Abortion Procedures
Abortion Procedures
Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration
Quick Facts
- Gestational Age: 6-12 weeks after last menstrual period
- Cost: $600-$1000
Procedure
Patient lies on her back with feet in stirrups and a speculum is inserted to open the vagina.
A local anesthetic is administered to her cervix. Then, a tenaculum (a slender sharp pointed hook attached to a handle, mainly used in surgery for seizing and holding parts) is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by cone shaped rods.
When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula (a long plastic tube connected to a suction device) is inserted into the uterus to suction out the baby and placenta.
The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours.
Risks and Side Effects
Cramping, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint.
Less frequent side effects include possible heavy or prolonged bleeding, blood clots, damage to the cervix and perforation of the uterus.
Infection due to retained remains of the baby and related tissues, an STD, or bacteria being introduced to the uterus, can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness, scarring, infertility and in some cases, death.
Fetal Development Weeks 9-12
The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a vacuum abortion.
- Upper lip, teeth, fingers and ears begin to form
- Toes and genitals are forming
- Baby can make a fist
- Baby has permanent fingerprints
- Baby starts to produce urine
- All organs are functioning by week 12
There are two abortion procedures commonly used in the second trimester: the D&C and the D&E.
D&C: Dilation & Curettage
Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration
Quick Facts
- Gestational Age: 12-15 weeks after last menstrual period
- Cost: $850-$1600
Procedure
Suction aspiration can be used up to 15 weeks. In the second trimester a D&C procedure is typically also required, which uses a curette: a long, looped shaped knife that scrapes the lining, placenta, and baby away from the uterus.
This procedure usually lasts 10 minutes, with a possible stay of 5 hours.
Risks and Side Effects
Nausea, bleeding and cramping may occur for two weeks following the procedure
Infection due to retained remains of the baby and related tissues, an STD, or bacteria, can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness, scarring, and in some cases, death.
Fetal Development Weeks 13-16
The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a D&C abortion.
- Baby flexes, kicks and begins sucking thumb
- Skin begins to form
- Facial expressions are possible
D&E: Dilation & Evacuation
Quick Facts
- Gestational Age: More than 15 weeks after last menstrual period
- Cost: $1500-$2100
Procedure
In most cases, 24 hours prior to the actual procedure, the abortion provider will insert laminaria or a synthetic dilator inside the cervix.
Cone-shaped rods of increasing size are used to continue the dilation process.
The cannula is inserted to begin removing tissue away from the lining. Then using a curette, the lining is scraped to remove any residuals.
If needed, forceps may be used to remove larger parts.
The procedure normally takes about 30 minutes.
Risks and Side Effects
The risks and side effects for a D&E are the same as those of a D&C, but more severe. Most D&E procedures are performed in a hospital setting due to the increased risks of severe complications. Although rare, additional risks related to D&E are damage to the uterine lining or cervix, perforation of the uterus, infertility, infection, and blood clots.
Fetal Development Weeks 17-21
- Hearing begins to develop
- Eyebrows and eyelashes grow in
- Mother feels baby’s movements more strongly

Medically Reviewed By:
Tessa, NP
Staff Nurse Practitioner, Baton Rouge
1 Jones, R., Ingerick, M., Jerman, J. (2018). Differences in Abortion Service Delivery in Hostile, Middle-ground, and Supportive States in 2014. Women’s Health Iss; 28(3): 212–218.
2 Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. How do I get the abortion pill? Retrieved June 2019 from PlannedParenthood.org.
3 CompassCare Pregnancy Services. “Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?” Retrieved from CompassCare.info on 06/04/19.