Abortion

Abortion Procedures

Abortion is a very controversial issue, but through education and better understanding of the facts we can make more informed decisions concerning abortion and pregnancy.

Third Trimester Procedures (25-36 weeks)
  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 [1] is dilated (opened) with laminaria [2] 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)

  • Retained fetal parts, and products of conception such as portions of the placenta leading to infection and/or hemorrhage that could cause damage to the uterus and nearby organs, such as the bowel and bladder.
  • Laceration and perforation of the uterus and/or cervix by the instruments used.
  • Risk of hemorrhage or blood loss requiring transfusions.

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

 

 

[1] cervix - the opening to the uterus or womb.
[2] laminaria - a porous material which expands with moisture in order to open and soften
the cervix.

 

The information on this website is for general educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counseling. If your situation is an emergency, please call 911.