Abortion is a medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy. Reasons for getting an abortion may include: health risks, fetal anomalies, to prevent potential congenital or inherited disease, to treat a miscarriage, or personal circumstances. Medical abortions involve taking medication to end a pregnancy, whereas a surgical abortion ends a pregnancy using procedures such as aspiration abortion and dilation and curettage (D&C). The availability and legality of abortion vary by location. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss your options and receive appropriate medical care.
What Is an Abortion?Medically Reviewed by John Paul McHugh, MD | August 9, 2022
FAQ
What are the types of abortion?
Medical abortion involves taking medication to terminate a pregnancy, while a surgical abortion uses either vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C). How far along the pregnancy is, personal and medical circumstances, and other factors may affect your choice.
What are the risks of abortion?
Legal abortions are generally extremely low-risk. But the risks of medical abortion include infection, incomplete abortion, or heavy bleeding. Surgical abortion can cause severe bleeding, infection, pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus, allergic reactions to medications, or surgical injury.
How early can an abortion be performed?
Abortions can happen at four to five weeks of gestation or as early as a missed period. Some states limit abortions after anywhere from 6 to 15 weeks of gestation. Ask a healthcare professional about your options.
Is abortion legal?
Legality varies by location and is subject to state laws and regulations. Different states have different age restrictions, waiting periods, and legal requirements that may make finding a healthcare provider to administer abortion difficult.
What are the emotional effects of abortion?
Your emotional response to abortion depends on your circumstances. It's completely normal to feel many emotions, from psychological distress to heartbreak to relief, after an abortion. Mental health professionals can help you navigate these feelings.
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Kara Smythe, MD
Medical Reviewer
Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...
Kacy Church, MD, practices as a clinical endocrinologist with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Burlingame, California. She balances both outpatient and inpatient responsibilitie...
John Paul McHugh, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in southern California. He has always placed wellness at the center of his work, in both del...
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