Comparative Table
Comparing instrument abortion with medication abortion
Content reviewed by Dr. Laporte, Medical Director, Morgentaler Clinic| Criteria | Instrumental abortion | Medication abortion |
|---|---|---|
| Number of weeks | 17 weeks | 9 weeks |
| How? | Dilatation, suction and curettage by a doctor, aspiration | One medication (mifepristone) at the clinic, a 2nd medication (misoprostol) at home, to be taken between 24 and 48 hours later |
| Where and how many visits? | A single visit to the clinic | A single visit to the clinic and home |
| How long does it take? | 5 to 10 minutes | 2 to 6 hours after taking the second medication (misoprostol); sometimes longer |
| Success rate? | 99% | 95% |
| Complications | Rare | Rare |
| Days off work / school | Day of the procedure, sometimes longer. | Day of taking the 2nd medication (misoprostol), sometimes longer. |
| Pain during the procedure? Analgesics? | Generally mild to moderate, intravenous medications available. | Generally mild to moderate, sometimes more severe, which may last a few hours. Tablet medications prescribed for relief at home. |
| Bleeding? | None, or mild to moderate for up to three weeks | Moderate to intense at first, then lighter bleeding for up to three weeks, sometimes longer. |
| Possible side effects |
|
|
| Main advantages |
| Being at home can be more intimate |
| Preparation | You must fast for 3 hours before your appointment | No preparation is required |
| Back home | You cannot drive for 24 hours after the appointment | It is recommended to be accompanied when taking the 2nd medication at home |
| Follow-up | You must take a home pregnancy test 4 weeks after the abortion. | Phone follow-up with a nurse 2 weeks after the abortion. You must take a home pregnancy test 4 weeks after the abortion. |
Interruption of pregnancy service
First trimester
A first-trimester abortion takes about 20 minutes, including preparation, the gynecological examination, a few samples and medication. The procedure itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Clinic attendance, including the rest period, is approximately 2.5 hours. A second-trimester abortion takes about 30 minutes, including preparation time. Clinic attendance is approximately 3-4 hours.
Procedure under local anaesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Intravenous narcotics are offered for optimal comfort. It is preferable to be accompanied for the trip home. You are not allowed to drive for a period of 24 hours after the abortion.
Non-judgmental environment
Service in just one appointment
Welcoming environment
Appointments usually in less than a week
Confidential medical file
Accessible parking
Covered by the RAMQ
Women's team
Non-judgmental environment
Service in just one appointment
Welcoming environment
Appointments usually in less than a week
Confidential medical file
Accessible parking
Covered by the RAMQ
Women's team
Non-judgmental environment
Service in just one appointment
Welcoming environment
Appointments usually in less than a week
Confidential medical file
Accessible parking
Covered by the RAMQ
Women's team
Non-judgmental environment
Service in just one appointment
Welcoming environment
Appointments usually in less than a week
Confidential medical file
Accessible parking
Covered by the RAMQ
Women's team
Your appointment day
You must:
- Avoid eating and/or drinking starting 3 hours before your appointment time
- Bring all relevant documents (ultrasound results, if you have them)
- Be accompanied by someone for the trip home
- Expect to be at the clinic for about 2½ hours
- Avoid driving, working or looking after children for 24 hours after the abortion, and/or during the period following insertion of laminaria rods
- Abstain from drinking alcohol (24h before and after)
- Abstain from using drugs (24h before and after)
- Confirm the appointment three business days in advance
- Present a valid Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card at reception
- Present photo identification if you do not have a RAMQ card. For security reasons we ask everyone entering the clinic for valid photo ID (health insurance card, driver's licence or passport); please let your companion know.
- If a payment is required, we will ask you to make it by debit card (Interac) or cash. We do not accept credit cards or cheques.
Appointment information
The visit lasts around 2.5 hours, but can be shorter (around 2 hours) for laminaria rod placement in the case of a second-trimester abortion.
The scheduled time includes preparation, admission, counselling, blood sampling, ultrasound, and post-procedure rest.
Home instructions
Please carefully read the information on the instructions to follow after an abortion.
Your choice. Your right.
Know that you are not alone in this process; we are here to support you and surround you with caring attention.
Our clinic is an inclusive and welcoming space, where everyone can find the help they need.
Covered by the RAMQ
Covered by the IFHP (refugees)
Fees apply if you do not have the RAMQ or the IFHP
