What types of abortion are there?
What are the different types of abortion?
Six abortion methods are most commonly practiced worldwide. The first two methods are based on taking medication, while the last four are surgical procedures.
Early Medical Abortion: The abortion pill regimen uses a combination of two medications: First, mifepristone is taken, which causes the cervix to dilate and the uterine lining to break down. The embryo dies in the process. Another pill (misoprostol) is taken 2-3 days later, causing contractions that bring about the expulsion of the embryo.
This method can be used until the 10th week of pregnancy. Over 50% of US abortions use the abortion pill. Most other countries have lower numbers.
Induction Abortion: Medications are used to induce labor and delivery. This usually requires a two to three-day hospital stay. An injection to cause fetal demise is sometimes given through the woman's abdomen or cervix. This elective step is commonly taken beyond the 22nd week of pregnancy to prevent a live birth. This method is used in the second and third trimesters in 2% of abortions in America but is more common in other countries.
Vacuum Aspiration: Surgical procedure under local anesthesia or sedation. A flexible plastic tube is inserted through the dilated cervix. Via suction, the uterus is emptied of the embryo and the placenta. This first-trimester abortion method accounts for about half of all abortions worldwide.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Surgical procedure under sedation. Using a blunt curette (spoon-like instrument), the embryo and the placenta are detached from the uterine wall and removed from the uterus. This first-trimester abortion method is used in less than 8% of all abortions in the US.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Surgical procedure under sedation. The cervix is dilated over 24 hours. A tube is inserted, by which all amniotic fluid is suctioned out. Using forceps, the fetus is then dismembered and extracted in pieces. After the extraction, suction and curettage ensure that the uterus is completely emptied. 94-98% of second-trimester abortions are performed via D&E in the US. This method is not as common in other countries.
Intact D&E (D&X): Surgical procedure under general anesthesia or sedation. The cervix is dilated over 1-2 days. By law, a lethal injection is given, ensuring fetal demise. Using forceps, the fetus is then removed feet-first (breech position). When its head reaches the cervical opening, the brain is suctioned out, and the skull collapses, allowing for an uncomplicated passage through the cervix and vagina. This third-trimester method is rarely used.