20192020/187013   
19. Hawaii State Legislature. H.B. NO. 1491. (2023). https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/SB1491_.HTM          
20. Illinois General Assembly. HB2606. (2023, February 15). https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/10300HB2606.htm  
21. Indiana Department of Health. (2023, August 22). Guidance Regarding the Regulatory Implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 1 – 2022 (ss). IN.gov. https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/files/SEA1-Regulatory-Guidance-2023-Aug-22.pdf    
22. Kansas State Legislature. Article 67. ABORTION. (2022). https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/statute/065_000_0000_chapter/065_067_0000_article/065_067_0003_section/065_067_0003_k/  
23. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf   
24. Michigan Legislature. House Bill 4949. (2023). https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2023-HB-4949  
25. Michael Watson, Secretary of State. (2022, June 27). Mississippi Abortion Notice Published in Administrative Bulletin. https://www.sos.ms.gov/press/mississippi-abortion-notice-published-administrative-bulletin  
26. North Carolina General Assembly. (2023, May 4). SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.pdf   
27. Ohio Secretary of State. (2023, December 7). Article I, Section 22 — Ohio Constitution: The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety. Ohio Laws & Administrative Code. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-constitution/section-1.22 
28. Oklahoma House of Representatives. HB4327 Floor Amendment 8 Bill Summary. (2022, March 21). https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2021-22%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4327%20FA8%20BILLSUM.PDF  
29. Pennsylvania General Assembly. (2025, January 8). House Bill 26. https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb26  
30. Tennessee General Assembly. (2022, June). Human Life Protection Act.  https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1029&GA=111  
31. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion.  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm 
32. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf 
33. Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/