The most common method used for women who are between 7 and 13 weeks pregnant is called 'suction curettage.' The cervix is opened (dilated) to allow a small tube to be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the uterus (the foetus and placenta) are removed through the tube. The doctor then checks to be sure all the pregnancy tissue is removed.
Abortions are performed in licenced clinics or hospitals. Usually the operation can be performed under local anaesthetic. The operation takes about 10 minutes. Occasionally a general anaesthetic may be used.
For later abortions (those over 14 weeks), a more complex procedure is used. Abortions after 13 weeks carry more risk.
Medical Abortion
A very small number of abortions are carried out by inducing (starting) labour.
Follow-up Care
Following an abortion, the woman is observed for a few hours to check that bleeding and discomfort are within normal limits. She is given follow-up instructions, including what to expect and who to contact if complications occur.
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