Methotrexate Injection Injection Performed in the early first trimester. Methotrexate is injected and begins to attack the cells surrounding the embryo. The embryo is deprived of food and oxygen, and eventually dies. Several days later, misoprostol is injected to trigger the expulsion of the embryo. This expulsion may not occur for as long as eight weeks, and the woman may bleed heavily. The actual expulsion may occur at any moment and in any place . In about 4% of cases, expulsion does not occur and surgery is required. This is not a common form of abortion because Methotrexate is toxic and has many common side-effects, such as nausea, pain, diarrhea, and increased chance of cancer, anemia, and lung disease. Suction Aspiration (vacuum curettage) The most common (98%) form of first trimester abortion. The cervix is dilated, and a powerful vacuum tube with a sharp cutting edge is inserted. The suction rips apart the body of the baby, and sucks out blood, amniotic fluid, tissue, and body parts. The most frequent post-abortion complication occurs with this method. If any fetal or placental tissue is left behind in the uterus, infection can develop. Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) Generally performed in the first or early second trimester. The cervix is dilated or stretched to permit the insertion of a loop shaped steel knife. The body of the fetus is cut up and removed from the placenta. Blood loss and likelihood of uterine perforation are relatively high in this form of abortion. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) Generally performed in the second trimester, this is similar to D&C. Forceps are used to rip away pieces of the developing body and remove them from the womb. Because the skull has often hardened by this time, it may have to be crushed for removal. Bone fragments from the crushed skull can easily puncture the cervix, causing high blood loss. Prostaglandins Injection Performed during the second trimester. Prostaglandins, naturally occurring birthing hormones, are injected to prematurely induce labor. Oftentimes the baby is delivered alive. Permanent placental, cervical, and cardiovascular side-effects are common. Even death is possible. Saline Amniocentesis (Salt Poisoning) This method, first used in Nazi concentration camps and now common in America, is performed during the second or early third trimester. A needle is injected into the abdomen, and 50-250ml of amniotic liquid is removed12. This is replaced by a concentrated salt that burns away and deteriorates the baby's skin. Within three days the mother goes into labor and delivers a dead, burned baby. This concentrated salt may cause severe hemmorage, cervical injuries, or side effects to the nervous system such as seizures or coma. Urea Injection Performed during the second or early third trimester. This is performed just like Salt Poisoning, however it is not as strong. Though not as dangerous as Salt Poisoning, Urea Injection increases the chance of a failed abortion, which usually results in surgery. Almost 2% of Urea Injection patients must be hospitalized for side-effects. Hysterotomy Performed during the third trimester, this is usually performed if other forms of abortion are unsuccessful. Incisions are made in the abdomen, and the baby, placenta, and amniotic sac are removed. Babies are often removed alive during the operation. The risk to the mother's health is greatest in this form of abortion, and the chance of complications during later pregnancies is greatly increased. Partial Birth Abortion Performed during the late second or third trimester. Using ultrasound, the abortionist grasps the baby's leg with forceps, and partially forcefully delivers all but the head. Scissors are then jammed into the back of the babies skull, and the wound is pryed open. A powerful vacuum tube is inserted and sucks out the baby's brain. * Leading authorities on late term abortions say that partial birth abortion is NEVER necessary to save the live of the mother. * Congress tried to pass a law to ban partial birth abortion, but it was vetoed by Bill Clinton. * People believe it is rare and almost never used, but in reality THOUSANDS of partial birth abortions are performed each year in the US alone. * Partial birth abortion is done almost exclusively for elective reasons. Thanks to the people at Abortion InfoNet for providing this information. |