There are two types of abortions: surgical and medical. Surgical abortions are the most common in the U.S. and use a procedure that removes the contents of the uterus. The process starts with a pelvic examination. Next, a shot of anesthesia, or pain killer, is applied to the cervix. Some choose general anesthesia, which basically means being put to sleep during the abortion.

Once the anesthesia is applied, a tube is inserted. The tube is used to remove the contents of the uterus with suction. The procedure takes five to 15 minutes. Cost ranges between $350 and $700, depending on where you go and how long you have been pregnant. Sometimes, for surgical abortions, a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) is also used. Later in pregnancy, another type of procedure called dilation and evacuation (D&E) is used. Both D&C and D&E procedures remove what is inside of the uterus.

Medical abortions, also called medication abortion or abortion by pill, are abortions performed with medicine. No surgery is used. They usually require two appointments with a clinician and they should be performed earlier in your pregnancy—within the first nine weeks after your most recent period.

On the first visit, the doctor will give Mifepristone (also known as RU-486). It works by preventing your body from producing progesterone, a hormone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The clinician will instruct you when to take the second medication—misoprostol. This causes the uterus to contract, which leads to a heavy period and a termination of the pregnancy. After taking both medications, it’s important to return to the doctor’s office once again to make sure the abortion is complete and there are no complications. Medical abortions are 95 percent effective and cost between $350 and $650, depending on where you live.

If you have more questions about abortion, be sure to check out all the FAQs and our list of resources.

Also, there are organizations such as the National Network for Abortion Funds that can help a girl or woman pay for an abortion if she can’t afford it.