Abortion |
Manual Vacuum Aspiration This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up to 7 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out. Suction Curettage This surgical abortion is done at 6-14 weeks, and the most common of all abortions. In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus. Dilation and evacuation (D&E) This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy (13-24 weeks). Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth week of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting the laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus’ skull is crushed to ease removal. Dilation and Extraction (D&X) This surgical abortion is done from 20 weeks on and is often called a partial birth abortion. The procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins the abortionist uses ultrasound to locate the baby’s legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby’s head. Next, scissors are inserted in the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed in the opening to remove the skulls contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed. RU486, Mifepristone This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30-49 days fromtheir last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus. © 2006 CareNet |
There are many types of abortion procedures depending on how far along your pregnancy is. It is important for you to understand exactly what the procedure entails before you commit to it so that you can protect yourself from malpractice.