Abortion Procedures
Dilatation and Extraction (D&X)

Dilatation and Extraction (D&X), referred to in political terminology as partial birth abortion, is a procedure that has been used generally after 16 weeks (LMP) of pregnancy. When conditions occur that permit the use of this abortion method, the following procedure is used:

The doctor will dilate (open) the cervix by gradually stretching with a series of dilators. Once the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the body is extracted through the dilated cervix (intact) to minimize uterine or cervical injury to the woman from instruments or fetal bones, after which the doctor will suction the intracranial contents, collapsing the skull.

This surgical method is similar to the D&E procedure except that suction evacuation of the intracranial contents occurs after the extraction of the intact body of the unborn child through the dilated cervix.

Possible Complications of Dilatation and Extraction

• A cut or torn cervix (cervical laceration) - very rarely.
  
• Anesthesia - related complications - very rarely.
  
• Blood clots in the uterus - very rarely.
  
• Heavy bleeding - very rarely - a hemorrhage develops; medication, or blood transfusion might be needed.
  
• Incomplete removal of the placenta, or contents of the uterus - very rarely- vacuum aspiration may be necessary.
  
• Infection - very rarely - medication for the infection, or in rare cases, repeated vacuum aspiration might be needed.
  
• Fertility can be diminished in very rare instances as a consequence of infection.
  
• Very rarely - emergency treatment for any of the above problems, including the possible need to treat with an operation, medicines, or a blood transfusion.
  
• Very rarely - death.