Below you’ll find some basic information about different abortion options. The descriptions below are to help give you an idea of different types of abortions -- this is not intended to give you all the information you need. We’ve included links for more extensive reading. TASC is available to help you understand more about your options.
Medical Abortion
What is it?
A Medical Abortion is done by taking medication which ends your pregnancy and then makes the uterus contract and empty. A doctor will give you the first pill, mifepristone, at the clinic. Mifespristone blocks the hormone progesterone in your body, which is needed to continue the pregnancy.
You’ll be given a second medication, misoprostol, to take at home. Misoprostol creates cramping in your uterus to empty the uterus.
You will probably also be given antibiotics to take to minimize risk of infection.
What to Expect
When do choose a medical abortion, you will bleed at home as your uterus empties. Most people describe this as a heavy, crampy period. For some people the cramping is painful, for others there is not very much pain. You can take ibuprofen for pain, and seek out other comfort measures like a hot water bottle, heating pad, or look to a friend or partner for massage. In most cases, your pregnancy will pass about 4-6 hours after you take the medication at home.
When can I have a medical abortion?
Medical abortion is available in Arizona until 9 weeks 6 days into a pregnancy. The cost is between $520 and $585, plus about $80 for your required initial consultation and ultrasound.
What can I expect after?
After the initial loss of the pregnancy, it is normal to spot for a few weeks. After any type of abortion, you may feel tired, crampy, and emotional, In addition to any personal feelings you’re having about your experience, the hormones of pregnancy and pregnancy loss can increase your emotional response.
Scroll to the bottom of the page, or click here, for a video from Planned Parenthood about medical abortions / "the abortion pill"
Vacuum Aspiration, or "In Clinic Abortion"
If you get an in-clinic abortion in Tucson, you’ll likely get a vacuum aspiration, or suction abortion. In this procedure, the doctor will begin by inserting a speculum into your vagina, and will then use a small instrument to open, or dilate, your cervix. They will then pass a small tube through the opening into your cervix into the uterus. The tube is connected to a machine that will suction out the contents of the uterus. This process itself usually takes between 5-15 minutes and is often accompanied with cramping. The doctor may also use a tool called a curette to check for any leftover tissue in your uterus and empty it completely.
Scroll to the bottom of the page, or click here, for a video about In Clinic abortions.
When can I have a suction abortion?
Suction abortions are available up to 16 weeks into a pregnancy. The cost ranges from $520 to $1325 depending on gestational age.
What can I expect after?
It’s normal to have cramping and bleeding after an abortion, and you may spot for a few weeks. If you’re concerned about your physical symptoms, call the help line number given to you by the clinic. After any type of abortion, you may feel tired, crampy, and emotional, In addition to any personal feelings you’re having about your experience, the hormones of pregnancy and pregnancy loss can increase your emotional response. If you’d like resources and ideas for comfort measures during the time after your abortion, see our page here or contact TASC for help.
Dilation and Evacuation Abortion (D&E)
Dilation and Evacuation is usually done after 16 weeks. If you are 16 weeks or beyond in your pregnancy, you will need to leave Tucson to get your procedure. You can still contact the Tucson Women’s Center for your consultation and to help you understand your options.
In a D&E procedure, the doctor will use both suction and instruments to empty the uterus. If you are 16 weeks or farther into your pregnancy, your cervix will need to be able to dilate more in order to empty the contents of the uterus. To achieve this, a doctor will place dilators in the cervix in advance of the procedure (sometimes hours, sometimes a day before) to help the cervix open. Then when it is time for your procedure, a doctor will use both the suction and a curette to empty your uterus. A D&E usually lasts about 30 minutes.
When can I have a D&E?
Dilation and Evacuation procedures are used for 2nd trimester pregnancies. If you are 16 weeks or beyond in your pregnancy, you will need to leave Tucson to get your procedure. You can still contact the Tucson Women’s Center for your consultation and to help you understand your options.
What can I expect after?
It’s normal to spot for a couple of weeks after an abortion. If you’re concerned about your physical symptoms, call the help line number given to you by the clinic. After any type of abortion, you may feel tired, crampy, and emotional, In addition to any personal feelings you’re having about your experience, the hormones of pregnancy and pregnancy loss can increase your emotional response.