What procedure is commonly used for abortion between 7 and 15 weeks?

Vacuum aspiration is the most commonly used procedure for performing an abortion between 7 and 15 weeks of gestation. This method involves using a suction device to remove the contents of the uterus, including the developing embryo or fetus, very effectively and safely. It is a quick outpatient procedure that typically requires local anesthesia and has a relatively low risk of complications.

This method is preferred in the second trimester because it is less invasive than dilation and curettage, which may involve scraping of the uterine lining and is typically used in earlier first-trimester abortions or for other medical conditions. Medical abortion using methotrexate is generally recommended for earlier stages of pregnancy, particularly in conjunction with other medications, and surgical removal of the fetus is a broader term that doesn’t specify the techniques used and is less commonly referenced in this context. Vacuum aspiration's efficiency and safety profile make it the procedure of choice for this timeframe of pregnancy.