What’s the difference between a surgical abortion and a medical abortion?
There are two types of abortions: surgical and medical. Surgical abortions are the most common in the United States and use a procedure called “vacuum aspiration.” The process starts with a pelvic examination. Next, a shot of anesthesia, or pain killer, is applied to the cervix. This numbs the pelvic area. Some choose general anesthesia, which basically means being put to sleep during the abortion. Once the anesthesia, or pain medicine, is applied, the cervix is “dilated” or widened and a vacuum-like tube is inserted. The tube is used to remove the contents of the uterus. The procedure takes between 5 and 15 minutes. The average cost is $295. Many clinics offer sliding fee scales, charging only what a girl or woman can afford to pay. Medical abortions, also called drug-induced abortions, use medicine to cause a miscarriage. They usually require three appointments with a doctor. On the first visit, the doctor will give Mifepristone (also known as RU-486).
