Methods of abortion

‘Therapeutic abortion’ is the only therapy known that terminates the life of one of the patients.

The following are the most common methods of abortion currently used in Australia. They are not all used in South Australia.

Suction curettage, 1-3 months

The cervix is expanded using a series of graduated instruments, permitting the insertion of a hollow tube attached to a powerful pump. The unborn child, together with the placenta, is torn apart and sucked out of the uterus.

Dilation and curettage, 1-3 months

The cervix is expanded to permit the insertion of a steel scraping instrument into the uterus. The unborn baby is chopped into pieces and scraped out of the womb.

Saline poisoning, 4-7 months

A concentrated salt solution is injected into the amniotic fluid which surrounds the child. The salt is swallowed and ‘breathed’ and slowly burns his stomach and lungs as well as his skin. The mother goes into premature labour and expels a dead or dying baby. (This method is not thought to be used in Australia.)

Prostaglandins, 4-8 months

When administered to a pregnant woman, this drug induces labour, resulting in the baby either being delivered alive (in which case it is left to die of exposure) or crushed to death by powerful uterine contractions.

Hysterotomy, 6-8 months

The baby is delivered alive by caesarean section, unless already dead from saline poisoning, and left to die of exposure. The doctor may also cut the umbilical cord so that the baby dies from loss of oxygen.

RU 486 (Mifepristone)

This hormone antagonist is illegal in Australia as yet but the Family Planning Association is trying to have it legalised. It acts against the hormone progesterone which is essential to the maintenance of early pregnancy, causing the baby to be detached from the wall of the womb and expelling it.

Even though its advocates say it is so quick and easy it can be taken in pill form at home, China with all of its population worries has tried it and banned it. Several women have died from cardiac arrest using it across the globe.

Mothers who are lucky enough not to have physical complications still have to cope with the emotional stress of disposing of their babies’ bodies after expelling them at home.

Partial birth abortion

This is described as ‘the method of choice’ by a powerful and successful (rich) abortionist in the eastern states of Australia. (more details)