What are the Different Types of Abortion?

March 24, 2026

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering abortion, it may help to learn about the different types available. Below, you’ll find basic information to help you better understand your options and make a confident decision.

You can also schedule an appointment to meet with a caring advocate and ensure your questions are answered.

Surgical vs. Medical Abortion

Surgical

For a surgical abortion, you visit a clinic or medical facility for the procedure. The doctor dilates (opens) your cervix so they can use medical instruments, often suction, to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.

The doctor may also use a small instrument called a curette to remove any remaining tissue. You may return for a follow-up visit to confirm the procedure was successful.

Medical

With a medical abortion, you take two different drugs to end the pregnancy. This procedure is FDA-approved only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

First, you take a drug called mifepristone, which blocks the hormone needed for the pregnancy to keep developing. Then you take a second drug, misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions so your body can expel the pregnancy and related tissue, similar to the natural process the body follows in the event of a miscarriage.

Risks of Abortion

The Mayo Clinic lists several potential risks associated with both surgical and medical abortion.

Surgical abortion risks may include:

Perforation of the uterus
Damage to the cervix
Heavy bleeding or cramping
Infection
Scar tissue on the uterine wall

Medical abortion risks may include:

An incomplete abortion, potentially requiring a surgical procedure
An ongoing pregnancy if the medication does not work
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Fever or digestive discomfort
Infection

Knowing how far along you are is crucial to determining your options. A no-cost ultrasound at our center can help determine your pregnancy’s gestational age.

Schedule an Appointment

Now that you understand the difference between medical and surgical abortion, scheduling an ultrasound is a good idea before making a decision.

An ultrasound can help you learn how far along you are, confirm whether the pregnancy is viable, and determine the location of the pregnancy to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.

Crossroads Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.