At MSI, we believe everyone should have clear and honest information about their choices.
Thanks to medical advances, people now have more options than ever to choose the method that best suits their needs, circumstances and preferences.
What's the difference between medical and surgical abortion?
The two main types of abortion are:
👉 Medical abortion (using pills)
👉 Surgical abortion (a simple procedure done by a trained provider)
Both are safe. Both are effective. But what’s the difference between the two, and which is more commonly used?
What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion uses two pills to end a pregnancy. The first pill, called mifepristone, stops the pregnancy hormone. The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to empty. These medications are also widely used for other medical procedures unrelated to pregnancy and abortion.
Medical abortion is usually available in the early stages of pregnancy. It can be taken at a clinic or, in many places, safely at home — making it a more private and accessible option for many people.
What is a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion is a simple medical procedure that removes the contents of the uterus through gentle suction. It’s performed by a trained provider in a clinic or hospital setting. Surgical abortions can be performed at various stages of pregnancy, including later in gestation when medical abortion is no longer recommended.
For some people, surgical abortion feels like a more definitive or quicker option, especially if they prefer to be in a clinical environment or live in a place where clinical follow-up care is harder to access.
Which one is more common?
Around the world, medical abortion is becoming the most common method of abortion. At MSI, we’ve seen this shift firsthand. In fact, medical abortion now accounts for nearly 80% of all abortions provided by MSI globally.
This shift reflects both advances in medical technology and the growing need for abortion care that is private, accessible, and adaptable — especially in settings where clinics are hard to reach or health systems are under strain.
Making abortion care easier to reach
MSI is working to make abortion care easier to access — especially in hard-to-reach places. In many countries, we offer abortion care through:
👉Telehealth (support by phone or video)
👉Pharmacies
👉Community health workers who bring care to people’s homes
👉Local health centres or hospitals
This means more people can get care safely, even in remote or crisis-affected areas.
Everyone deserves choice
Everyone’s situation is different, and when it comes to abortion care, choice is critical. At MSI, we’re committed to ensuring that every person can make the decision that’s right for them, with dignity, safety, and support.
Based in Australia and looking for reproductive healthcare services? Click here to book a telehealth or clinic appointment.
