Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy.

There are two main types, depending on how far along you are:

• Medication abortion uses two pills to end an early pregnancy.

• Surgical abortion involves procedures like suction or dilation and evacuation to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion ends a pregnancy either through medication or a surgical procedure.

Medication abortion uses two pills. The first blocks the hormone progesterone, and the second causes the uterus to contract and empty. This method is usually used during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and removing the pregnancy using suction or medical instruments. It’s done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the method and stage of pregnancy.

Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion?

Medical abortion ends a pregnancy using prescribed medications, while surgical abortion is done through an in-clinic procedure.

Medical abortion uses two pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) and is safe to take only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and removing the pregnancy with suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation).

Is Abortion Legal in Texas?

As of 2025 in Texas, almost all abortions are illegal. The only exceptions are when a doctor determines that the pregnancy threatens the person’s life or could cause serious harm to their health.

Does Abortion Hurt?

Abortion can cause pain, but how much varies depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your personal pain tolerance.

With a medical abortion, you may have strong cramps like a heavy period as your uterus clears out the pregnancy. For surgical abortion, anesthesia is used to prevent pain during the procedure, though you might feel some discomfort or pain afterward.

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding after an abortion usually lasts one to two weeks but can sometimes continue longer, with light spotting lasting several weeks.

After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and small clots are common in the first few days and then slowly decrease. Light spotting may last up to six weeks.

For a surgical abortion, most bleeding stops within about a week, though mild spotting can continue for one to two weeks.

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion varies depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage.

Some people pay a small out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher costs if their insurance doesn’t cover it or if the abortion happens later in pregnancy.

Most first-trimester abortions cost between $500 and $750. Later procedures can cost thousands. In Texas, since almost all abortions are banned, many people have to plan for travel out of state, which adds to the expense.

What's In the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill process uses two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to keep the uterine lining, which causes the pregnancy to detach.

Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later to trigger uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA approves this method only for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It should be taken under medical supervision, with a follow-up visit to make sure it worked and to manage any cramping or bleeding.

How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Fertility can return as soon as two weeks after an abortion, but for some women, it may take several months.

Many women ovulate before their first period after abortion (usually around four to six weeks) but some might not ovulate again for two to three months or longer.

Since cycles vary, pregnancy can happen almost right away or be delayed.

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Every medical procedure carries some risks, which can vary based on the method used and factors like how far along the pregnancy is and your health.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill, up to about 10 weeks):

• Common side effects: Heavy bleeding, cramps, nausea.

• Possible risks: Incomplete abortion, too much bleeding, infection, or an untreated ectopic pregnancy.

Surgical Abortion (e.g., suction aspiration, dilation and evacuation):

• Common side effects: Cramping, light bleeding.

• Possible risks: Rare issues like uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring that could affect future fertility.

General risks:

• Emotional reactions vary; some feel relief, others sadness. Those with mental health conditions may find it harder.

• Serious complications like severe bleeding or infection are very rare.

• Future fertility is usually not affected unless a rare complication happens.

Always talk with a healthcare provider to understand your personal risks and follow-up needs.