Does Abortion Hurt?

Does Abortion Hurt?

When it comes to abortion, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there—especially online. It’s understandable to wonder, “Do abortions hurt?” The truth is, the experience can be different for every woman, depending on her body, pain tolerance, and how far along the pregnancy is.

Need answers now? You can talk with a nurse at 316-975-0069 for free.

 

Understanding Abortion Types: Chemical vs. Surgical

There are two main types of abortion: medical and **surgical.**¹

  • Medical abortions, also known as the abortion pill, involve taking medications—most commonly mifepristone and misoprostol (often called the abortion pill)—to end a pregnancy. The FDA has approved this process for use up to 70 days (10 weeks) from the first day of your last menstrual period.²

  • Surgical abortions are procedures performed in a clinic or hospital setting to remove pregnancy tissue. These typically occur after the first ten weeks.³

 

How Painful Are Abortions?

So, do abortions hurt? It depends.

With medical abortions, most women experience cramping and bleeding, often compared to a heavy period. For some, the pain is manageable; for others, it can be intense, with stronger cramps and fatigue lasting for several hours.

Surgical abortions are performed under anesthesia, so you generally won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. However, it’s common to have cramping or soreness afterward as your body recovers.

In general, the farther along the pregnancy, the more discomfort you may experience. Every woman’s body responds differently—what feels mild to one person might be more difficult for another.

 

What are the risks of abortion?

Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with risks. These can include:

  • Infection

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Incomplete abortion, which may require follow-up care

  • Reaction to anesthesia or injury to nearby organs during surgical procedures

Medical abortions aren’t always 100% effective—sometimes the pregnancy continues. That’s why confirming your pregnancy and gestational age with an ultrasound is important before taking any medication. Taking the abortion pill without verifying your pregnancy, or when an ectopic pregnancy is present, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.⁴

 

Emotional Impact of Abortion

Abortion affects not only your body but also your emotions.

Every woman processes the experience differently. Some feel relief afterward, while others may experience sadness, guilt, or a sense of loss.⁵ These emotions are completely normal. Reaching out for support—from trusted friends, family members, or a post-abortion care specialist—can make a big difference.

At Branches Pregnancy and Family Center, we offer a compassionate, judgment-free space to talk about how you’re feeling and find support that fits your needs.

 

Is Abortion Legal in Kansas?

In Kansas, abortion—including medical abortion—is legal through 21 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy when performed by a licensed medical provider. However, the state does have certain regulations, such as required consent and specific clinic standards.

It’s important to note that miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are not considered abortions. Women who experience either of these conditions cannot be prosecuted under Kansas law. Both require medical attention, and seeking care for them is safe and legal.

If you’re unsure about what applies to your situation, our team at Branches Pregnancy and Family Center can help you understand your options and connect you with trustworthy, accurate information.

 

Post-Abortion Care and Support

After an abortion, your body and mind both need care. Taking time to rest, recover, and talk through your emotions is important for healing.

You’re not alone in this. Branches Pregnancy and Family Center provides free, confidential post-abortion support—no matter how long ago your abortion took place.

 

The Bottom Line

So, do abortions hurt? The answer goes beyond physical pain. Abortion can affect your body and emotions in different ways, and every woman’s experience is unique.

If you have questions or just want to talk through your options, you can text 316-975-0069 to connect with one of our nurses. A free, confidential consultation can help confirm your pregnancy, estimate how far along you are, and give you space to ask anything you need to know about abortion pills or procedures.

 

Sources:

1. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. "What are the different types of abortion?" nichd.nih.gov 

2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

3. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion

4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Facts About Abortion." acog.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 

5. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pregnancy/how-you-may-feel-when-youre-no-longer-expecting/