Which Method is Best for Me?

It is important that you fully consider all of your options when making the decision whether or not to terminate your pregnancy. Depending on how far along your pregnancy is, you may have different abortion methods available to you.

At Equality Health Center we offer medication and surgical abortions. The medication abortion, often called abortion by pill, can be done up to 9 weeks (63 days). Surgical abortions are done up to 15 weeks & 6 days, counting from the first day of your last normal menstrual period. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods, and there are various reasons why women choose one method or the other. There may also be medical or social reasons why one method would be more appropriate for you.

Comparison of Surgical and Medical Abortions

Surgical Abortion

High success rate (about 99%)
Instruments inserted into the uterus
Can be done in one visit. Since it’s an outpatient procedure, the appointment will take 4-5 hours.
Actual Procedure is completed in 10-15 minutes
May be used early in pregnancy – from 6 weeks to 15 weeks & 6 days
Local anesthesia, oral pain medication, and anti-anxiety medication is available
Procedure is done in a medical office
Health care provider provides the procedure

Medical Abortion

High success rate (about 95-98%)
Usually avoids surgical procedure
Requires two visits: first visit is 2 hours; second visit is 30 minutes.
Most women find the abortion can take up to 6-8 hours to complete after taking the second medication
May be used early in pregnancy – from 6 weeks to 9 weeks
Oral pain medication can be used if needed for cramps
The process can be done at home
Medications cause a process similar to a miscarriage

For more information about what a medication or surgical abortion appointment involves, please see “What To Expect” on this website.

Still not sure which method is right for you? Click www.pregnancyoptions.info and go through the workbook called “Abortion: Which Method is Right for Me?”

When you call to make your appointment, if you continue to have any questions or concerns, our staff will be happy to discuss them with you and help reach a decision you are content with.