Obstetrics and gynecology
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Oct 1981
Deaths from second trimester abortion by dilatation and evacuation: causes, prevention, facilities.
In 1978, dilatation and evacuation (D & E) became the leading method of abortion at 13 weeks' gestation or later in the United States. The increasing popularity of D & E reflects its relative advantages in safety, convenience, expense, and speed when compared with alternate methods. The authors reviewed all reported deaths from D & E in the United States between January 1, 1972, and December 31, 1978. ⋯ The advantage of D & E occurs largely in the 13- to 15-week gestation interval, that is, at the beginning of the second trimester. Policy makers should reconsider laws requiring all second trimester abortions to be performed in hospitals. Based on these data, 16 weeks' gestation would be more appropriate threshold at present.