Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is the most common abortion procedure performed in Canada and is performed by a doctor in either a clinic or a hospital. Surgical abortion, also called manual vacuum aspiration, involves dilating the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and gently removing the embryo or fetus and placental tissue from the woman's uterus.
The actual surgical procedure takes approximately 5 -10 minutes to perform. Abortions performed in clinics use a local anesthetic (only the cervix is frozen). Most hospital abortions use general anesthetics (the patient is asleep for the procedure).
What happens during a surgical abortion?
The surgical abortion procedure performed in Canada involves:
- An ultrasound is conducted to confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy to determine how much the cervix needs to be dilated.
- Before dilation is initiated, the cervix is examined using a speculum.
- The cervix is then numbed with an injection of local anesthetic or through a general anesthetic.
- The physician gradually dilates the cervix.
- A small, hollow tube attached to an aspirator machine (similar to what dentists use to clear the mouth of saliva) is inserted in the uterus and used to remove the contents.
- A loop-shaped instrument (called a curette) is then used to ensure that no tissue remains in the uterus.
How can I find a hospital or clinic that provides surgical abortions?
- call your local public health department (under government listings in the phone book)
- call the National Abortion Federation’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-772-9100
- visit the online listing of abortion providers across Canada
- contact your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member
For more information about abortion contact your local CFSH member or other pro-choice organization.