Objective: to compare the acceptability of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) as methods of early (< or = 77 days' gestation) abortion.
Methods: We interviewed 42 women who had been randomly assigned to either MVA or EVA and compared their perceptions of the two procedures.
Results: The experiences and perceptions of women in the two groups were similar in many ways. The majority of women in both procedure groups were very satisfied with the method used, and most indicated that they would prefer the same method if they were to have another abortion.
Conclusion: This study found no major differences in the acceptability of MVA and EVA among women undergoing early abortions.