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 Pregnancy Hope Center, 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 OR. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Late-Term Abortion?
Late-term abortion refers to procedures performed in the second trimester (14–26 weeks) or third trimester (27–40 weeks) of pregnancy.
Late-term abortions are rare, but they do happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 5.7% of U.S. abortions took place between 14 and 20 weeks, and 0.9% happened at or after 21 weeks.[1]
Understanding your pregnancy timeline is key. At Pregnancy Hope Center, 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 OR?
Currently, abortion is legal all throughout pregnancy in Oregon.
Before choosing abortion, visit Pregnancy Hope Center 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[2]:
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 gently 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 tissue.
- Uses forceps to clear any remaining tissue, ensuring the procedure is complete.[3]
What Are the Risks of Late-Term Abortion?
Like any medical procedure, late-term abortion has potential risks, including[4]:
- 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
At Pregnancy Hope Center, 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 show that late-term abortions can be painful. Studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[5]
Have Questions About Late-Term Abortion in Klamath Falls, OR? Contact Pregnancy Hope Center.
We understand. Considering a late-term abortion may feel overwhelming and lonely. Pregnancy Hope Center is a safe place to ask the hard questions, and process your emotions. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and future!
Give us a call at (541) 883-4357 or make an appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Pregnancy Hope Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Abortion Surveillance Findings and Reports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, November 21). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-findings-reports.html
- Understanding Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de
- See source #2.
- See source #2.
- 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/