Early in pregnancy an abortion may be performed using a manual aspiration device. This procedure is done in early pregnancies, and is a simple, natural, and gentle method to end the pregnancy. This procedure is similar to the suction aspiration procedure used in abortions up to 12-13 weeks. The gentle aspiration (or Manual Vacuum Aspiration) system consists of thin flexible tubing, but instead of using a machine to create suction, the suction is created silently by a handheld instrument. The flexible tubing is much smaller than those used in later pregnancies. The procedure usually takes less than 5 or 6 minutes to complete.

Gentle aspiration may be performed in a medical office using local anesthesia. There is no scraping or cutting and bleeding is usually minimal. Typically, you can quickly return to your daily activities.