Abortion
Comparison Between Surgical Abortion and Medical Abortion with Mifeprex, or Methotrexate, with Misoprostol
PregnancyOptions.info: A Workbook of Options including Abortion, Adoption and Birth.
9. What are the advantages of each method?
Mifeprex with misoprostol:
Mifeprex induces a miscarriage-like process.
If available, highly effective and safe for very early pregnancy.
Avoids shots, anesthesia, instruments, or vacuum aspiration, unless it fails. (Blood work required. Injection needed if your blood type is Rh-. Vaginal ultrasound usually required.)
Being at home instead of a clinic may seem more comforting and private.
Any support person can be there with you during the abortion process.
It is finished quicker than the Methotrexate method.
The timing is more predictable than for Methotrexate.
Methotrexate with misoprostol:
Methotrexate induces a miscarriage-like process.
If available, effective and safe for very early pregnancy.
Avoids anesthesia, instruments, or vacuum aspiration, unless it fails. (Blood work required. Injection needed if your blood type is Rh-. Vaginal ultrasound usually required.)
Methotrexate may end a tubal pregnancy as well as a normal pregnancy.
Being at home instead of a clinic may seem more comforting and private.
Any support person can be there with you during the abortion process.
Vacuum Aspiration:
It's quick, predictable, and over in a few minutes.
It's highly successful.
If available, highly effective and safe for very early pregnancy.
There's less bleeding for less time than with either of the other two methods.
Less time cramping than with other methods.
Performed by a doctor with support of medical or counseling staff, which may seem more comfortable and private.
Some involvement of support person may be possible.
If you are trying to conceal abortion, it may be better.
Avoids medication, except for pain relievers and sedatives.
It can be done later in the pregnancy than other methods.