| Mifepristone and misoprostol | Misoprostol only | Vacuum aspiration | Dilation and evacuation |
Type | Medical (2 medications) | Medical (1 medication) | Surgical (5–10 minutes plus waiting periods) | Surgical (30 minutes plus waiting periods and medications) |
Timeline | Up to 10–12 weeks of pregnancy | Up to 10–12 weeks of pregnancy | Up to 16 weeks of pregnancy | Up to 24 weeks of pregnancy |
Effectiveness | 95–99% | About 78% | About 98% | About 98% |
Accessibility and legality | Available in-clinic or online without a provider’s prescription; may be legally challenging in some states | Available in-clinic or online without a provider’s prescription; more likely to be legally protected in the long term | Restricted or banned in many states, with more likely to follow | Restricted or banned in many states, with more likely to follow |
Medical limitations | Not safe for people with IUDs or certain medical conditions | Not safe for people with IUDs or certain medical conditions | No medical limitations | No medical limitations |
Privacy | Can be done safely and effectively at home without the aid of a clinician | Can be done safely and effectively at home without the aid of a clinician | Must be done in person at a clinic or hospital | Must be done in person at a clinic or hospital |
