Surgical Abortion

First and Second Trimester Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures can differ depending on length of pregnancy, medical facility, physician, and personal circumstances. Though you’ll need to contact your local medical center for detailed information, surgical abortions are 99% effective in terminating a pregnancy, and are very safe and common medical procedures. Our physicians are board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists, and our nurses, counselors, and medical staff deliver high quality care based on your specific needs.

What to expect during your visit

Though surgical abortions only take several minutes to complete, patients should expect a stay of 3-5 hours to allow time for paperwork, lab work, ultrasound, and a counseling session (before your abortion), and a post surgical recovery period (after your abortion). Those patients opting for sedation must have a ride home. Depending upon a woman’s needs and/or medical history, other pre- or post- procedure medications may be administered.

During your surgical abortion

You will be informed about the types of sedation being made available to you.

After your abortion

When your surgery is complete, you’ll rest in the recovery room for 30 or more minutes before leaving. The recovery room nurse and staff will offer medications to help with possible cramping, monitor your heart rate/blood pressure, and provide a snack and drink. In addition, you’ll receive your aftercare instructions and medications, including birth control (if you’ve opted to begin taking it). Post-procedure counseling is available if you decide you’d like it (and will remain available to you in the coming weeks and months). If you received twilight or general anesthesia, your ride will meet you outside of the recovery room. Most women feel ready to return to work and other daily activities within the next day or two. In 2-3 weeks, you will return to Eastland Women’s Clinic for a quick follow-up visit.

Benefits to choosing surgical abortion

Most women who choose surgical over medical abortions do so because of timing and effectiveness. Because the anticipation of an abortion can be difficult, many women choose surgical abortions because they are safe, effective, and do not require additional steps at home for completion. With the exception a required follow-up visit 2-3 weeks later, surgical abortion patients leave our offices confidently knowing that they are “done”, and feel ready to return to work or other daily activities within a day or two.

For later second trimester surgical abortions, or abortions taking place over 2-3 days (applicable for patients in Michigan only)

The above information describes some of what will occur during a later second trimester abortion, though women farther along in their pregnancy may be required to make two or three consecutive visits to the center for completion of their abortion. We attempt to notify you upon scheduling whether this may be required, but may not know for sure until your ultrasound is complete.

In cases where multiple visits are required, you’ll also undergo paperwork, lab work, ultrasound, and a counseling session specific to your procedure on the first day. You’ll then receive care and medications to help to begin dilation of the cervix before going home. The next morning you will return to Eastland Women’s Clinic to continue the dilation process, or to complete the abortion procedure (which occurs similarly to the above description).

Please contact us at (586) 774-4190 for details. on pregnancies up to 24 weeks for a 2-3 day surgical abortion procedure.