Dear julia2010,

It depends on what kind of abortion you have.

An in-clinic abortion is when the uterus is emptied with gentle suction of a manual syringe or with machine-operated suction. This method is used up to 14 weeks after a woman's last period. More than 90 percent of abortions in the United States happen during this time.

The abortion pill is one of the two medicines that are used for medication abortion. The abortion pill contains mifepristone. The brand name is Mifeprex. A woman takes this at a health center to end her pregnancy. Later, usually at home, she takes another set of pills, misoprostol. This pushes the pregnancy out of her uterus. Studies show that the abortion pill works up to 63 days after the last period begins.

Abortions done after 14 weeks are done with medical instruments and suction.

Abortion is a very safe procedure, but the longer a pregnancy goes on, the more risks there are.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.