What’s the Difference Between a Medical Abortion and a Surgical Abortion?

August 12, 2026

If you’re considering abortion, you deserve to know exactly what each procedure involves before making a decision.

You may have heard the terms medical abortion and surgical abortion, but understanding the difference between them can help you make a more informed choice. Both procedures are intended to end a pregnancy, but they work in very different ways, happen at different stages of pregnancy, and come with their own risks and considerations.

At Choices, we believe you deserve clear, factual information, not pressure. Read on to learn the essentials you need to know about medical and surgical abortion, or contact Choices to find a safe space to ask questions and find answers. We’re here for you, and we never profit from your pregnancy decision.

What Is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion uses two abortion drugs to end an existing pregnancy.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone your body needs to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and eventually ends.

The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina via uterine contractions.

Many women complete this process at home, which means they will experience the physical effects and potential risks without medical staff present.

It’s also important to know that the abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks of gestation or under.

What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?

The medical abortion drugs inherently cause vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping. However, sometimes, these can also be signs that you’re experiencing a complication when feeling intense pain or bleeding too much.

The risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach

Along with these risks, some women report emotional distress and negative mental health impacts after an abortion.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a medical facility by a healthcare provider. It involves dilating the cervix so that surgical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy through suction and scraping.

The exact procedure depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. In an earlier pregnancy, the abortion provider uses surgical instruments and strong suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. As the pregnancy progresses, the procedure becomes more involved and requires additional instruments or techniques.

Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the type of procedure being performed, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia may be used.

What Are the Risks?

Like any medical procedure, surgical abortion carries potential risks, including:

• Perforation of the uterus (this occurs when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (this can lead to unusual, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages, and infertility)
• Infection

Before Either Procedure, Get an Ultrasound

If you’re considering abortion, one of the most important things you can do first is get an ultrasound.

An ultrasound scan can determine the critical information you need to know before seeking an abortion, or before making any pregnancy decision:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus: this is important because sometimes, you might be facing an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency that needs proper treatment, not an abortion.
• Whether the pregnancy is viable: you may have experienced a miscarriage, which needs medical oversight and potential treatment, not an abortion.
• Approximately how far along you are: This is critical since certain abortion procedures, like medical abortion, are only available in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Get the Facts Before Making Your Decision

An unexpected pregnancy can make it feel like you need to decide immediately. But before rushing into a decision, it’s so important to make sure you have all the facts and that all your questions are answered.

Before choosing abortion, take time to learn about parenting and adoption as well. Understanding each option can help you move forward knowing you’ve made a decision based on accurate information, not fear, pressure, or incomplete facts.

At Choices, we’re committed to giving you the information you need to make your own pregnancy decision.

Because we do not perform or refer for abortions, we don’t profit from your decision. Whether you’re considering abortion, parenting, or adoption, our goal is simply to provide accurate medical information, answer your questions, and support you as you explore your options.

We also offer free ultrasounds for qualifying patients, so you can better understand your pregnancy health details.

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, schedule a confidential appointment with Choices today. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.