Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)--At this point in pregnancy, the unborn baby’s body is too large to be broken up by suction, and it will not pass through the tubing. (3) The cervix needs to be dilated more than in a first-trimester abortion, and this is usually accomplished by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. The abortionist then dismembers the body parts. The skull is crushed and the spine is broken to facilitate removals. (4)

Abortion Complications

• Trapped fetal parts, leading to possible damage to the uterus and adjacent organs, such as the bowel and bladder.  Uterine atony (see above) can be a contributing factor to this situation.

• Laceration and perforation of the uterus and/or cervix by fetal parts, particularly the skull, pelvis, and long bones, as they are removed.  The larger instruments used in these mid-term abortions can also cause such damage.

• Greater risk of hemorrhage.

3. Hern, op. cit., pg. 123.
4. Ibid., pg. 128.