Are you further along in your pregnancy and wondering about your options? Questions like “Is late-term abortion safe?” or “Will it be more painful?” might feel overwhelming.
At Morning Star Clinics, we’re here to provide clear, compassionate answers to help you make an informed decision about your health and future.
Take a moment to breathe—we’ve got you covered. This guide explores late-term abortion, including procedures, risks, pain, and legal considerations in PA. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Late-Term Abortion?
Late-term abortion refers to procedures performed later in pregnancy. It is sometimes used to describe abortions performed in the second trimester (13—28 weeks) or third trimester (29–40 weeks) of pregnancy.[1]
Late-term abortions are rare, but they do happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, 6.1% of U.S. abortions took place between 14 and 20 weeks, and 1.1% happened at or after 21 weeks.[2]
Understanding your pregnancy timeline is key. At Morning Star Clinics, we offer free ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are, empowering you to make the best choice for your situation.
Are Late-Term Abortions Legal in PA?
Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.
Before choosing abortion, visit Morning Star Clinics for a free ultrasound. Our team will guide you through your options—whether that’s parenting, adoption, or abortion—so you feel confident in your next steps.
How Are Late-Term Abortions Performed?
Most late-term abortions use a procedure called dilation and evacuation (D&E). Here’s how it works[3]:
Cervical Preparation
To prepare the cervix, the doctor may:
- Insert sponge-like devices into the cervix the day before the procedure. These absorb moisture, expand, and open the cervix.
- Prescribe medication the night before to soften the cervix, making dilation easier.
Procedure
The procedure itself is typically performed in an abortion clinic or hospital. Once the cervix is dilated, the provider:
- Inserts a cannula (a thin tube) into the uterus, connected to a suction device to remove the pregnancy.
- Uses forceps to clear any remaining tissue, ensuring the procedure is complete.[4]
What Are the Risks of Late-Term Abortion?
Like any medical procedure, late-term abortion has potential risks, including[5]:
- Cervical injury
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Uterine perforation (a hole in the uterus)
- Uterine rupture (tearing of the uterus)
- Incomplete abortion (remaining tissue in the uterus)
- Need for surgical repairs to the cervix or uterus
Studies have shown that there are also mental health risks. At Morning Star Clinics, we’re here to discuss these risks openly, helping you weigh your options with care and understanding.
Are Late-Term Abortions Painful?
Pain levels vary from person to person, but late-term abortions often involve more discomfort than early-term procedures due to the pregnancy’s progression.
However, studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[6]
Have Questions About Late-Term Abortion in Central PA? Contact Morning Star Clinics.
We understand. Considering a late-term abortion may feel overwhelming and lonely. Morning Star Clinics is a safe place to ask the hard questions, process your emotions, and get the care you deserve. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and future!
Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or make an appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). Pregnancy. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/pregnancy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). Abortion Surveillance Findings and Reports. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-findings-reports.html
- Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). Understanding Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de
- See source #3.
- See source #3.
- Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/