Dilation and Extraction
Dilation and Extraction is a surgical abortion procedure used to terminate a pregnancy after 21 weeks of gestation. This procedure is also known as D & X, Intact D & X, Intrauterine Cranial Decompression and Partial Birth Abortion. When this procedure is used on full term sized infants, it is in effect, intentionally rearranging the baby’s in utero position from head down to feet and legs down for a breech delivery. The body of the infant, except the head, is pulled through the cervical opening. The doctor makes an incision (cut) at the base of the skull and inserts a catheter (tube) to suck out the brain, causing the skull to collapse. The dead body is then removed completely from the uterus. NOTE: Partial Birth Abortion is currently banned in the United States
