--- title: Abortion FAQs | Explore Options in a Safe Space description: You're not the only one wondering. Find answers on abortion options in Kansas, process, costs, and guidance in one place. --- [Skip to Content](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs#main-content) - [![Call Icon](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Group%2013398.svg) Call | (802) 388-7272](tel:+18023887272) - [![Call Icon](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Group%2013397.svg) Text | (802) 883-3636](sms:+18028833636) [![Group 13402](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Group%2013402.png)](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org?hsLang=en) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Pregnancy Confirmation](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) - [Abortion Info](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion) - [Abortion Pill Info](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill) - [Parenting Services](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/prenatal-parenting-support) - [Support For Men](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/for-men) - [Miscarriage Support](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/miscarriage-support) - [After-Abortion Recovery](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/after-abortion-recovery) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About the Abortion Pill](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - [Helpful Advice](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/helpful-advice) - [For Donors](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/donors) - Show submenu for Locations Locations - [Ticonderoga, NY](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/ticonderoga) - [Middlebury, VT](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/middlebury) [Make Appointment](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/request-appointment?hsLang=en) Search Show submenu for Services Services [Pregnancy Confirmation](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) [Abortion Info](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion) [Abortion Pill Info](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill) [Parenting Services](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/prenatal-parenting-support) [Support For Men](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/for-men) [Miscarriage Support](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/miscarriage-support) [After-Abortion Recovery](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/after-abortion-recovery) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) [About Abortion](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) [About Pregnancy](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) [About the Abortion Pill](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) [Helpful Advice](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/helpful-advice) [For Donors](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/donors) Show submenu for Locations Locations [Ticonderoga, NY](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/ticonderoga) [Middlebury, VT](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/middlebury) [Make Appointment](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/request-appointment?hsLang=en) Search     ###### Reliable Facts on Abortion # Abortion FAQs You're not the only one wondering. Find answers on abortion options, process, costs, and guidance in one place. WHEN YOU NEED ANSWERS FAST ##### Our Nurses Are Here To Help > Text with our nurses anytime for free at [(802) 883-3636](sms:+18028833636) to talk or schedule an appointment. ## Your Abortion Questions—Answered With Care - What Is An Abortion? ### What Is An Abortion? **Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.** It can be done either with prescribed medication or through a minor surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation. - How Does Abortion Occur? ### How Does Abortion Occur? **Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or through a surgical procedure.** Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel the fetus, generally within the first ten weeks. Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus under local or general anesthesia. - Medical Abortion V. Surgical Abortion? ### Medical Abortion V. Surgical Abortion? **Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses an in-clinic procedure.** A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be safely taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus. - Does Abortion Hurt? ### Does Abortion Hurt? **Abortion does hurt**, but the amount of pain felt depends on the procedure, the duration of the pregnancy, and individual pain tolerance. During a medical abortion, you may experience strong cramps similar to a heavy menstrual period as the uterus expels the fetus. In a surgical abortion, local or general anesthesia is used, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself, though you might have varying levels of pain afterwards. - How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion? ### How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion? **Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks**, but could be longer depending on the procedure and length of pregnancy, including light spotting sometimes continuing for several weeks. After a medical abortion, heavier bleeding and passing small clots tend to occur in the first few days, then gradually taper off; light spotting can persist for up to six weeks. With a surgical abortion, most bleeding clears within about a week, though mild spotting may continue for one to two weeks afterward. Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion - How Much Does An Abortion Cost? ### How Much Does An Abortion Cost? **The cost of an abortion varies widely** depending on the procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and your insurance coverage. Some people pay only a modest out-of-pocket fee, while others may face higher expenses if their insurance doesn’t cover the service or if the procedure occurs later in pregnancy. - What's In The Abortion Pill? ### What's In The Abortion Pill? The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: **mifepristone followed by misoprostol**. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining, causing the growing embryo to detach. Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the embryo or fetus. The FDA only approves of this procedure during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should only be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit to confirm success and address any cramping or bleeding.   Source: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2023/020687Orig1s025Lbl.pdf - How Soon After An Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? ### How Soon After An Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? Fertility may return as soon as two weeks, but can take several months for some women. Many women ovulate before their first post-abortion period—often around four to six weeks—but some may not ovulate again for two to three months or longer. Because cycles vary, pregnancy is possible almost immediately, or it may be delayed. - What Are The Risks Of Abortion? ### What Are The Risks Of Abortion? > ANY MEDICAL PROCEDURE CAN CARRY SOME RISKS. THESE VARY BY METHOD (MEDICAL OR SURGICAL) AND FACTORS LIKE GESTATIONAL AGE OR PERSONAL HEALTH.   **MEDICAL ABORTION (ABORTION PILL, UP TO ~10 WEEKS):** - Common: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea. - Other Risks: Incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy. ###### **SURGICAL ABORTION (E.G., ASPIRATION, DILATION AND EVACUATION):** - Common: Cramping, light bleeding. - Other Risks: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring (rare, may affect fertility). ###### **GENERAL RISKS:** - Emotional Impact: Feelings like sadness or relief vary; distress is more likely with pre-existing mental health issues. - Serious Complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, or death. - Future Fertility: Usually unaffected unless complications like severe scarring occur.   Always consult a healthcare provider to discuss personal risks and follow-up care.   Sources: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/nwcjrf0o/abortion-guideline\_web\_1.pdf ## Considering Abortion in New England? At The Women's Center, we provide free lab-quality [pregnancy tests](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-test?hsLang=en), [ultrasounds](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds?hsLang=en), and [information on abortion options](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion?hsLang=en), so you can make informed decisions with confidence. > **Feeling overwhelmed?** Text with our nurses anytime for free at [(802) 883-3636](sms:+18028833636) to talk or schedule an appointment. [![Logo\_TWC Teal Emblem](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_TWC%20Teal%20Emblem.png?width=150&height=150&name=Logo_TWC%20Teal%20Emblem.png)](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/?hsLang=en) **Get In Touch** [Contact Us](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/contact?hsLang=en) [Make a Donation](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/donation?hsLang=en) **Middlebury Location** 102 Court St Middlebury, VT 05753 [Get Directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/X175iJGanxfwbiiw7) [View Hours](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/middlebury?hsLang=en) **Ticonderoga Location** 94 Montcalm St Ticonderoga, NY 12883 [Get Directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGgXLVisKFdrJEtn7) [View Hours](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/ticonderoga?hsLang=en) **Here For You** The Women's Center in Middlebury, VT and Ticonderoga, NY is committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed pregnancy decision. We believe women and men have a right to get accurate information from a resource that will not profit from the choices and pregnancy decisions they make. All our services are free and confidential. The Women's Center is a 501c3 non-profit in the states of Vermont and New York. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about side effects, what to expect, and more. We do not profit from any of your sexual health or pregnancy decisions. Contact us to learn more. The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. We are committed to protecting your health information. Please be aware that communicating via unencrypted text messaging or messaging services has some level of risk of being read by a 3rd party. © 2026 The Women's Center. All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.yourwomenscenter.org", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs", "name" : "Abortion FAQs", "position" : 2 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : [ "WebPage", "FAQPage" ], "about" : { "@type" : "Service", "name" : "Abortion Information", "provider" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "The Women's Center", "url" : "https://www.yourwomenscenter.org" }, "url" : "https://www.yourwomenscenter.org/abortion" }, "description" : "Answers to common questions about abortion, including types of abortion, pain, bleeding, costs, the abortion pill, fertility, and risks. 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