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Surgical Abortion
D&C (Dilation and
Curettage with Vacuum Aspiration)
This form is used during the first trimester of
pregnancy. The doctor dilates (opens) the cervix and
empties the uterus using suction. After suctioning,
the doctor may also scrape the walls of the uterus
to ensure the unborn child and placenta have been
completely removed.
D&E (Dilation and Evacuation)
This procedure is used after the first trimester and
may need to be done in the hospital. It can be a
painful process, so painkillers, local anesthesia,
or sedatives may be used. The doctor dilates the
cervix and scrapes the uterus, removing the unborn
child. If preformed after 16 weeks, the unborn child
must be taken out piece-by-piece using forceps and
other medical instruments.
D&X (Dilation and
Extraction)
Used in pregnancies after 16 weeks of gestation,
this procedure begins with the doctor dilating the
cervix and grasping the unborn child by its foot.
The baby is then delivered, except for the head.
While the head is still in the birth canal, scissors
are used to make a hole at the base of the skull. A
tube is inserted and the contents of the head are
suctioned out. The skull is crushed and the baby is
delivered dead.
IDX (Partial-Birth Abortion or Intact Dilation and
Extraction)
This procedure follows similar steps as a D&X
abortion, which involves delivering the baby except
for the head, puncturing the skull, and suctioning
it out. Used for late-term pregnancies, it has been
banned in the United States under most
circumstances.
Saline
Saline abortions are performed by injecting a saline
chemical solution through the abdomen into the
uterus. The chemicals induce pre-mature labor.
Sometimes additional vacuuming or scraping may be
required to remove the unborn child and placenta. |
