Induction Abortion.

Induction abortions are performed from 24 weeks of pregnancy up to birth. Because the fetus is much larger at this stage, the procedure typically takes two to three days to complete. An induction abortion is essentially a stillbirth delivery in which fetal death is intentional, and labor is induced. This procedure has many risks to the mother, and extensive monitoring is required. The fetus is considered viable after 24 weeks of pregnancy.[1]

Intentionally and directly inducing fetal death is never medically necessary to save the life of the mother. If pregnancy poses a threat to the mother’s health, labor may be induced, or a C-section performed with neonatal specialists present to care for the baby. This approach replaces the need for induction abortions.

Day 1 – Fetal Death

• Mifepristone is given orally to block progesterone; however, this alone does not always result in fetal death.[2]

• A large needle may be inserted through the abdomen into the uterus to inject digoxin or potassium chloride into the fetal heart or head, causing fatal cardiac arrest.

• If the needle misses, digoxin can still induce fetal death via the amniotic sac, although it may take longer.[3]

• Laminaria are inserted into the cervix to slowly expand and dilate it. They are left in overnight.

Day 2 – Dilation and Induced Labor

• An ultrasound is done to confirm fetal death; a second dose of digoxin or potassium chloride may be administered if necessary.

• Laminaria are replaced to increase cervical dilation.

• Misoprostol is administered orally or vaginally to help induce labor; doses may be repeated as needed.[4]

• Cervical dilation may take 1 to 4 days to reach sufficient width for delivery.

Day 3 – Delivery

• Labor is further induced using intravenous Pitocin and prostaglandins, stimulating contractions. These drugs are also used in natural childbirth to induce labor. [5]

• The woman may be given an epidural/local anesthetic to manage pain levels.[6]

• The woman delivers the fetus and placenta vaginally, similar to natural childbirth.[7]

Risks of Third-Trimester Induction Abortion

Third-trimester abortions have significantly higher risks than first and second-trimester abortions.

Physical Risks:[8]

• Excessive bleeding and hemorrhage[9]

• Cervical damage from forceful dilation, potentially causing future preterm births, miscarriages, or the inability to carry future pregnancies

• Uterine perforation

• Infection and sepsis

• Retained fetal body parts, placenta, umbilical cord, or amniotic sac

• Severe uterine contractions

• Higher overall risk of complications compared to first- and second-trimester abortions

• Increased risk of maternal death compared to earlier abortions

• Patients may experience significant emotional distress and trauma.[10]

See our Abortion Risks page for further information on the potential complications of induction abortion procedures.

(It is strongly recommended that the patient understands all available options before making an irreversible medical decision. Please contact us if you would like more information on your pregnancy options and available support.)

[1]Canadian Premature Babies Foundation. (n.d.). Pregnancy viability: Age of viability & influencing factors.https://www.cpbf-fbpc.org/pregnancy-viability

[2]University of California, San Francisco, BCHF Outreach. (n.d.). Termination of pregnancy by induction of labor (PDF).https://bchsfoutreach.ucsf.edu/sites/bchsfoutreach.ucsf.edu/files/TerminationofPregnancybyInductionofLabor.pdf

[3]Live Action. (n.d.). Abortion procedures: What is abortion? Retrieved March 5, 2026, fromhttps://www.liveacPitocintion.org/what-is-abortion

[4]University of California, San Francisco, BCHF Outreach. Termination of pregnancy by induction of labor (PDF).

[5]University of California, San Francisco, BCHF Outreach. Termination of pregnancy by induction of labor (PDF).

[6]Snuggy Mom. (n.d.). How are third‑trimester abortions performed? Retrieved March 5, 2026, fromhttps://snuggymom.com/how-are-third-trimester-abortions-performed/

[7]Snuggy Mom. How are third‑trimester abortions performed?

[8]Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Pregnancy: Overview. MyHealth.Alberta.ca.https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tw2562

[9]Snuggy Mom. How are third‑trimester abortions performed?

[10]Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Boden, J. M. (2013). Does abortion reduce the mental health risks of unwanted or unintended pregnancy? A re‑appraisal of the evidence. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 47(9), 819‑827.https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867413484597