Late Term Abortion Procedure:

A Late Term Abortion Procedure is performed during the third trimester of pregnancy, typically around week 27 of gestation. There are two different techniques used for late-term abortion procedures.

Intact Dilation and Extraction (also called a partial birth abortion) removes most of the fetus from the uterus through the vaginal canal using forceps. Suction is employed to remove the brain and spinal fluid from the skull, the head is then pulled out using forceps, and a final suctioning is then usually done to remove all remaining traces of the pregnancy. The American Medical Association recommends that intact dilatation and extraction procedure not be used unless alternative procedures pose a greater risk to the woman and that abortions not be performed in the third trimester except in cases of serious fetal anomalies incompatible with life.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X) is another late term abortion procedure. In a D&X, the abortionist dismembers the fetal part that has been pulled out of the vagina and removes it. The rest of the fetus stays in the uterus while dismemberment occurs. There is wide disagreement in the medical community over whether the D&X procedure is safer than others or if even it should be performed.

Bleeding, cervical injuries, reactions to anesthesia, and the need for further surgery are all risks that must be weighed with these late-term abortion procedures.