During a surgical abortion, a doctor must insert a speculum to examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched open with dilators either before or during the procedure. Next, the doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus.

Pain and discomfort levels vary from woman to woman. Some women experience the physical side effects of cramping, fever, vomiting, chills, etc. Additionally, some of the emotional and psychological side effects don’t always present themselves until much later.

You can expect to experience light to heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping for about two weeks. However, if you continue to have bleeding and cramping for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention.

The side effects of the abortion include: – Intense cramping – Bleeding heavier than a period – Dizziness – Diarrhea – Headaches – Mild fever – Hot flashes – Chills More severe side effects, which need medical attention, include: – An allergic reaction to the medication – Infection – An incomplete abortion – Abdominal pain – Fever – Passing clots for two or more hours that are equal or larger than the size of a lemon – Strong smelling vaginal discharge – Excessive bleeding, using two or more pads in an hour

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion is recommended because you will need to determine the gestational age of your pregnancy to know what type of abortion you need and verify your pregnancy.  An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is viable (has not miscarried and is not ectopic).

Surgical abortions can cost between $600-$800 in the first trimester. In the second trimester (and beyond), costs range from $715-$2,000.

Abortion is currently banned in the state of Texas except to preserve the life of the mother. This does not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies. A woman who obtains an abortion cannot be held criminally or civilly liable.

1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024, May). 2. Abortion Care. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion 3. See source #1.Reardon, David C. “The Abortion and Mental Health Controversy: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Common Ground Agreements, Disagreements, Actionable Recommendations, and Research Opportunities.” SAGE Open Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29 Oct. 2018, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6207970/. As advertised by abortion providers as of March 2025. Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm#170A.002. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.171.htm#170A.002. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.