Second Trimester Abortion Clinic from 20 up to 24+ weeks
In more advanced stages of pregnancy, varying from 20-23 weeks and beyond, you’ll want to see an accomplished second trimester abortion specialists like our Dr. Benjamin here in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
The majority of states prohibit some abortions after a certain point in pregnancy, and many restrictions on later abortion have been ruled unconstitutional. Abortions further along are defined in different ways, either as abortions once a fetus is viable or beyond a specific point in pregnancy (such as 20 weeks post fertilization or the third trimester).
Most often, courts have voided state restrictions because their terms are ambiguous or overly broad, they contain an unacceptably narrow health exception or none at all, or they rely on a rigid definition of fetal viability based on gestation or trimester. Viability cannot be presumed based on gestational age, fetal weight or any other single factor; it must be determined by a woman’s doctor on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions on Second Trimester Abortion Clinic in Florida
In Florida, the following restrictions on abortion were in effect as of January 1, 2021:
- A patient must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage the patient from having an abortion.
- Health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest, unless individuals purchase an optional rider at an additional cost.
- The parent of a minor must be notified and consent before an abortion is provided.
- Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.
- A patient must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion; the provider must offer the patient the option to view the image.
- An abortion may be performed at 24 or more weeks after the last menstrual period only in cases of life or health endangerment.
Second Trimester Abortion Clinic Procedure
There are a variety of procedures available to accomplish this end, but in general, they all involve stimulating the uterus to contract much the same way as it does in a spontaneous term labor. This approach would seem at first to be ideal since it may involve no instrumentation and is totally natural.
In reality, however, the uterus is frequently very much disinclined to labor at these early stages, and even when it does, the cervix may be very disinclined to dilate. There are a variety of options for “induction”.
The technique currently most commonly used involves a group of drugs called Prostaglandins. These are administered either in the cavity of the uterus by injection or in the vagina as a gel or suppository. These may be used in conjunction with osmotic dilators as well.
There is some controversy as to which of these techniques is the safest. Most available data suggest that prior to 20 weeks gestation, D&E offers greater safety and efficacy. Beyond that stage, there is probably inadequate data to prove either is superior.
We believe that experience is the primary determinant of safety in the later stage procedures. In experienced hands, we believe that D&E is preferable. It is more predictable and entails less serious risk. The final alternative is “hysterectomy” which is basically an early cesarean section.
This procedure is best reserved for situations where emptying the uterus by the vaginal route is not possible. It has the disadvantages of greater risk, greater pain, greater recuperation, higher cost, and perhaps of greatest significance, it precludes future vaginal birth.
Professional Standards
We adhere to the standards of care for abortion of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (“ACOG”) and the National Abortion Federation (“NAF”). We conform to OSHA standards for infection control and CLIA laboratory standards.
We adhere to and honor the guidelines and rules of our state legislature. Please know that our center will do procedures as allowed by our state.
Our personal standards demand that our services always consider our patient’s emotional needs and dignity.