Since the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 that legalized abortion across the United States, the term “abortion” has been used in a variety of contexts, from medical to social and even political. Sometimes it is referred to as a woman’s right. Other times it is termed essential healthcare. Some have even called it murder. But what is abortion?
What is abortion?
As a legal medical practice, abortion is a deliberate act to terminate a pregnancy. This is accomplished by chemical or surgical means to stop the development of the fetus and force its expulsion from the womb. Since pregnancy is the result of conception and implantation of the fetus, abortion aims to end the pregnancy by bringing an end to the life of the fetus.
This act of abortion is performed in one of several ways, as detailed below. PLEASE BE WARNED: Each description of an abortion method contains graphic written and photographic details that may be disturbing and are not suitable for children under age 12.
How Abortions are Performed
Vacuum Aspiration or Suction, Dilation, and Curettage (D&C)
In a vacuum aspiration or suction dilation and curettage (D&C), the cervix, which is the opening to the womb, is significantly stretched, as a vacuum tube with a serrated edge is inserted deep into the uterus. As the vacuum is activated, the fetus is torn apart and the remains are removed from the uterus in pieces. This abortion procedure is commonly performed during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
To show an animated version of this abortion procedure, Live Action—with the aid of an ex-abortionist—created this video.
Chemical Abortion
A chemical abortion, sometimes referred to as a medical abortion, involves a combination of drugs that are typically taken in pill form. The first drug administered is Mifepristone, or RU-486, which inhibits the health and growth of the placenta that supplies the fetus with nutrients Because of this drug, the fetus will die from lack of nutrition. Within 48 hours, the drug Misoprostol (or Cytotec) is administered to induce contractions to expel the fetus through the vagina. Internal injuries and bleeding are common side effects of these drugs. On average, these drugs are used during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
To show an animated version of this abortion procedure, Live Action—with the aid of an ex-abortionist—created this video.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
In a dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion, the cervix is dilated as a sopher clamp is inserted into the uterus to dismember the fetus and remove the fetus in parts. Once the limbs and other major parts are removed, the abortionist will then crush the skull in order to extract it from the uterus. A curette is then used to scrape the uterus of any fetal remains. This process is most common during months 3-4 of pregnancy.
To show an animated version of this abortion procedure, Live Action—with the aid of an ex-abortionist—created this video.
Induction Abortion
Abortion by induction is primarily a chemical abortion. A lethal dose of digoxin or potassium chloride is injected via long needle deep into the womb, targeting the vital organs of the fetus and causing cardiac arrest. If necessary, an additional dose of drugs is administered the following day and cervix-dilating drugs will be administered to prepare for delivery. Drugs may also be administered to induce labor. If this method is successful, the fetus will be delivered stillborn in a proper and sterile healthcare facility after some days; however, once induced, delivery can occur at unpredictable times and places and even result in the delivery of a live fetus.
To show an animated version of this abortion procedure, Live Action—with the aid of an ex-abortionist—created this video.
Partial Birth Abortion
In a partial-birth abortion, the head of the fetus has reached the vagina in anticipation of birth. The cervix is widened and Metzenbaum scissors, which are designed for dissection, are forced into the skull, opening it up for vacuum suction of the fetus’ brains. The interior contents of the heavily damaged skull are cleaned out and the rest of the body is delivered whole. It should be noted that before it was banned by Congress in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, this abortion method was used mostly during month 6 of pregnancy. Congress banning partial-birth abortion was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Carhart (2007) in a 5-4 decision.
To learn more about these procedures and their effects, visit abortionprocedures.com, a project of Live Action. Live Action is an advocacy NGO that monitors the abortion industry and provides educational materials on the actions and methods used.
If you are suffering from the effects of abortion, you are not alone. Hope and healing are possible. Call 563-556-5960 for help with your next steps.