If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

 What is a procedural (surgical) abortion?

• A procedural abortion uses gentle suction (like a vacuum) to remove tissue from the uterus and end a pregnancy.
• This procedure is also called a uterine aspiration procedure or a “D&C”, which stands for dilation and curettage.
• You will be asked if you would like medication to help you relax during the procedure and to help with mild pain. This medication will not put you to sleep for the procedure.
• This medication has a short recovery time and causes very few side effects. Side effects may include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and tiredness.
• You must have a responsible adult take you home by car. You will not be allowed to walk home, drive yourself home, or take a bus or taxi.
• You should also have someone stay with you at home and care for you for 24 hours (1 day). This is for your safety.

Can I have a procedural abortion?

• You may be able to have a procedural abortion if:
• Your pregnancy is 15 weeks and 6 days or less, counting from the first day of your last regular menstrual period. You will need to have an ultrasound to date your pregnancy.
• You will have a blood test to check your hemoglobin and pregnancy hormone levels.

What happens during a procedural abortion?

If your pregnancy is between 6 to 12 weeks:

• The doctor will use a dilator to gently open your cervix (the opening to your uterus or womb).
• Once your cervix is open, the doctor will put in a hollow straw-like tube (called a cannula). This machine uses gentle suction to remove tissue from the uterus.
• The doctor may then use a spoon-shaped instrument (called a curette) to check the walls of the uterus for any leftover tissue. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

If your pregnancy is between 13 weeks to 15 weeks and 6 days:

• You will be given a medication called misoprostol before the procedure. Misoprostol softens the cervix and makes dilation (opening the cervix) easier. Misoprostol takes 1.5 to 2 hours to work.
• After this, you will have the procedure described on the previous page, which will take about 5 to 10 minutes.
• The doctor will use an ultrasound to help them during the procedure. You will not be able to see the ultrasound screen.

What are the possible risks?

• There is a 0.1% to 2% chance of infection. You will be given antibiotics to help prevent this.
• There is a very low risk (less than 1 in 1000) of:
• Injury to your uterus.
• A second procedure to remove leftover tissue.
• A lot of bleeding (more than normal)

What to expect after you go home

• For 2 to 3 weeks after your procedure, you may have bleeding like your regular period, pass blood clots, have light bleeding or spotting, or not have any bleeding for days. You may also have period-like cramps.
• Take ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to help with pain. Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Nova Scotia: 

For more information, call the self-referral line:

• Phone (toll-free) at 1-833-352-0719
• Or visit: nshealth.ca/abortion

Prince Edward Island

For more information call Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS):

• Phone (toll free) 1-844-365-8258
• Or visit https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/abortion-services