Expert: Doctor Early Options - 10/12/2009

Question
Dear Doctor Joan,
I just learned about the Aspiration Abortion Procedure.  I think this would be the best option for me because I am only 3 weeks pregnant. I heard the Aspiration Procedure is the best early abortion method.  Is it the same as Manual Vacuum Aspiration or Menstrual Extraction?  How is it different from surgical abortion? I am trying to find a doctor who offers Aspiration Abortion.  How do I find a doctor? Why is it so hard to find a doctor who does Manual Vacuum Aspiration?  This is very confusing.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Jen

Answer
Dear Jen,
Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) is the most safe and simple early abortion method.  It is also known as the Aspiration Abortion procedure, "mini-vac" and Menstrual Extraction.  Technically, Manual Vacuum Aspiration is a medically advanced version of Menstrual Extraction.  Menstrual Extraction was developed in the 1970's, and was used by feminist health groups.  Menstrual Extraction was so simple that women used to do it on each other in their own homes!

Manual Vacuum Aspiration was later developed by an organization called IPAS, dedicated to international access to safe early abortion procedures.  In the United States, Manual Vacuum Aspiration was introduced to the medical mainstream abortion community in the early 90's.  Since then it has been used by the most progressive abortion doctors.  Unfortunately, most high volume abortion clinics are still using surgical abortion, even though it is too invasive for ending early pregnancy.  

Manual Vacuum Aspiration is safer than surgical abortion for three main reasons: there is no scraping; there is no electric suction; and there is minimal discomfort so there is no need to be put to sleep.  The Aspiration Abortion Procedure can be completed in a regular doctor's examination room (not an operating room) and takes only a few minutes to complete.  It is nonsurgical and noninvasive.  Within minutes, there is complete recovery.  Women can leave the office and resume their normal activities.

Why is it so difficult to find doctors who offer the Aspiration Abortion Procedure?  Unfortunately, most abortion clinics do not offer it, or offer it in the same way they offer surgical abortions - in an operating room setting.  Menstrual Extraction is no longer practiced since Manual Vacuum Aspiration was developed.

The best resource for finding a doctor who performs Manual Vacuum Aspiration is http://www.earlyabortion.com or http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com  These offices practice Manual Vacuum Aspiration correctly - in a private examination room where companions are welcome, with no uterine scraping, and in scheduled private appointments (not a clinic setting).

I hope you find this helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City