Q5. Is there more than one type of abortion?

A5. Yes. There are three types of abortion which include:

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Late abortion�

The medical abortion involves you taking an ‘abortion pill’�which helps to break down the lining of your womb. This lining and the foetus are expelled from your womb in the same way as a menstrual period.

Surgical abortion involves either vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation. The foetus is removed from your womb by suction tube only or forceps plus a suction tube.

Late abortion is performed in two ways: surgery (two stage) or medical abortion which also includes dilation and evacuation.

These are discussed in more detail in our methods of abortion section.

FAQS Index:

Abortion FAQs

1. My pregnancy is unplanned, should I consider an abortion?
2. Does abortion hurt?
3. Why is abortion such a controversial issue?
4. I am thinking about having an abortion; what do I need to consider?
5. Is there more than one type of abortion?
6. I am under 16; do I have to get my parents permission to have an abortion?
7. How much does an abortion cost?
8. What reasons do women give for having an abortion?
9. Should I have my abortion on the NHS or at a private clinic?
10. Does counselling help?

12. How do I arrange an abortion on the NHS?
13. How do I arrange an abortion at a private clinic?
14. What is a ‘late term abortion?’
15. How safe is an abortion?
16. Will having an abortion make me infertile?
17. What happens at the initial consultation?
18. What are the risks of an abortion?
19. What can I expect after my abortion?
20. What is the aftercare?
21. Will I be able to have a baby some point in the future even though I have had an abortion?