Medical abortion​

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You take two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) usually around 24-48 hours apart.

The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from staying implanted and growing.

The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. You’ll experience cramping and bleeding at that time.

Some people experience other mild side effects like continued spotting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness. The first medication is often taken in a medical office and the second at home.

A medical abortion can be performed up to 11 weeks of pregnancy.

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​Vacuum aspiration

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In this procedure your cervix may be gently stretched to allow a suction device to remove the pregnancy tissue from your uterus. Toward the endof the procedure, you may feel some cramping.

This is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go to the office, have the procedure, and go home, all in the same day.

The suction portion of the procedure itself usually takes less than 15 minutes, but the timing may vary.

Depending on the clinic, you may be able to select from a few different options to manage discomfort or pain during the procedure – from local numbing medicine to medication administered intravenously that will put you to sleep during the procedure.

This procedure can be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in Pennsylvania.

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