First Trimester
Morning After Pill (MAP)
The Morning After Pill is a high dosage birth control pill to be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
It #1: suppresses ovulation if it is taken before ovulation occurs or
#2: causes early abortion if fertilization has already taken place by interfering with implantation.
RU-486
Taken 4 to 11 weeks from conception.
Two pills are administered: Mifepristone followed by Misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, preventing continued healthy development of the uterus causing death to the fetus. Misoprostol is then taken 24 to 48 hours later which causes contractions to expel the baby.
* If you've taken the pill within the last 72 hours and regret your decision, contact abortionpillreversal.com to find out options for continuing your pregnancy.
Suction Dilation & Curettage
Occurs 4 to 11 weeks from conception. A doctor inserts a series of dilators of differing sizes through the opening of the cervix to enlarge the canal. A hollow plastic tube attached to a suction machine is inserted into the uterus. The suction dismembers the baby so that its parts fit through the tube and are suctioned out along with pieces of the placenta and uterine lining. The uterus is then scraped with a curette to ensure that the uterus has been completely emptied.
Second Trimester & Third Trimester
Dilation & Evacuation
Performed 13 to 23 weeks from last menstrual period. Similar to D & C - the cervix is dilated to permit insertion of medical instruments into the womb. This usually requires multiple visits to the clinic. Once cervix is dilated, grasping instruments are used to dismember the child to remove body parts. The head is usually crushed in order to remove. Removal of additional contents completed by vacuum aspiration and curettage.
Prostaglandin Induction
Performed 13 to 27 weeks from last menstrual period. Prostaglandin is a hormone produced by the uterus which causes uterine contractions during labor. Performed in a hospital, the patient remains awake as Prostaglandin is inserted by a spinal needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus causing labor and premature birth. To avoid the risk of live birth, potassium chloride or other toxins may be injected along with Prostaglandin. The goal is for the baby to be delivered deceased.
Intra-Cardiac Injection
Occurs 14+ weeks after last menstrual cycle. During this procedure, potassium chloride or digoxin is injected directly into the heart of the child causing death. The doctor is guided by ultrasound in order to perform the injection. The goal is for the baby to be delivered deceased. Overnight hospital stay may be required for the safety of the patient.
Saline Injection
Performed 16+ weeks after last menstrual cycle. Not commonly used in the US. The patient is hospitalized. A spinal needle is inserted through the abdominal wall below the navel into the uterus. A small amount of amniotic fluid is replaced with saline solution. The child "breathes" this solution and dies over several hours from chemical burns to its skin and lungs. Labor begins 12 to 36 hours after injection. Baby is usually born deceased.
Dilation & Extraction
Also known as Partial Birth Abortion. Performed 22+ weeks from last menstrual period. The cervix is opened after several days requiring multiple trips to the clinic. General anesthesia is often used. Guided by ultrasound the baby's legs are grabbed by the abortionist and pulled into the birth canal. The baby's entire body, except for the head, is delivered and the abortionist inserts scissors into the base of the skull, opening them to enlarge the hole. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted to remove the brains causing the skull to collapse. The dead child is removed.