Abortion Pill / Medication Abortion
(Mifepristone or Mifeprex) | Aspiration Abortion
(Suction or Vacuum Aspiration) |
| 1. How far along in the pregnancy can I be? |
| Up to 9 weeks from the first day of your last period (63 days). Success rates are 96-99%. | First trimester is through 12 weeks. Aspiration abortion has a 98-99% success rate. A pregnancy less than 6 weeks may increase the chances of failed aspiration abortion. |
| 2. How long does it take? |
- Usually 2 visits to the provider.
- Take mifepristone on Day 1.
- Insert misoprostol in the vagina 6-72 hours later.
- It usually takes several hours for the abortion to occur.
- Follow-up visit on Day 4 to 14 to the provider.
| - One visit to the provider.
- The abortion procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- Follow-up visit at your primary care doctor’s office or at an abortion clinic in 2-3 weeks.
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| 3. How painful is it? |
| From mild to very strong cramping off and on throughout the abortion. Pain pills help. | From mild to very strong cramping during the abortion. Pain pills help during and after the procedure. |
| 4. How much will I bleed? |
| Heavy bleeding with clots is common during the abortion. Afterwards, lighter bleeding with clots lasts 9 to 16 days or more. Overall, the amount of bleeding is similar to that of a aspiration abortion, although it takes longer. | Usually light bleeding from 1 to 7 days, but may continue off and on up to 2 weeks. Overall, the amount of bleeding is similar to that of the abortion pill, but most of the blood loss occurs within the 5 to 10 minute aspiration procedure. |
| 5. How much does it cost? |
| $350 and up. The exact cost depends on where you go for the procedure. | $350 and up. The exact cost depends on where you go for the procedure. |
| 6. Can the abortion fail? |
| Success rate varies with the length of pregnancy and protocol used. When it fails, an aspiration abortion is necessary. | Over 98% successful. Less that 2% of the time, the procedure fails and needs to be repeated. |
| 7. Is it safe, and can I still have children afterwards? |
- Both medications have been studied and used safely. Complications are rare.
- Childbearing ability is not affected.
| - Aspiration abortion has been studied for over 25 years. Abortion in the first 12 weeks has a less than 1% complication rate, and is at least 10 times safer than childbirth.
- Childbearing ability is not affected, barring rare, serious complications.
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| 8. What are the advantages? |
- To some, it seems more natural, like a miscarriage.
- No shots, anesthesia, instruments, or vacuum aspirator machine, unless it fails.
- The pregnancy can be ended earlier than with aspiration abortion.
- Being at home instead of in an office may be more comforting and private.
- Any support person can be there during the abortion process.
| - It is quick and over in a few minutes.
- It is highly successful.
- There is less bleeding (that the woman sees) than with a medication abortion.
- Medical staff is present.
- A counselor is usually available before, during, and after the procedure for emotional support.
- It can be done further along in the pregnancy than with a medication abortion.
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| 9. What are the disadvantages? |
- It takes several days.
- It is not completely predictable.
- Bleeding can be very heavy and lasts longer than with an aspiration abortion.
- If hemorrhage occurs, patient must travel to re-visit her provider.
- Cramping can be severe and usually lasts longer than with an aspiration abortion.
- Two visits to the provider are necessary, and possibly more.
- It fails more often than an aspiration procedure.
- It cannot end a tubal pregnancy.
| - A clinician must insert instruments inside the uterus.
- Anesthetics and drugs to manage pain during the procedure may cause side effects.
- There are possible complications, although in less than 1% of cases.
- The woman has less control over the abortion procedure and who is with her.
- The vacuum aspirator may seem noisy.
- It cannot be done as early in the pregnancy as with a medication abortion.
- It cannot end a tubal pregnancy.
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