Abortion
Also called: Induced Abortion
An induced abortion is a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. It can be done with medication (medical abortion) or a procedure (procedural abortion). This is different from a miscarriage, which is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
When to see a doctor
If you are thinking of having an induced abortion, talk with your health care provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is an induced abortion?
An induced abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. It can be done with medication or a procedure.
How is induced abortion different from miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, also called spontaneous abortion. Induced abortion is intentionally ending a pregnancy.
What are the two types of induced abortion?
The two types are medication abortion (using pills) and procedural abortion (a medical procedure).
Should I talk to a doctor before having an abortion?
Yes, you should talk with your health care provider. They can explain how the procedures are done and the risks and benefits.
Is bleeding common after medication abortion?
Yes, bleeding is a key expected result of medication abortion. Studies measure bleeding duration, volume, and how patients experience it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Abortion — NIH MedlinePlus
- Mind the gap: a systematic review of depression, barriers, and facilitators to mental health care after miscarriage. — J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol, 2026
- Acute leukemia during pregnancy: a single center experience with 23 cases, 2012-2022 and literature review. — Ann Med, 2026
- Measurement of medication abortion-related bleeding: A systematic scoping review. — Contraception, 2026
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perinatal outcomes: a scoping review. — Pediatr Res, 2026
- Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Temporal Trends of Brucella Detection Across Human and Animal Hosts in Bangladesh: A 25-Year Meta-Analysis. — Vet Med Sci, 2026
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.