Expert: Deborah - 11/8/2009

Question

Deborah

I've heard many pro choice activist saying that partial birth abortion should be legalized in case of instances that the health of the mother is at stake. what health issues for the mother would warrant this.. and .. isn't it true that the risk of this type abortion vs delivery of the baby would actually put the mother more at risk with possible infection and retained fragments.. possible perforated uterus or even the placenta?

thanks

kathy


Answer
Dear Kathy,

First of all, there is no such medical term called "Partial birth abortion". Here is the correct term:

It is alternately known as "dilation and extraction," or D&X, and "intact D&E," it involves removing the fetus intact by dilating a pregnant woman's cervix, then pulling the entire body out through the birth canal.

The reason this type of abortion was invented was because it creates less of a chance of the following:

"possible infection and retained fragments.. possible perforated uterus or even the placenta?".

It is safer for the woman because there are no sharp instruments being used inside of her uterus, and no chance of anything being left behind, as everything is removed in one piece.

Best wishes,

Deb