A partial birth abortion refers to an abortion method that is used after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. A partial birth abortion is also referred to as an intact dilation and extraction or intact D&E.
More About Partial Birth Abortion
This method of abortion is used when the fetus is too large to pass through the cervix naturally or via the typical method of suction. In this method, the fetus is found by the medical professional with the help of an ultrasound. Using forceps, the fetus is placed in a face down and feet first position. Then, the fetus is delivered with the exception of the head. The medical professional punctures the base of the skull and a suction tube is used to remove the brain matter. After this is done, the skull collapses and the rest of the fetus is delivered. In some cases, the patient is given a solution, like potassium chloride, before the procedure to terminate the fetus before the delivery.
