what is abortion?

An abortion is when the pregnancy is ended so that it does not result in the birth of a child. Sometimes this is called 'termination of pregnancy'.

The pregnancy is removed from the womb, either by taking pills (medical abortion) which involves taking medicines to cause a miscarriage or by surgery (surgical abortion) where the pregnancy is removed from the womb. Most abortions can be provided on a day care basis which means you do not need to stay at a clinic overnight.
There are broadly two types of abortion treatment, the abortion pill (also called medical abortion) and surgical abortion. The abortion pill involves taking medicines to end the pregnancy. Surgical abortion involves a minor operation either awake or asleep. The abortion pill may be used up to nine weeks of pregnancy. It involves taking medication to cause an early miscarriage. This can feel like having a painful and heavy period. Typically, two visits to the doctor are needed although there is no anesthesia or surgery involved. After nine weeks of pregnancy, medicines need to be taken orally in order to have the womb contract and push out the pregnancy. Surgical abortion is needed between 15 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. This is performed either by vacuum aspiration which can be performed up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. It involves removing the pregnancy by gentle suction which can be performed under a local or general anesthetic. Dilatation and Evacuation, is a second surgical procedure used between 15 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Using forceps that pass through the neck of the womb a doctor will remove the pregnancy under general anesthesia or asleep. In some cases, an overnight stay is required after a surgical procedure. These procedures require one visit to the clinic with a follow up visit recommended to ensure that healing is occurring and counseling provided if needed.