Abortion Procedures:

Manual Vacuum Aspiration

Within 7 weeks after LMP This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 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.

(Most common) Dilation and Curettage ( D & C)

Within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several 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. Sometime the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.

(Partial Birth) Dilation and Extraction (D&X)

From 20 weeks after LMP to full-term This 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 abortion doctor 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 into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

(Abortion Pill) RU486, Mifepristone

Within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their 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.

It is important for you to be informed about the risks associated with having an abortion BEFORE you decide.

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