There are two types of abortions: surgical and medical.  Surgical abortions are the most common in the United States and use a procedure called �vacuum aspiration.� The  process starts with a pelvic examination. Next, a shot of anesthesia, or pain killer, is applied to the cervix. This numbs the pelvic area. Some choose general anesthesia, which basically means being put to sleep during the abortion.

Once the anesthesia, or pain medicine, is applied, the cervix is �dilated� or widened and a vacuum-like tube is inserted. The tube is used to remove the contents of the uterus.  The procedure takes between 5 and 15 minutes. The average cost is $295.  Many clinics offer sliding fee scales, charging only what a girl or woman can afford to pay.

Medical abortions, also called drug-induced abortions, use medicine to cause a miscarriage. They usually require three appointments with a doctor. On the first visit, the doctor will give Mifepristone (also known as RU-486).  It works by preventing your body from producing progesterone, a hormone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue.

At the second appointment, usually three days later, another medication is given called Misoprostol.  This causes the uterus to contract, which leads to a heavy period and a miscarriage. After taking both medications, it�s important to return to the doctor�s office once again to make sure the abortion is complete and there are no complications.  Medical abortions are 95 percent effective and cost about $350 depending on where you live.