Dilatation and curettage, hysterotomy, vacuum aspiration, hypertonic solutions and prostaglandins are reviewed briefly as abortion techniques. Dilatation, especially beyond Hegar dilator No. 13, can lead to cervical incompetence; the curettage the curettage can result in perforations or adhesions. Hysterotomy is now recommended when tubal ligation is also indicated. Vacuum aspiration entails dilatation under local or regional anesthesia to 2 Hegar numbers beyond the number of postmenstrual weeks of pregnancy. A vacuum source more powerful than usual in surgery and apparatus for resuscitation are required. Vacuum aspiration can be performed up to 12 weeks of amenorrhea; Karman or "miniaspiration" up to 8 weeks. The Karman method requires operative skill to dilate the cervix 5 mm without causing too much pain or leaving retained products. Intraamniotic saline, glucose, or urea used after 16 weeks results in few long-term complications because the delivery resembles natural labor, but it does require up to 5 days' hospitalization. Intraamniotic prostaglandin administration is preferred over the intravenous or intrauterine routes. A self-administered method for bringing on menses has been unsuccessful in women.