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The following is a description of the various
types of surgical and chemical abortion procedures performed
in the United States.
Click on a link below to learn about that procedure.
RU-486 (Mifepristone) | Suction-Aspiration
| Dilation and Curettage (D & C)
| Dilation and Evacuation (D & E)
| Prostaglandin | Dilation
and Extraction (D & X)
RU-486 (Mifepristone)
RU-486, or Mifepristone, is a chemical method of inducing
abortion. It is taken only when a woman is pregnant, up to
seven weeks after the beginning of her last menstrual period.
The drug works by blocking progesterone, a crucial
hormone during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine
lining does not provide food, fluid and oxygen to the developing
fetus.
This procedure requires three visits to the
abortion provider. During the first visit a dosage of Mifepristone
is taken. Then, two days later, a second drug is taken that
stimulates the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. Finally,
12 more days later a follow-up examination is required to
ensure the fetus has been expelled.
According to one manufacturer, bleeding and
cramping are normal occurrences with this procedure. Side
effects may include nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea,
dizziness, fatigue and back pain. Additionally, one out of
100 women require surgical intervention to stop heavy bleeding.
1
Suction-Aspiration
In this method, the cervical muscle ring is first paralyzed
and stretched open. A hollow plastic tube with a knifelike
edge is inserted into the uterus. Suction is used to remove
the fetus, and the placenta is cut from the uterine wall.
Dilation and Curettage (D
& C)
This procedure is similar to suction-aspiration,
though rather than a suction tube this method relies on a
loop-shaped steel knife called a curette. The curette
is inserted into the uterus and the fetus and placenta are
scraped away. Bleeding can be very heavy with this method.
Dilation and Evacuation (D
& E)
This type of abortion is done after the third month of pregnancy.
First, the cervix is dilated. Then, Laminaria
sticks (made of sterilized, compressed seaweed) are commonly
inserted into the cervix. When inserted, the Laminaria sticks
absorb moisture and expand, causing the cervix to enlarge.
A pliers-like instrument is inserted through the cervix into
the uterus and used to tear away parts of the fetus. Once
outside the womb, the fetus may then be reassembled to ensure
that all body parts have been removed.
Prostaglandin
Prostaglandin is a hormone that is used to induce labor in
mid- and late-term pregnancies. To prevent a live birth, the
fetus may be injected with drugs and killed prior to delivery.
Dilation and Extraction (D
& X)
This procedure, commonly referred to as “partial-birth”
abortion, is also used in mid- and late-term pregnancies (from
4 to 9 months).
First, ultrasound is used to identify how the
fetus is facing in the womb. Then, forceps are inserted through
the cervical canal into the uterus and used to pull the fetus
feet first and face down (breech position). The body is then
pulled out of the birth canal, except for the head which is
too large to pass through the cervix. While the fetus is still
alive, surgical scissors are inserted into the base of the
skull and spread to enlarge the wound. A suction catheter
is then inserted into the skull and the brain is removed.
Finally, the skull collapses allowing the fetus to pass completely
through the cervix.
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NOTES:
1. What Every Provider Should Know, MEFEPREX / Danco
Laboratories (http://mifeprex.com)
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