Second-Trimester Abortion
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recommendations and Conclusions
The following recommendations and conclusions are based on good and consistent scientific evidence.
- Cervical preparation is recommended before D&E to decrease risk of cervical trauma.
- Mifepristone followed in 24–48 hours by misoprostol is the most effective regimen for second-trimester medical abortion.
- Misoprostol as a single agent is effective for medical abortion.
- Administration of prophylactic antibiotics decreases the risk of infection after surgical abortion and, therefore, should be provided to all patients undergoing D&E.
- Except for hysteroscopic sterilization, diaphragm, or cervical cap, all forms of contraception can be considered after second-trimester abortion and initiated on the day of the procedure.
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Title
Second-Trimester Abortion
Authoring Organization
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists