Elective first trimester abortion was performed in 263 patients, including 86 control patients and 177 patients receiving doxycycline as prophylactic antibiotic coverage. Abortions were, done by the same physicians, using a standard protocol. Control and study populations had similar courses, except that the incidence of major complications and total complications was significantly reduced in the group receiving doxycycline. No untoward reactions to the drug were noted, and patient compliance was excellent. The results suggest that the low morbidity of elective suction abortion is further reduced by prophylactic doxycycline.