Vacuum Aspiration (Suction Curettage)
Vacuum aspiration, sometimes referred to as suction curettage, is an abortion that is performed during the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy). An ultrasound is done before the procedure to determine the exact location of the embryo. In a vacuum aspiration abortion, the cervix, or opening of the uterus, is dilated or stretched. This allows the physician to insert a small plastic tube, called a cannula, into the uterus. The cannula is attached to a suction tube and machine or, occasionally, in early pregnancy to a large special syringe that is used to apply manual suction. As the suction cannula is moved throughout the uterus, it scrapes and removes by suction the soft and flexible fetus along with the placenta and other tissues and fluids of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration is generally performed in a clinic under local anesthesia.
Prostaglandins
An abortion procedure that is sometimes used during the second trimester involves prostaglandin, a natural hormone and other medications that induces labor. Prostaglandin is generally placed, in suppository form, into the vagina. Typically, prostaglandin causes the woman to go into labor and deliver the fetus and other tissues of pregnancy within 24 to 36 hours. This procedure is usually performed in a hospital.