Induction abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy — usually between 25 weeks and full term. Because the baby is well-developed and larger at this stage, the procedure takes two to three days and involves multiple steps. The goal of induction abortion is to stop the baby's heartbeat before labor and delivery are artificially induced.
The Process:
Day 1: Preparing the Body and Stopping the Heart
Cervical preparation begins to open the cervix using medication and/or absorbent rods (called laminaria or hydrogel rods).
A mifepristone pill is given to block pregnancy hormones, weakening the bond between mother and child.
A lethal injection of digoxin or potassium chloride is injected into the baby’s heart, torso, or surrounding fluid to stop the heartbeat.
Sometimes, a second injection is necessary if the heart continues beating.
Muscle relaxants may also be used so the mother does not feel the baby move.
Note: In rare cases, if the baby is expected to die naturally at birth due to medical conditions, some mothers decline the lethal injection. What You Might Feel
Delivery:
If possible, the baby is delivered whole.
If complications arise, surgical instruments (forceps) may be used to remove the baby in parts — a procedure called Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).
In some cases, if the placenta does not pass naturally, surgery under general anesthesia is required.
The Reality of Life in the Womb
At 20 to 24 weeks, a baby is not simply "tissue" — he or she can:
Swallow amniotic fluid
Stretch, yawn, and move freely
Respond to sound and touch
Exhibit rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a sign of dreaming
By 23–24 weeks, many babies are viable outside the womb with specialized neonatal care.
Physical Risks to the Mother
Heavy bleeding and hemorrhage
Infection or sepsis
Injury to the uterus or cervix (tears, perforations)
Surgical complications requiring emergency care
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional effects of late-term abortion are often profound and lasting, including:
Sadness, depression, and grief
Anxiety, anger, and guilt
Emotional numbness or detachment
Anniversary grief (yearly triggers around the abortion date)
Flashbacks or nightmares
Higher risk of substance abuse
Relationship strain
Suicidal thoughts
Many women speak of deep emotional pain surfacing months or years later, sometimes without understanding its source until healing begins.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
At Gateway Pregnancy Center, we are here not to condemn, but to listen and help.
We believe every woman deserves to know the truth about abortion — and also to know that grace, healing, and forgiveness are available through Jesus Christ.
If you are grieving after an abortion, you are not alone. Hope is still possible.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
Important Medical Note:
Pregnancy weeks on this page are calculated from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) — generally two weeks before fertilization.