When Is It Too Late for an Abortion?

If you’ve recently discovered that you’re pregnant, one of the first questions you may have is how late can you get an abortion? 

Whether you’re still processing the news or actively exploring your options, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. This guide is designed to walk you through what you need to know about abortion timelines, legal considerations, and all the options available to you, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey.

How Late Can You Get an Abortion?

It depends. Some states allow abortion later into pregnancy, while others restrict it very early. Click the button below for specific details about the abortion laws in your state.

Before considering any abortion procedure, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to determine how far along you are. Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds. Contact us to get started.

How Late Can You Get a Surgical Abortion?

There are two main types of surgical abortion. The type you receive depends on how far along you are.

• Aspiration abortion (sometimes called suction or vacuum aspiration) is typically done through the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 13 weeks).  

• Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is used later in pregnancy, generally done in the second trimester of pregnancy (from 13 to 27 weeks).

Risks and Side Effects 

It’s important to understand that abortion becomes riskier the further along you are. Here are the common side effects and potential risks you should be aware of.

Medical Abortion Risks and Side Effects

Common side effects of the abortion pill include³: 

• Vaginal bleeding (can last between 9-16 days, but can go on for 30 days or longer)
• Abdominal cramping (from misoprostol)  
• Headaches  
• Nausea and vomiting  
• Diarrhea and digestive discomfort  
• Chills or mild fever   

Severe risks of the abortion pill include:   

• Hemorrhaging: Heavy, excessive bleeding requires immediate attention.⁴   

• Incomplete Abortion: If tissue remains in the uterus after the procedure, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent infection.⁵   

• Infection: Persistent fever, nausea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours after taking misoprostol could indicate an infection. This may require antibiotics or surgery to treat.³ 

Surgical Abortion Risks and Side Effects

Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding, which can last for a few days.⁶  

Surgical abortion procedures also carry risks such as:   

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.⁶ 

• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.⁷  

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.⁸  

• Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.⁹  

Can Abortion Cause Mental Health Problems?

In addition to the physical side effects, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:^10,11 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal behaviors 

If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

What If You’re Too Late for an Abortion?

If you’re worried that you’re too late for an abortion, there is still help and support available. We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides: 

• Free Services: Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
• Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
• Personalized Guidance: They can answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options, so that you can make an informed, empowered decision.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out. Ready to take the next step? Give us a call to get started.

*Important Note: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Additionally, be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.