Abortion FAQs

What Is An Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

It can be done either with prescribed medication or through surgical intervention, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Medication abortion involves taking a two-drug regimen to terminate an early pregnancy, while surgical abortion uses techniques like vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation.

How Does Abortion Occur?

Abortion occurs when a pregnancy is ended using medication or a surgical procedure.

Medication abortion uses a two-drug regimen—first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then to induce uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue, generally within the first ten weeks.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia.

Medical Abortion V. Surgical Abortion?

Medical abortion ends a pregnancy with prescribed medications, while surgical abortion uses an in-clinic procedure.

A medical abortion is a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that can only be taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using suction (vacuum aspiration) or instruments (dilation and evacuation) to remove the fetus.

Is Abortion Legal in North Dakota?

North Dakota has a near-total abortion ban in effect, which means most abortions—including medication (abortion pill) and surgical abortions—are not legally available in the state. While the law includes very narrow exceptions, such as certain cases of rape, incest, or serious medical emergencies, these exceptions are tightly defined and difficult to navigate.

Because laws can change and individual situations vary, information online may be confusing or outdated. At this time, there are no active abortion providers operating in North Dakota.

Relate Care does not provide or refer for abortion services, but we do offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and factual medical information so you can understand your pregnancy and ask questions in a confidential, non-judgmental setting.

Does Abortion Hurt?

Abortion does hurt, but the amount of pain felt depends on the procedure, the duration of the pregnancy, and individual pain tolerance.

During a medical abortion, you may experience strong cramps as the uterus expels the fetus. In a surgical abortion, local or general anesthesia is used, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself, though you might have varying levels of pain afterwards.

How Long Do You Bleed After An Abortion?

Bleeding after an abortion can vary based on the type of procedure and how far along the pregnancy was. Many people experience bleeding for one to two weeks, with lighter spotting sometimes lasting longer.

After a medication abortion, heavier bleeding and cramping often occur in the first few days, then gradually lessen. Light spotting may continue for several weeks.

After a surgical abortion, bleeding is often lighter and shorter, with most clearing within about a week. Mild spotting can continue for a short time afterward.

If bleeding is very heavy, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by severe pain or fever, medical follow-up is important.

How Much Does An Abortion Cost?

The cost of an abortion can vary widely depending on the type of procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, and where care is obtained.

Some people may pay a lower upfront cost early in pregnancy, while others may face higher expenses later on or due to travel, medical requirements, or provider fees. Costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Relate Care does not provide or refer for abortion services, but we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so you can better understand your pregnancy and the factors that may affect cost.

What's In The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill regimen consists of two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining, causing the pregnancy to detach.

Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later to induce uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA only approves of this procedure during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and it should only be administered under clinical supervision with a follow-up visit to confirm success and address any cramping or bleeding.

How Soon After An Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

Fertility may return as soon as two weeks, but can take several months for some women.

Many women ovulate before their first post-abortion period—often around four to six weeks—but some may not ovulate again for two to three months or longer.

Because cycles vary, pregnancy is possible almost immediately, or it may be delayed. 

What Are The Risks Of Abortion?

ANY MEDICAL PROCEDURE CAN CARRY SOME RISKS. THESE VARY BY METHOD (MEDICAL OR SURGICAL) AND FACTORS LIKE GESTATIONAL AGE OR PERSONAL HEALTH.

MEDICAL ABORTION (ABORTION PILL, UP TO ~10 WEEKS):

• Common: Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea.
• Rare Risks: Incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, infection, or untreated ectopic pregnancy.
  
  

SURGICAL ABORTION (E.G., ASPIRATION, DILATION AND EVACUATION):

• Common: Cramping, light bleeding.
• Rare Risks: Uterine perforation, infection, cervical injury, or scarring (rare, may affect fertility).

GENERAL RISKS:

• Emotional Impact: Feelings like sadness or relief vary; distress is more likely with pre-existing mental health issues.
• Serious Complications: Severe bleeding, sepsis, or death are extremely rare.
• Future Fertility: Usually unaffected unless rare complications like severe scarring occur.