Pro-Life Issues
Abortion Methods
Early Abortion
Vacuum Aspiration (6 to 9 weeks): A suction tube (about 29 times more powerful than a vacuum cleaner) is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The fetus is torn apart by the force of the suction and sucked into a collection bottle, along with the placenta and amniotic sac. Since the doctor cannot actually see what he is doing, several possible complications can occur, including infection (if any portion of the fetus or placenta remains in the womb), uterine perforation (if the tube punctures the womb) and cervical laceration. This is the most commonly used early abortion method.
Dilation and Curettage (8 to 16 weeks): A steel loop-shaped blade is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. It is used to scrape clean the walls of the uterus, removing the fetus and placenta. As with the aspiration method described above, the doctor is working blind, and may be followed by suction aspiration. It carries an increased risk of uterine perforation, infection, and serious blood loss.
Mifepristone or RU-486 (5 to 7 weeks): This drug blocks the action of progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone which sustains the nutritive uterine lining. As this lining withers, the embryo starves to death. Administration of mifepristone is followed 36-48 hours later by misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin, which causes uterine contractions that expel the unborn child. Some women will deliver while still at the clinic, while others will do so later, at home or at work. Bleeding can be quite heavy and lasts for an average of nine days. This method of abortion fails 5-10% of the time, and must then be followed by a surgical abortion.
Methotrexate or "M&M" (5 to 9 weeks): Methotrexate is normally used for treatment of certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain dermatological conditions. It is not approved for abortions by the FDA. This drug is given by injection; it interferes with the growth process of rapidly dividing cells. Like RU-486, it is followed by misoprostol (hence the "M&M" nickname) to expel the fetus. This method fails at least 4% of the time. Methotrexate can potentially cause serious side effects, including severe anemia, ulcers and bone marrow depression.
Herbal Abortifacients: Though touted as natural ways to do-it-yourself, such herbs are powerful drugs with potentially fatal consequences. Unregulated by the FDA, herbal abortifacients can vary in potency and effect. Pennyroyal, Black or Blue Cohosh and other similar herbs are toxic in excess and can easily overtax the liver and kidneys, causing headaches, extreme nausea, bleeding, or even death.
Late Abortion
Dilation and Evacuation or "D&E" (13 to 20+ weeks): In this late term abortion the cervix is dilated, either mechanically or with laminaria. (Laminaria is a kelp species, that is dried and made into rods. The rods are inserted into the cervix, and over the course of several hours, they slowly absorb water and expand, dilating the cervix and prompting labor.) The physician uses forceps to dismember the fetus, which must then be reassembled to confirm that no parts have been left inside. Possible complications include infection, cervical laceration and uterine perforation.
Dilation and Extraction or "D&X" or "Partial Birth Abortion" (20 to 32+ weeks): This late in the pregnancy it is very difficult to dismember the fetus in the womb. Therefore the physician begins, but does not complete, a breech (feet first) delivery, taking care to leave the head inside the uterus. The physician then punctures the base of the skull and suctions out the brains. The child dies, the head collapses, and the delivery is completed.
Prostaglandin (16 to 38 weeks): This synthetic hormone is administered via injection or suppository. It causes powerful uterine contractions similar to labor. Live births are a common result. Possible risks include convulsions, vomiting, and cardiac arrest.
Digoxin Induction (20 to 32 weeks): To avoid the live birth complication described above, digoxin is first injected into the child's heart, killing it. This is followed by a prostaglandin induction.
Saline (16 to 32+ weeks): A needle is inserted through the abdomen to remove amniotic fluid. A strong salt solution is then injected, which poisons the fetus and badly burns the lungs and skin. The child is usually delivered within 24 hours. This method is rarely used any more, since it can present serious, even fatal risks to the mother.
