Overview
An abortion procedure occurs when an in-clinic procedure is used to end a pregnancy. Two of the most well-known methods are Vacuum Aspiration and Dilation and Evacuation. Vacuum aspiration is used up to 14-16 weeks of pregnancy and is the most common abortion procedure during the first trimester. Dilation and Evacuation can be used for abortions occurring after 16 weeks of pregnancy, which are uncommon. This procedure is also used outside of abortion care as a treatment for miscarriages. Generally, abortion procedures can take 5-10 minutes to complete and are done under the supervision of medical providers. For some abortion seekers, it may be necessary to have an abortion procedure instead of a medication abortion because of underlying health disorders like bleeding or clotting conditions.