1. Termination of pregnancy

2. Options available Pharmacological: Physical: Mifeprex
Manual Vacuum Aspiration
Aspiration
Dilation and Curettage
Dilation and Evacuation
Induction Abortion

3. Mifeprex
May be used up to 9 weeks after the first day of last menstrual period
Contains Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Mifepristone taken first which blocks progesterone
Lack of progesterone causes breakdown of the uterine lining
Misoprostol taken 1-2 days later, causes uterine emptying

4. Aspiration May be manual or machine aspiration
Performed 5-12 weeks after last menstrual period
Local anesthetic and NSAIDS only
Catheter inserted into the uterus with applied suction aspirates tissue
Cramps and heavy vaginal bleeding expected
Risks include infection and uterine injury

5. Dilation and Curettage
Cervix is dilated prior to surgery
General anesthesia used
Curette inserted into uterus to remove uterine lining
Curette may be a “sharp” curette or a suction device
Risk of infection, uterine damage, and reaction to anesthesia
May be performed up to 16 weeks after last menstrual period

6. Dilation and Evacuation
Cervix dilated 1 day before surgery
Combines vacuum aspiration with dilation & curettage and forceps
General anesthesia used
May be performed up to 24 weeks after last menstrual period
Not commonly used as an elective abortion method without extenuating circumstances

7. Induction Abortion
Cervix is dilated using medication methods and the mother is sedated
Digoxin or other medication is injected into the fetal heart causing loss of life
Uterine contents are removed vaginally through a labor process unlike traditional labor
Performed in very late term pregnancy (second and third trimesters)
Only used to abort a pregnancy incompatible with life for mother or fetus