Methods of Abortion

Warning - - - This is a very difficult post to read.  Please bear in mind that my intention is to expose the truth of what happens in an abortion.  The truth is horrific.  If people know the truth they may not be so apt to ignore what is happening every single day, up to a million times per year just in our country.

This may also help to explain why some health care workers need the 'conscience rule' in place to protect their jobs (see the previous post and please consider contacting the president).

Suction (vacuum) Aspiration - this is the most common method of abortion, typically performed when the fetus is 6-12 weeks, can be used up to 16 weeks.

The cervix is dilated, and a hollow plastic tube with a sharp tip is inserted into the cervix and then  into the uterus.  An aspirator attached to the tube tears the body of the fetus apart and suctions the pieces through the tube.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - typically performed in the first trimester, a curette (sharp looped knife) is inserted into the uterus to scrape it's walls.  The curette is then used to dismember the fetus and placenta.

Intracardiac Injection Abortion - a needle is guided into the fetus's heart with the aid of ultrasound, and poison (often potassium chloride or digoxin) is injected, causing an immediate heart attack.  This is most commonly used for "pregnancy reduction" abortions following in vitro fertilization procedures, if multiple embryos were implanted to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.  In these cases, the procedure is typically performed around 16 weeks.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) - typically performed in the first half of the second trimester (13-20 weeks), but can be used up to approximately 28 weeks.  At this stage of pregnancy, the fetus' tendons, muscles, and bones are more developed.  In a D&E abortion, forceps are inserted into the uterus to forcibly dismember the fetus, and the pieces are removed one by one.  Larger fetuses must also have their skulls crushed so the pieces can pass through the cervix.

Typically, the cervix must be dilated for a period of one to three days prior to a D&E abortion.  This is most often done by inserting laminaria (dried seaweed sticks) into the cervix.  Therefore, a D& E abortion usually requires two visits to the abortion facility.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X or Partial-Birth Abortion) - typically performed in the late second or third trimester.  As with a D& E abortion (see above), the cervix must first be dilated, usually with laminaria (dried seaweed sticks).  Forceps are then inserted into the uterus to grasp the fetus' legs.  The fetus is delivered breech while the head remains inside the birth canal.  Using blunt-tipped surgical scissors, the base of the skull is pierced, and a suction catheter is inserted to extract the contents of the skull.  This causes the skull to collapse, and the dead fetus is then fully delivered.

Despite the fact that the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in 2007, D&X abortions are still being performed.  An abortionist can avoid violating the law by first injecting the fetus with a lethal intracardiac injection to ensure that the fetus will already be dead when it is partially delivered.

Instillation (Saline) Abortion - amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and replaced with a saline solution, which the fetus swallows.  The fetus is killed by salt poisoning, dehydration, brain hemorrhage and convulsions.  Saline abortions, typically performed in the second and early third trimester, are rarely used today, due to the risk of particularly serious health complications to the woman.

Prostaglandin Abortion - a dose of prostaglandin hormones is injected into the uterine muscle, which induces violent labor resulting in the death of the fetus.  Prostaglandin abortions, typically performed in the second and early third trimester, are rarely used today, due to the relatively high chance that the fetus will survive the abortion and be born alive.

Chemical (medical) Abortion - a woman is administered an abortifacient compound called mifepristone (also called RU-486 or Mifeprex).  Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, the natural hormone vital to maintaining the lining of the uterus.  As the nutrient lining disintegrates, the embryo starves.  Subsequently, the woman takes a dose of artificial prostaglandins which initiate uterine contractions and cause the embryo to be expelled from the uterus.  Abortions by mifepristone are usually done prior to 49 days gestation.