Aspiration Abortion FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions about aspiration abortion (click to reveal answer):
An aspiration abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. A health care provider inserts instruments into the vagina and through the cervix to remove the contents of the uterus.
In Manitoba, an aspiration abortion might be an option for you if your pregnancy is up to 19 weeks and 6 days. WHC provides abortions up to 16 weeks and Health Sciences Centre provides abortions up to 19 weeks and 6 days. Depending on your dates, we can help you to find late-date abortion providers outside of Manitoba.
The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes but your appointment may last up to 5 hours.
No, you will not be asleep for the procedure. You will be offered medication to reduce discomfort and anxiety, but you will be awake for the procedure.
Discomfort during and after an aspiration abortion is different for everyone. For most, it feels like strong period cramps.
You can use a hot water bottle or heating pad, or take ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) to manage discomfort. Do not take ASA (Aspirin®) for pain – it may increase bleeding.
The risk of complications from an abortion is very low. There is no known link between having an abortion and ability to become pregnant in the future.
Due to the length of your appointment and the size of our waiting room, we ask that if someone brings you to your appointment, that they drop you off and return to pick you up once you are done. Additional people will not be allowed to accompany you through your appointment.