Ten-minute abortions

A service performing very early abortions in a district general hospital uses menstrual aspiration, which enables abortion to be carried out early, easily, safely, and simply. Menstrual aspiration avoids interference with routine gynaecological work and permits an operator to widen his criteria for accepting patients for termination. From September 1975 to April 1977 123 cases were referred and 104 aspirations were performed. Termination of pregnancy failed in only two cases, through inexperience, and infection occurred in only one case. Menstrual aspiration should be performed within 10-18 days of missing a period.