What Is Abortion? How Is It Performed, Before and After

Abortion is the procedure of terminating a pregnancy through medical methods or emptying the uterus for certain medical reasons. Although it is commonly used to mean pregnancy termination, it may also be performed for different reasons such as retained tissue in the uterus after miscarriage, an empty gestational sac, a non-developing pregnancy, or diagnostic sampling from inside the uterus.

The abortion procedure is planned according to the gestational week, the patient’s health condition, ultrasound findings, and medical requirements. The World Health Organization states that pregnancy termination procedures performed under safe conditions and with appropriate methods are an important part of healthcare services (1).

In Which Situations Is Abortion Performed?

Abortion may be performed not only for elective pregnancy termination, but also in some medical situations. The reason for the procedure affects the method to be used and the follow-up plan after the procedure.

• Termination of an unwanted pregnancy within the legal time limit,
• Empty gestational sac or non-developing pregnancy,
• Retained tissue in the uterus after miscarriage,
• Pregnancy conditions that threaten the mother’s health,
• Cases requiring diagnostic sampling from inside the uterus,
• Evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Things to Consider Before Abortion

Before abortion, the patient’s general health condition is evaluated. First, the gestational week is determined by ultrasound. If necessary, blood type, blood count, infection assessment, and additional tests may be requested. Medications used, blood thinners, chronic diseases, allergies, and previous surgeries must be reported to the physician.

• The gestational week should be clarified by ultrasound.
• Blood type and necessary blood tests may be evaluated.
• Medications used and allergies should be reported to the physician.
• If anesthesia will be used, the physician’s recommendation regarding fasting time should be followed.
• If possible, a companion should be planned for after the procedure.

How Is Abortion Performed?

The abortion method may vary depending on the gestational week, the patient’s condition, and the reason for the procedure. One of the most commonly used methods in early pregnancy weeks is the vacuum aspiration method. In this method, the uterine contents are emptied using a vacuum system with the help of thin cannulas.

In some countries, medication abortion may also be used. ACOG states that medication abortion is an option that can be performed up to certain gestational weeks (2). However, which method is appropriate should be evaluated by the physician according to national legislation, gestational week, and the patient’s medical condition.

Surgical abortion is generally a short procedure. It can be performed with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for a while and may be discharged on the same day if their general condition is suitable.

Care and Recovery Process After Abortion

After abortion, mild groin pain, cramps similar to menstrual pain, and vaginal bleeding may occur. The NHS states that abdominal pain or cramps may occur for a few days after abortion and that vaginal bleeding may last for several weeks (3).

Things to consider after the procedure are as follows:

• Medications recommended by the physician should be used regularly.
• Sanitary pads should be preferred instead of tampons for bleeding.
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided for the period recommended by the physician.
• Vaginal douching should not be performed.
• Heavy lifting and intense exercise may be avoided for a few days.
• If a follow-up appointment is recommended, it should not be neglected.

In case of severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever, feeling faint, or gradually increasing pain, a physician should be consulted without delay.

Legal Abortion Period in Turkey

In Turkey, elective pregnancy termination is generally considered within legal limits up to the 10th week of pregnancy. In cases of medical necessity, the process may be handled differently. In order for the procedure to be performed legally, safely, and in accordance with medical standards, it must be carried out in a licensed healthcare institution by an authorized physician.

Legal conditions may include different evaluations depending on the person’s marital status, age, gestational week, and medical requirements. Therefore, it is important to receive both medical and legal information before making an abortion decision.

Is Abortion a Risky Procedure?

When performed under appropriate conditions and by a specialist physician, abortion is generally a short procedure. However, as with every medical procedure, there are some risks. Infection, heavy bleeding, retained tissue in the uterus, injury to the uterine wall, or anesthesia-related problems may occur, although rarely.

To reduce these risks, it is important that the procedure is performed under sterile conditions, the gestational week is determined correctly, and post-procedure recommendations are followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abortion Prices 2026

Abortion prices may vary depending on the gestational week, the healthcare institution where the procedure will be performed, the type of anesthesia, ultrasound and laboratory evaluations, post-procedure follow-up, and the patient’s medical condition.

The most accurate information about current abortion prices for 2026 can be provided after examination and ultrasound evaluation. This is because each patient’s gestational week, health condition, and procedure plan are different.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Abortion care guideline. (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483)
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Abortion Care. (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion)
3. NHS. Recovery after an abortion. (https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/recovery/)