Late-Term Abortion: Procedures, Risks, Pain, and More

Feb 11, 2026

If you’ve just discovered you’re further along in your pregnancy than you thought, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You likely have many serious questions, such as:

  • Is abortion safe when I’m further along?
  • What is the process like?
  • Will it be more painful?

This guide explores late-term abortion, including procedures, risks, pain, and legal considerations in Texas. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Late-Term Abortion?

Late-term abortion refers to procedures performed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. 

Late-term abortions are rare, but they do happen. In 2022, about 6.1% of abortions in the United States occurred between 14 and 20 weeks. Roughly 1.1% took place at or after 21 weeks.[1]

Knowing exactly how far along you are is one of the most important first steps. At Mid Cities Women's Clinic, we offer free ultrasounds so you have accurate information before making any decision. Schedule an appointment today.

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Is Late-Term Abortion Legal in Texas?

Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[2][3]

How Is a Late-Term Abortion Performed?

One of the most common late-term abortion procedures is dilation and evacuation (D&E). Here’s how they work[4]:

Dilation and evacuations are typically performed in an abortion clinic or hospital. A day before the procedure, the cervix is gradually softened and opened using:

  • Dilators (small sponge-like rods that expand over time)
  • Medication such as misoprostol

Once the cervix is dilated, the abortion provider:

  • Induces fetal cardiac arrest[5] by injecting potassium chloride (KCI) into the fetus’ heart through the pregnant woman’s cervix or abdomen[6] 
  • Inserts a cannula (a thin tube) into the uterus, connected to a suction device to remove tissue
  • May also use forceps to ensure the uterus is completely empty

What Are the Risks of Late-Term Abortion?

As with any surgical procedure, late-term abortion carries potential risks. The likelihood and severity increase slightly the further along the pregnancy is. Possible complications can include[4]:

  • Damage to the cervix
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Uterine perforation (a hole in the uterus)
  • Uterine rupture (tearing of the uterus)
  • Incomplete abortion (remaining tissue in the uterus)
  • Need for surgical repairs to the cervix or uterus
  • Paralysis[7]

Many women find it helpful to speak with a healthcare professional. At Mid Cities Women's Clinic, we’re here to discuss these risks openly, helping you weigh your options and make an informed decision. Make an appointment to get started.

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    Do Late-Term Abortions Hurt? 

    Pain levels vary from person to person, but late-term abortions often involve more discomfort than early-term procedures due to the pregnancy’s progression. Studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[8]

    Considering Late-Term Abortion? Get the Facts at Mid Cities Women's Clinic.

    We understand. Considering a late-term abortion may feel overwhelming and lonely. Mid Cities Women's Clinic is a safe place to ask the hard questions, process your emotions, and get the care you deserve. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and future!

    Give us a call at 817-577-4387 or make an appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!

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      Please be aware that Mid Cities Women's Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

      Sources

      1. Abortion Surveillance Findings and Reports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-findings-reports.html   
      2. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion.  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm 
      3. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf 
      4. Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/ 
      5. Isada NB, Pryde PG, Johnson MP, Hallak M, Blessed WB, Evans MI. Fetal intracardiac potassium chloride injection to avoid the hopeless resuscitation of an abnormal abortus: I. Clinical issues. Obstet Gynecol. 1992;80(2):296-299. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1635748/ 
      6. Garg M, Markovchick N. Hyperkalemic paralysis: an elective abortion gone wrong. J Emerg Med. 2013;45(2):190-193. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23735847/ 
      7. Tufa TH, Prager S, Lavelanet AF, Kim C. Drugs used to induce fetal demise prior to abortion: a systematic review. Contraception: X. 2020;2:100046. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151620300290 
      8. Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/  
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