At Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support 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 Iowa. 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 2022, 6.1% of U.S. abortions took place between 14 and 20 weeks, and 1.1% happened at or after 21 weeks.[1]
Understanding your pregnancy timeline is key. At Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support 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 Iowa?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, or when abortion is considered necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. To qualify for an exception, people must report the rape resulting in pregnancy within 45 days to law enforcement or a public health agency or doctor, and within 140 for cases of incest.[2]
Before choosing abortion, visit Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center for a free ultrasound. Our team will guide you through your options 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 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.[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
At Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support 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.[6]
Have Questions About Late-Term Abortion in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Contact Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center.
We understand. Considering all your options may feel overwhelming and lonely. Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center 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 (319) 200-2125 or request an appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Abortion Surveillance Findings and Reports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-findings-reports.html
- The Iowa Legislature. Chapter 146C. Abortion — Detectable Fetal Heartbeat. (2024, November 19). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/146C.pdf
- 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 #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/