Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

There are different methods, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. In early pregnancy, abortion may involve prescribed medications that interrupt and end the pregnancy. Later abortions are performed through medical procedures such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation, which require clinical intervention.

Because abortion involves ending a developing pregnancy, it is considered a significant medical decision, and the method used depends on gestational age, health factors, and clinical circumstances.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is deliberately ended through medication or a medical procedure, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

In early pregnancy, a medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen. The first drug blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue, a process that typically happens within the first ten weeks.

Later abortions involve procedural methods, which require opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or medical instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy. These procedures are performed by trained clinicians, usually under local or general anesthesia.

Because abortion involves actively ending a developing pregnancy and requires medical intervention, it is considered a significant clinical event, with the method determined by gestational age and medical circumstances.

Source

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/

Medical Abortion v. Surgical Abortion?

A pregnancy can be ended either with medication or through a medical procedure, depending on how far along it is.

A medical abortion uses two prescribed medications—mifepristone followed by misoprostol—to stop the pregnancy from continuing and trigger the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. This method is generally limited to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and takes place over the course of hours or days.

A procedural (often called surgical) abortion is performed in a clinical setting. It involves gently opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or medical instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy, typically with anesthesia for pain control.

Because these approaches involve different processes and levels of medical intervention, the method used depends on gestational age, health factors, and clinical circumstances.

Source

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/

Is Abortion Legal in Georgia?

Abortion is legal in Georgia, but state law includes significant restrictions.

What does that mean?
Under Georgia’s Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, abortion is generally prohibited once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is typically around six weeks of pregnancy. There are limited exceptions, including:

• When a medical emergency threatens the life of the pregnant woman
• In cases of rape or incest, if specific reporting requirements are met
• In cases involving certain severe fetal diagnoses

Because pregnancy dating can affect what options may be legally available, confirming how far along you are with an ultrasound is an important first step.

Please note:
Abortion laws can change as court cases and legislation evolve. For the most current information, we encourage reviewing official Georgia Department of Public Health resources or speaking directly with a qualified legal or medical professional.

Source:

https://dph.georgia.gov/document/document/updatedwrtkbrochure/download

Does Abortion Hurt?

Abortion can involve physical pain, and for some people, emotional pain as well. The experience varies depending on the method used, how far along the pregnancy is, and individual sensitivity.

With a medication abortion, the body goes through a process similar to an intense miscarriage. As the uterus contracts to expel the pregnancy, many people experience strong cramping and discomfort that can feel heavier than a typical period and may last several hours or longer.

During a procedural abortion, pain during the procedure itself is usually managed with local or general anesthesia. However, cramping, soreness, and fatigue afterward are common as the body recovers.

Beyond physical effects, some people also report emotional distress afterward, which can range from temporary sadness to longer-lasting feelings such as grief, regret, or anxiety. While others feel relief, emotional responses are not always predictable and can surface weeks, months, or even years later.

Because abortion affects both the body and, for some, emotional well-being, it is often experienced as more than a simple medical event, and recovery can involve both physical and emotional healing.

Source:

https://srh.bmj.com/content/51/2/137

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding after an abortion most often lasts one to two weeks, though the timing and intensity can vary based on the method used and how far along the pregnancy was. Light spotting may continue for several weeks in some cases.

After a medication abortion, bleeding is usually heavier in the first few days as the uterus contracts and passes pregnancy tissue. Small clots are common during this phase. Bleeding then gradually decreases, though light spotting can last up to six weeks as the body completes the process and heals.

Following a procedural abortion, bleeding is typically lighter and shorter. Many people notice bleeding for about a week, with mild spotting sometimes continuing for one to two weeks afterward.

Because abortion involves changes to the uterus and hormones, recovery timelines differ. Ongoing or heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Source:

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.in-clinic-abortion-what-to-expect-at-home.av2707

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion can vary widely depending on the type of abortion, how far along the pregnancy is, and whether insurance coverage is available.

Some people may pay a relatively small out-of-pocket amount, especially early in pregnancy or when insurance applies. Others may face significantly higher costs if insurance does not cover abortion procedures, if travel is required, or if the procedure takes place later in pregnancy, when care becomes more complex.

Because costs can increase with gestational age and access limitations, expense is often an important factor people must weigh when considering their options.

Source:

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/why-its-done/

What's In the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill regimen involves two prescription medications, taken in sequence: mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary to support the uterine lining during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can no longer continue and begins to detach from the uterus.

Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue, a process that often involves cramping and bleeding as the body responds.

In the United States, the FDA has approved this regimen for use only during the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Because it triggers a physical process similar to miscarriage, it is intended to be used under medical guidance, with follow-up care to confirm completion and address any complications or ongoing symptoms.

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be possible as soon as two weeks after an abortion, though for some people it may take longer for fertility to return.

Ovulation can occur before the first post-abortion period, often within four to six weeks. However, hormonal recovery isn’t the same for everyone. Some people don’t ovulate again for two to three months or more, depending on how their body responds and how far along the pregnancy was.

Because cycles can be unpredictable during recovery, it’s possible to become pregnant again quickly—or for fertility to take time to return. This variability is one reason healthcare providers often discuss physical recovery and family-planning considerations after an abortion.

Source:

https://biologyinsights.com/when-do-you-start-ovulating-after-abortion/

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Like any medical intervention, abortion carries potential risks. These vary depending on the method used, how far along the pregnancy is, and a person’s overall health.

Medication Abortion (abortion pill, typically up to 10 weeks)

Common effects

• Cramping and abdominal pain
• Bleeding that may be heavier than a normal period
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort

Possible risks

• Incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment
• Prolonged or excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Delayed diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy
  
  

Procedural Abortion (such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation)

Common effects

• Cramping following the procedure
• Light to moderate bleeding for several days

Possible risks

• Infection
• Injury to the cervix
• Uterine perforation
• Scar tissue formation inside the uterus (rare, but may affect future fertility)
  
  

Other Considerations

• Emotional response: People report a wide range of emotional experiences afterward, including relief, sadness, grief, or regret. For some, emotional distress can be longer lasting, particularly if there is a history of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
• Serious complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, or death are very uncommon, but remain recognized medical risks.
• Future fertility: Most people are able to become pregnant again, though rare complications—such as significant uterine scarring—can affect fertility.

Because risks differ from person to person and can change with gestational age, discussing individual health factors and follow-up care with a qualified healthcare provider is an important part of informed decision-making.

Source:

https://informedconsent.utah.gov/information-module/abortion/abortion-risks/