Which type of abortion should I get?

There are two main ways abortion can be done: the [abortion pill (also called medication abortion)](/abortion-types/pill) and an [abortion procedure (also called in-clinic abortion)](/abortion-types/procedure). Everyone is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what type of abortion is better. Both types of abortion have a very low risk of serious complications. Which one is right for you will depend on a lot of factors, including what’s available closest to your location and how far along in pregnancy you are, since the abortion pill is generally only available earlier in pregnancy (and each provider has its own rules about how far into pregnancy they offer it–some may offer it through around 14 weeks of pregnancy and some may stop offering it much earlier in pregnancy). For some people, being able to have their abortion at home at a time that works for them is the most important thing. For some, an abortion with the abortion pill feels more like a “natural” process because it’s similar to an early miscarriage. For those who want it to be over as quickly as possible, it’s important to know that the abortion may take several hours when you take the abortion pill, but it usually takes just 5 to 10 minutes when you have an abortion procedure. Others may want to get an abortion procedure because they’re able to get IV sedation that makes them very relaxed or puts them to sleep so that they don’t have to experience the abortion itself. And still others choose an abortion procedure because it is more likely to be effective than the abortion pill, especially the later in pregnancy you are. For more help deciding what type of abortion makes the most sense for you, check our [list of pros and cons for each abortion type](/abortion-types/pill-vs-procedure-how-to-decide).

Published: June 2021
Last updated February 2026
Medically Reviewed: June 2021
[By Joely Pritzker, MS, FNP-C](https://www.bedsider.org/authors/184)