Here’s What Actually Happens When You Have An Abortion

Here’s What Actually Happens When You Have An Abortion

You probably have an opinion on abortion, but do you know what the procedure actually involves? This video explains the procedures that are commonly used, and corrects some misconceptions you may have picked up along the way.

Early in the pregnancy, you can take a course of medication that causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy. (This accounts for 22 per cent of all abortions in the US, according to the CDC.)

Up to about 16 weeks, another option is dilating the cervix and removing the contents either with vacuum aspiration or with instruments like a curette — best known as a “D & C” or dilation and curettage.

For later abortions, up to 24 weeks, a “D & E” or dilation and evacuation procedure removes the contents of the uterus.

Despite all the political controversy over late term abortions, only one per cent occur after 21 weeks, and most abortions — 92 per cent — happen in the first trimester. Check out the video for more information on these procedures and some of the myths surrounding them.

What Actually Happens When You Have an Abortion? [ASAP Science]


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