How is an abortion performed?

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) consists of opening the cervix of the uterus and emptying it using surgical instruments and suction. ... In the third trimester of pregnancy, induced abortion may be performed surgically by intact dilation and extraction or by hysterotomy. read more

An abortion is referred to as an elective or voluntary abortion when it is performed at the request of the woman for non-medical reasons. Confusion sometimes arises over the term "elective" because "elective surgery" generally refers to all scheduled surgery, whether medically necessary or not. read more

During the first trimester, you will usually have the option of having a medical abortion procedure or a surgical abortion procedure. Before considering the options, it is recommended that you obtain a sonogram to determine if the pregnancy is viable (uterine, non-ectopic pregnancy) and for accurate pregnancy dating. read more

Abortion opponents have lobbied against specific procedures performed late in pregnancy, and they have the stance that other techniques are preferable. By 1998, 28 states had passed bans on this procedure, referred to as a partial-birth abortion, which is the medical procedure called intact dilatation and extraction. read more