Is Late-Term Abortion Safe?

Woman talking to her doctor about late-term abortion.

If you’ve just discovered you’re further along in your pregnancy than you thought, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You likely have many serious questions, such as:

Is abortion safe when I’m further along?
What is the process like?
Will it be more painful?

This guide explores late-term abortion, including procedures, risks, pain, and legal considerations. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Late-Term Abortion?

Late-term abortion refers to procedures performed after 16 weeks of gestational age.

Late-term abortions are rare, but they do happen. In 2022, about 6.1% of abortions in the United States occurred between 14 and 20 weeks. Roughly 1.1% took place at or after 21 weeks.[1]

Knowing exactly how far along you are is one of the most important first steps. At ICU Mobile, we offer free ultrasounds, so you have accurate information before making any decision. Click the button below to find a mobile medical unit near you.

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*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

Is Late-Term Abortion Legal in My State?

States Where Late-Term Abortion is Illegal

Alabama: Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama. However, exceptions can be made to preserve the health of the pregnant woman or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.[2]

Arkansas: Currently, abortion is illegal in Arkansas. However, exceptions can be made to preserve the health of the pregnant woman.[3]

Florida: Currently, abortion is illegal in Florida past 6 weeks gestation, when the fetal heartbeat can first be detected by ultrasound. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking.[4]

Georgia: The current Georgia abortion law[5] prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around 6 weeks from your last period. Exceptions can be made for:

Medical emergencies
Rape or incest in a pregnancy less than 20 weeks from the last menstrual period
Cases in which, in reasonable medical judgment, there is an anomaly incompatible with sustaining life

Indiana: As of August 22, 2023, abortion is illegal in Indiana. However, exceptions can be made to prevent a serious health risk to the pregnant woman, if the fetus suffers from a lethal fetal anomaly, or if the pregnant woman has been the victim of rape or incest.[6]

Kentucky: Currently, abortion is illegal in Kentucky. However, exceptions can be made in the case of life endangerment to the pregnant woman.[7]

Mississippi: Currently, abortion is illegal in Mississippi. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman or in cases of a rape conviction.[8]

North Carolina: Effective July 1, 2023, most abortions are illegal in North Carolina after 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies and medical emergencies.[9]

Oklahoma: Currently, abortion is illegal in Oklahoma. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman.[10]

Tennessee: Currently, abortion is illegal in Tennessee. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman. Women who receive abortions will not be prosecuted under Tennessee law.[11]

Texas: Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[12][13]

States Where Late-Term Abortion is Legal

Arizona: Currently, abortion is legal in Arizona through fetal viability. Exceptions can be made beyond viability necessary to preserve the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.[14]

California: Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in California.[15]

Hawaii: Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Hawaii. Exceptions can be made beyond viability necessary to preserve the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.[16]

Illinois: Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Illinois.[17]

Kansas: Currently, abortion is legal in Kansas up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.[18]

Michigan: Currently, abortion is legal in Michigan all throughout pregnancy.[19]

Ohio: Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Ohio. However, exceptions can be made if a healthcare professional deems it necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman.[20]

Pennsylvania: Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.[21]

*Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. It occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.[22]

How Is a Late-Term Abortion Performed?

The most common late-term abortion procedure is called dilation and evacuation (D&E). Abortion providers usually perform it in a clinic or hospital over one to two days.

Here’s what typically happens[23]:

Cervical Preparation

A day before the procedure, the cervix is gradually softened and opened using:

Dilators (small sponge-like rods that expand over time)
Medication such as misoprostol

The Procedure

The procedure itself is typically performed in an abortion clinic or hospital. Once the cervix is dilated, the provider uses forceps to dismember the fetus and remove fetal tissue from the uterus.

They may then use a suction device and curette (a scraping device) to ensure the uterus is completely empty.

What Are the Risks of Late-Term Abortion?

As with any surgical procedure, late-term abortion carries potential risks. The likelihood and severity increase slightly the further along the pregnancy is. Possible complications can include[23]:

Cervical injury
Infection
Heavy bleeding (may require hospitalization and blood transfusion)
Uterine perforation (a hole in the uterus)
Uterine rupture (tearing of the uterus)
Incomplete abortion (remaining fetal tissue in the uterus)
Need for surgical repairs to the cervix or uterus

Many women find it helpful to speak with a healthcare professional. At ICU Mobile, we’re here to discuss these risks openly, helping you weigh your options and make an informed decision. Make an appointment to get started.

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Do Late-Term Abortions Hurt?

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. Studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[24]

Considering Late-Term Abortion? Get the Facts at ICU Mobile.

We understand. Considering a late-term abortion may feel overwhelming and lonely. ICU Mobile 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 (877) 231-2005 or schedule your appointment online today. Our mobile medical units are ready to serve you.

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Please be aware that ICU Mobile does not provide or refer for abortion services.

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