How Long Does an Abortion Take? Timing and Options

Wondering how long an abortion takes? Whether you’re considering the abortion pill or a surgical abortion, here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.

Types of Abortion and Their Timeframes

Two types of abortion exist—the abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion) and  surgical abortion. Both involve different steps and amounts of time.

What To Know Before an Abortion

Before proceeding with either option, you’ll need to confirm a few key details with a medical professional:

• How Far Along Are You? 

An ultrasound provides an accurate gestational age, often more reliable than counting from your last menstrual period.

• Is the Pregnancy Viable? 

A limited ultrasound checks if the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. This is important information, because a significant number of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage and a smaller number form outside of the uterus-known as an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening.^{1, 2}

• Are There Any Medical Risks? 

Conditions like bleeding disorders, an IUD, or other medical conditions may affect your eligibility for an abortion.

At Pregnancy Decision Line, we can connect you with a local pregnancy center that offers free limited ultrasounds to help you get the answers you need. Call us today at 866-800-8137 to get started.

How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take?

The abortion pill process involves two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

1. Mifepristone: This drug is taken first, either at a clinic or at home. It blocks the hormone progesterone eventually resulting in the embryo’s death over the next several days.
2. Misoprostol: This drug is taken 24-48 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy. Most women abort within 24 hours of taking misoprostol.³

How Long Does Bleeding Last After Abortion?: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within hours of taking Misoprostol. This may last for a few days. Mild bleeding can continue for 9–16 days or up to 4 weeks.⁴

Up to 8 out of 100 women hemorrhage and need a surgical scraping to stop the bleeding.⁵

How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?

The time a surgical abortion takes depends on the procedure type and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures include vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation.

• Preparation: The cervix may be dilated a day or two in advance. Before the abortion procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic, oral pain relief, or (rarely) general anesthesia.
• Procedures:
• First Trimester: A first-trimester abortion procedure typically takes about 15 minutes. The entire visit lasts longer. The provider removes the pregnancy through the cervix.
• Second Trimester: A second-trimester abortion procedure itself may take about 30 minutes, but the entire prep and recovery will take more time.⁶ The provider must ensure that they remove all parts of the pregnancy.
• Recovery: Clinic or hospital staff will monitor you for a few hours to ensure you don’t develop complications.
• Aftercare: Light bleeding may last for 1–2 weeks.

When Should I Receive Abortion Follow-Up Care?

Receiving follow-up care after an abortion is crucial. Plan a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider 2 weeks after the procedure. This will help check for complications and ensure your body is healing well.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Hemorrhaging. Bleeding after the abortion pill is expected. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging and should be seen by a doctor right away.⁷
• Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after Misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.⁸
• Infection. If you develop a fever 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat a possible infection.⁹

Get the Facts on Abortion at Pregnancy Decision Line

Abortion takes time—both the procedure itself and the recovery process. Before choosing an abortion, contact Pregnancy Decision Line.

We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.

Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.