“Late Term Abortion” is not an exact medical term. In general, it is understood to be an abortion performed at a later stage of pregnancy.
Any unplanned pregnancy – early or late term – sets before you many challenges. If you are in this situation and considering abortion, we want to assist you with your questions. Avenue Women’s Center is committed to helping you navigate this challenging season. We invite you to contact us for a free confidential consultation with one of our caring, nonjudgmental staff. We are here to support you in your decision-making process, and many of the services we offer are free as well.
Medical experts do not all agree on what constitutes a late term abortion. Some consider that late term abortion begins as early as 16, or even 14 weeks; others consider a third trimester abortion to be a late term abortion.
A late term abortion is permitted in some states only under certain circumstances, such as for endangerment to the life or health of the pregnant woman.
Forty-three states have restrictions prohibiting abortions past the age of “viability;” however, that gestational age is differently identified even among these. Most medical communities establish viability at 24 weeks, the latter part of the second trimester. In the case of a post-viability abortion, there may be different, additional requirements from state to state, for example, who can perform the abortion and where it must be performed.
In Illinois, a post-viability abortion is allowed for the life or health of the pregnant woman, however a second physician must participate in the procedure.
Procedures for abortion in the second trimester or later include: • Dilation & Curettage (D & C) • Dilation & Evacuation (D & E) • Induction Abortion (rarely used) • Dilation and Extraction (D & X)
A late term abortion carries greater risks and difficulty for the woman. The risks vary depending on the procedure that is performed. A late term abortion is also significantly more expensive than an earlier termination. In some cases they cannot be performed in the state where you live.
At Avenue Women’s Center, our hearts go out to women who are considering a late term abortion. Experience tells us that these women often experience extra challenges that other women do not have to endure. We’ve seen cases where the woman’s pregnancy was undiagnosed for months; where she just could not get the money for her procedure any earlier; where her abortion pill procedure failed early on; where her relationship status turned out to be unhealthy. Whatever the case, it is never easy to face a late term abortion.
Consideration of your abortion options is a serious matter. Whatever your situation, you don’t need to go through this alone. Avenue Women’s Center has five locations in the Chicagoland area: Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago and Wood Dale, Illinois. We hope you will contact us today.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.