Surgical Abortion: What to Expect Before, During, and After | Dr. Emily Women's Health Center

In the video below, our team walks you through what surgical abortion involves, what to expect, and why having an experienced board-certified OB/GYN perform your procedure makes a difference. Here is a complete written guide to surgical abortion at Dr. Emily Women's Health Center.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion — also called an in-clinic abortion — is a safe, highly effective procedure performed by a physician to end a pregnancy. It is the most effective method of abortion, with a success rate of over 99%. At Dr. Emily Women's Health Center, surgical abortions are performed by Dr. Brian E. Park and Dr. Vivian Roston, both board-certified OB/GYN physicians with over 30 years of experience each.

We offer surgical abortion from 5 weeks through 21 weeks of pregnancy, making us one of the few providers in the Bronx able to provide comprehensive care across all trimesters.

Types of Surgical Abortion

First Trimester Surgical Abortion (up to 13.6 weeks) During the first trimester, the procedure used is called vacuum aspiration (also called suction curettage). A thin tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, and gentle suction is used to remove the pregnancy. The procedure itself takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. It is safe, highly effective, and — at our clinic — performed under general anesthesia so you feel nothing.

Second Trimester Surgical Abortion (14 to 21 weeks) During the second trimester, the procedure used is called dilation and evacuation (D&E). The cervix is gently dilated and the pregnancy is removed using a combination of suction and medical instruments. Second trimester procedures are more involved and may take slightly longer, but they are still completed in a single visit at our AAAASF-accredited facility. General anesthesia is included.

General Anesthesia — Included at No Extra Charge

One of the most important things that sets Dr. Emily Women's Health Center apart is that general anesthesia is standard at our clinic — included in the cost of every surgical abortion at no additional fee. You will be completely asleep during the procedure, feel no pain, and have no memory of it.

Many clinics charge $300 to $500 extra for anesthesia, or offer only local anesthesia, meaning patients are awake and may experience significant discomfort. We believe that comfort and safety during your procedure should never be an add-on.

What to Expect: Step by Step

Before your procedure: When you arrive, you will have an ultrasound to confirm gestational age, complete any necessary lab work, and meet with your physician. You will receive pre-procedure medication to help you relax. You should not eat or drink anything for several hours before your appointment — our staff will give you specific instructions when you schedule.

During your procedure: You will receive general anesthesia and fall asleep. The physician will perform the procedure while you are completely comfortable. For first trimester procedures, this takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. You will not feel anything.

After your procedure: You will recover in our clinic for 30 to 60 minutes while the anesthesia wears off. Our staff will monitor you and make sure you feel stable before you go home. Because you received general anesthesia, you must have someone accompany you home — you cannot drive or take public transportation alone.

Recovery After a Surgical Abortion

Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities within one to two days. Here is what to expect during recovery:

You may experience light cramping and spotting for a few days to two weeks after the procedure — this is normal. You should avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and swimming for at least two weeks or as directed by your physician. Most patients have their next period within four to six weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.

Call our office right away if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour for two consecutive hours), fever over 101°F, severe abdominal pain, or foul-smelling discharge.

Is Surgical Abortion Safe?

Yes. Surgical abortion is one of the safest medical procedures performed in an outpatient setting. Serious complications are rare — occurring in less than 1% of cases. Our facility is AAAASF-accredited, the gold standard for outpatient surgical safety, which means our equipment, staff training, and protocols meet the highest independent standards for patient safety.

Cost and Insurance

Self-pay pricing:

• Under 12 weeks: $600
• 12.1–13.6 weeks: $750
• Second trimester: $850–$3,700 depending on gestational age (see full fee schedule at dremily.net)

All fees include anesthesia, lab work, and post-procedure care. No hidden charges.

Medicaid: Covered in full for patients with Medicaid from all five NYC boroughs. You pay $0 out of pocket.

Private insurance: We accept most major insurance plans. Call us before your appointment and we will verify your coverage.

Schedule Your Appointment

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call 718-585-1010 or book online at www.dremily.net. We are located at 642 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY — one block from the 6 train at East 149th Street, and easily accessible from the Bruckner Express