It is a procedure known by many names: abortion, termination of pregnancy, induced abortion, or artificial termination of pregnancy. In essence, it refers to the process of removing one or more embryos and the placenta from the uterus during the early weeks of pregnancy.
An abortion may be performed for various reasons: either because the pregnant woman has a medical condition that makes the pregnancy life-threatening (therapeutic abortion), because the fetus has a severe medical condition, or because the woman chooses to end the pregnancy for personal reasons.
What is an abortion?
The term abortion refers to the process of terminating a pregnancy. Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures and does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive in the future. It must, of course, be performed by a specialized obstetrician–gynecologist, with the participation of an anesthesiologist, and with the necessary care provided in an organized medical facility.
Various methods can lead to this outcome. The doctor will guide each woman according to her individual case. Abortion is classified into medical abortion, which is carried out through specific medications, and surgical abortion.
Until when can I have an abortion?
Many women feel anxious about how much time they have to decide on an abortion. Many also have questions about what the law says about abortion in Greece. In Greece, abortion is performed at the woman’s request up to the 12th week of pregnancy. After this limit, it is allowed only in special cases defined by law: up to the 19th week when the pregnancy resulted from rape, incest or another criminal act, and up to the 24th week when there is a serious fetal abnormality. All the conditions are explained below.
The purpose of the procedure is to remove the fetus from the woman’s uterus so that its development is stopped in the safest way possible for her.
In Greece, abortion is permitted under certain conditions. The Penal Code’s Article 304 allows termination of pregnancy (induced abortion) only with the consent of the pregnant woman and only by an obstetrician-gynecologist and an anesthesiologist within an organized medical unit, in the following cases:
- Within the first 12 weeks of gestation in any case.
- Within the first 19 weeks, if the pregnancy is the result of rape, seduction of a minor, incest, or abuse of a woman unable to resist.
- Within the first 24 weeks, if there are indications of a serious fetal abnormality that would result in a pathological newborn.
- With no time limit, if there is an inevitable risk to the life of the pregnant woman or risk of serious and lasting damage to her physical or mental health, confirmed by an appropriate physician.
What is the procedure? How is an abortion performed?
There are various techniques that can be used to terminate a pregnancy. The method selected depends on how far along the pregnancy is. A woman may have an abortion either through medication or through a surgical procedure.
After the required appointment — during which the gynecologist will perform a pelvic examination and test for sexually transmitted infections — an ultrasound will be used to determine the exact gestational age.
Then, the appropriate abortion method will be chosen, and a blood test will be needed to verify the woman’s blood type and Rh factor, as well as her hematocrit level (to check for anemia).
Suction Method: Surgical abortion in the first trimester is now performed mainly by suction (vacuum aspiration), electric or manual. A thin tube is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity and, with the help of a device that creates a vacuum, removes the pregnancy tissue. The procedure takes a few minutes and is done under local anesthesia of the cervix or brief sedation, depending on the case. According to the World Health Organization, suction and the medical method are the recommended methods up to 12 weeks.
Uterine curettage: Classic curettage with a metal curette is no longer considered a method of choice. The World Health Organization recommends replacing it with suction or the medical method, because it is linked to more complications, such as injury to the uterus and intrauterine adhesions. A “just to be sure” curettage after suction is not recommended as routine either.
What is a medical abortion? Is there an abortion pill?
There are cases in which an abortion can be induced through the administration of medications. Several options exist, and the most appropriate one depends on the stage of the pregnancy.
Abortion Pill: The abortion pill (mifepristone) should not be confused with the "morning-after pill.” This process is considered a more “natural” form of abortion, as it resembles a miscarriage. Taking these specific medications is an alternative to the traditional surgical evacuation of the uterus. The abortion pill has high success rates, which are even higher when the abortion is performed early. It is estimated that for women who are two months pregnant or less, the success rate is around 96%. Of course, as with all medical procedures, complications can occur. The most common side effects of this method include infection or heavy and prolonged bleeding, as well as the possibility of an incomplete or unsuccessful abortion — which would require a surgical abortion.
Abortion with Oxytocin & Prostaglandins: In cases where the pregnancy is more advanced and an abortion must be performed for medical reasons (related to the health of the mother or the fetus), medical abortion is chosen. Oxytocin is an injectable medication that causes uterine contractions (labor-like pains) and is used for abortions during the second trimester and beyond. Prostaglandins cause strong uterine contractions and help facilitate cervical dilation.
At what age can I have an abortion?
The law does not set a minimum age. However, if the pregnant woman is a minor, in addition to her own consent, the consent of one parent or legal guardian is also required. Many younger women are slow to realize, or to share with someone, that they have an unwanted pregnancy, often out of fear or shame. This delay limits their options and can lead to unsafe solutions, which is why contacting a doctor early matters so much.
Abortion is not a method of contraception. Good information about sexual health and easy access to contraception help every woman, at any age, decide for herself whether and when to have a child.
What is the cost? Is it affordable?
The cost of an abortion depends on many different factors, including the type of abortion (medical or surgical), the stage of the pregnancy, and any potential complications. Each case is unique and comes with its own specific considerations and challenges. A specialized obstetrician–gynecologist can guide you based on your individual situation. For any questions, you can always consult Dr. Panagiotis Polyzos here.
The first appointment before an abortion
Before any method, you need one visit with two goals: your safety and your own informed decision. It usually includes:
- Ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy is inside the uterus and to date it accurately. This also rules out an ectopic pregnancy, which is treated in a completely different way.
- Blood tests: blood type and Rhesus factor, hemoglobin. For Rhesus negative women, the doctor decides whether anti-D immunoglobulin is needed, depending on the week and the method.
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, to reduce the risk of infection after the procedure.
- Discussion of the methods, the benefits, the risks and the contraception that will follow.
- Written consent. Under Greek law, if the pregnant woman is a minor, the consent of one parent or legal guardian is also required.
The decision is yours. A responsible doctor informs you without judging you and without pushing you in any direction. If you need time, ask how long you have to decide based on how many weeks pregnant you are. The visit and all your details are protected by medical confidentiality.
Medical or surgical abortion: a comparison
Both methods are safe and effective when performed under medical supervision in the first trimester. The choice depends on the week of pregnancy, your medical history and your own preference.
- When: the medical method is used mainly in the first weeks, usually up to about week 9. Surgical suction is used throughout the first trimester.
- How: the medical method resembles a miscarriage and is completed at home or at the office within hours. The surgical method takes a few minutes and is completed in a single visit.
- Anesthesia: the medical method does not need any. The surgical method is done under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia.
- Bleeding and pain: with the medical method they are stronger and last longer. With the surgical method, bleeding afterwards is usually lighter.
- Need for a second procedure: in a small percentage of cases the medical method is not complete and additional suction is needed.
The World Health Organization recommends suction as the surgical method of choice, because it is less traumatic than classic curettage with a curette.
What to expect with a medical abortion, step by step
- First medication: mifepristone, taken by mouth. It blocks progesterone, the hormone that maintains the pregnancy. It usually does not cause many symptoms.
- Second medication: misoprostol, 24 to 48 hours later, which causes the uterus to contract.
- The next few hours: cramps and bleeding heavier than a period, with clots. For most women, the tissue passes within a few hours. Painkillers such as ibuprofen help and do not reduce effectiveness.
- The next few days: the bleeding gradually decreases and may continue lightly for one to two weeks.
- Confirmation: by ultrasound, a β-hCG measurement or a special test after two to three weeks. A simple pregnancy test may stay positive for several weeks without this meaning there is a problem.
What to expect with a surgical (suction) abortion
On the day of the procedure, you come in fasting if sedation or general anesthesia will be used. Medication is often given a few hours beforehand to soften the cervix and make dilation gentler. The suction itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes. A short stay for monitoring follows, and most of the time you go home the same day, preferably with someone accompanying you. Mild cramps and light bleeding for a few days are expected.
Recovery after an abortion and warning signs that need immediate contact
Most women return to work within one to two days. Use pads rather than tampons in the first days so you can judge how much you are bleeding, and take the painkillers that were recommended to you. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if:
- you soak two large pads an hour for two hours in a row,
- you have a fever above 38 degrees that persists or appears after the first 24 hours,
- the pain is severe and does not ease with painkillers,
- your vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odor,
- you still have pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and breast tenderness, after one week.
Your period usually returns in four to six weeks. Ovulation, however, can happen earlier, so contraception should start right away if you do not want another pregnancy. Birth control pills, the implant and the IUD can be started on the same day or in the days right after. For the long-term picture, read whether an abortion affects a future pregnancy.
Emotional support without judgment
Reactions after an abortion vary. Many women mainly feel relief. Others feel sadness or mixed emotions, and all of this is normal. Large studies have not shown that abortion by itself causes long-term mental health problems. If, however, your mood stays low for weeks or the decision weighs on you, talk to your doctor or a psychologist. Support from someone you trust, without judgment, makes a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two Greek terms for abortion, “ektrosi” and “amvlosi”?
None in substance. Both terms describe the induced termination of a pregnancy. The term “amvlosi” is used more in medical and legal texts, while “ektrosi” is used in everyday language.
Up to which week is abortion legal in Greece?
Up to the 12th week of pregnancy in all cases. Up to the 19th week if the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, up to the 24th week if there is a serious fetal abnormality, and with no time limit when the life or health of the pregnant woman is at risk.
Can an abortion be done with a pill, and up to when?
Yes. A medical abortion is done in the early stages of pregnancy, with medications given and monitored by the gynecologist. It has nothing to do with the morning-after pill and should never be done without medical supervision.
How much does an abortion cost?
The cost depends on the method (medical or surgical), the week of pregnancy, the hospital and the anesthesia. For accurate information, contact the office.
Does an abortion affect a future pregnancy?
An abortion performed correctly, by a specialized gynecologist in a well-equipped facility, as a rule does not affect fertility. The risk rises when there are complications, such as infection, or after multiple procedures.
How long does recovery take?
Most women return to their usual activities the next day. Light bleeding and cramps for one to two weeks are expected. Your period returns in four to six weeks.
Is parental consent needed for an abortion on a minor?
Yes. Under Greek law, when the pregnant woman is a minor, the consent of one parent or legal guardian is required in addition to her own consent.
Does an abortion hurt?
With the surgical method, anesthesia is given, so the procedure itself does not hurt. Afterwards there may be cramps similar to period pain. With the medical method, the cramps are stronger for a few hours and are managed with painkillers such as ibuprofen.
How much bleeding is normal after an abortion?
After a medical abortion, bleeding heavier than a period, with clots, for a few hours is expected, and light bleeding may continue for up to two weeks. If you soak two large pads an hour for two hours in a row, you need to be examined right away.
When can I have sex after an abortion?
Usually once the bleeding has decreased significantly and you feel comfortable, often after about one week. Ovulation can return quickly, so use contraception from the first time you have sex.
Is an overnight hospital stay needed?
For most first-trimester terminations, no. After surgical suction you go home the same day, after a short period of monitoring. A hospital stay may be needed in an advanced pregnancy or if there are medical problems.
