2. There are 2 kinds of induced
abortions:
Surgical Abortion Procedures
Chemical Abortion Options
3. Surgical Abortion Procedures
Manual Vacuum
Aspiration-within 7
weeks after last
menstrual period
Dilators (metal rods)
are used to stretch the
cervical muscle until
the opening is wide
enough for abortion
instruments to pass
through the uterus.
4. Suction Curettage
after 14 weeks from
the last menstrual
period
The abortionist uses a
dilator or laminaria to
open the cervix..
5. D & C (Dilation and Curettage)
within first 12 weeks
The cervix is dilated. A
suction device is
placed in the uterine
cavity to remove the
fetus and placenta.
6. D & E (Dilation and Evacuation)
within 13-24 weeks
after last menstrual
period
The fetus literally
doubles in size
between the 11th and
12th weeks of
pregnancy.
7. Saline
after 15 weeks of
pregnancy
This procedure is
conducted in the same
manner as amniocentesis
(a prenatal test used to
diagnose a fetus’ potential
chromosomal
abnormalities). A long
needle is inserted into the
woman’s abdomen,
directly into the amniotic
sac
8. Hysterotomy
after 18 weeks
This procedure is the same as a cesarean
section (in which the doctor cuts through the
abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby), except
that in a hysterotomy, no medical attention is
given to the baby upon delivery to help it survive.
10. RU-486 (Mifepristone)-
within 4-7 weeks of
the last menstrual
period.
Also called “the
abortion pill.”
This drug interferes
with levels of
progesterone, a
hormone that keeps
the fetus implanted in
the wall of the uterus.
11. Methotrexate and Misoprostol
Methotrexate is used
for treatment of
cancer, and
Misoprostol is used for
ulcer treatment. In a
chemical abortion,
these two drugs are
used in combination.
12. “Morning After” Pill
sometimes used in
rape cases
Up to 72 hours after
intercourse, a woman
is administered large
doses of birth control
pills (or levonorgestrel,
also known as Plan B)
to prevent the embryo
from implanting in the
uterus wall.
