PATIENT GUIDE · BENONI

Medical or surgical abortion:
understanding the difference

Both approaches can be safe and effective when they are clinically appropriate and provided with proper support. The right option depends on the stage and location of the pregnancy, your health and what matters to you.

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Clinically reviewed · 3 October 2026

How the options differ

This is a general comparison, not a personal treatment recommendation. Your clinician will first review your symptoms and medical history and may use an ultrasound to estimate gestational age and assess the pregnancy location.

Medical abortion

Uses prescribed medicines rather than a procedure.
Cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process.
The timing can be less predictable and the process may continue over several hours or longer.
Follow-up is important to confirm that recovery is progressing as expected.

Surgical abortion

Is a procedure performed by a trained clinician at an appropriate facility.
The active procedure is usually shorter and completion is more predictable.
Pain-control and sedation options are discussed during assessment.
You receive personalised recovery and follow-up instructions afterwards.

What influences the safest choice?

Pregnancy stage

The number of weeks affects which options are clinically suitable and legally available.

Scan findings

Gestational age, pregnancy location and any uncertainty on an early scan may change the plan.

Your health

Symptoms, anaemia, medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions are considered.

Your preference

Privacy, support at home, timing and how predictable you want the process to be all matter.

You should not feel pressured into either method. Ask what will happen, what pain relief is available, what follow-up is needed and who to contact if you are worried.

Services and pricing at Benoni Healthcare

Benoni Healthcare offers confidential medical and surgical abortion care onsite, subject to clinical assessment and South African legal requirements.

Consultation and ultrasound: R500.
Procedure fee: from R2,000, confirmed after assessment.
Sedation: R1,000 extra when clinically suitable and requested.
Care up to 20 weeks: only where the clinical and legal criteria are met.

The clinic generally recommends a check-up two days after treatment. Your individual plan may differ, so follow the instructions given by your clinician.

Important early-pregnancy safety note

A very early scan may not yet show a pregnancy clearly. A pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) needs separate urgent assessment and is not treated by the usual abortion medicines or procedures.

Severe one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness or heavy bleeding require urgent medical assessment. Go to the nearest emergency department or contact emergency services if symptoms are severe.

Clinical sources

This guide is based on the WHO Abortion Care Guideline, second edition (2025), the WHO Clinical Practice Handbook for Quality Abortion Care, South Africa’s national clinical guideline and the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act. It does not replace an individual clinical assessment.