1. Dilation and Extraction (D&X) - This technique, does not dismember the fetus; rather, the fetus is delivered intact, without infusions. As described and performed by abortion doctor Martin Haskell, D&X abortions take three days to complete. In the first two days, the woman's *cervix is dilated (opened) with *laminaria in two or more sessions, with medication given for cramping. On the day of the procedure, the laminaria are removed, and the patient is injected with Pitocin to induce contractions. The abortion doctor next determines the fetus orientation in the uterus through ultrasound and locates the legs. Grasping a leg with large forceps, he pulls the leg into the vagina and delivers the baby up to the baby's head with his hands. The doctor then slides his hand up the baby's back and hooks his fingers over the shoulders of the baby while a pair of surgical scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. Removing the scissors, he inserts a suction catheter into the opening and suctions out the skull contents. Minus its contents, the skull decompresses and is easy to remove. Finally, the abortionist removes the placenta with forceps and scrapes the uterine walls with a suction curette to make sure the uterus is empty.

What are the physical risks of a third trimester surgical abortion?

Dilation and Evacuation (D&X)

Getting accurate statistics on abortion complications and death rates is difficult. Reporting on abortions is strictly voluntary in most states.