Performing second-trimester abortions. Rationale for inpatient basis
Stroh, G.; Katz, S.H.; Hinman, A.R.
New York State Journal of Medicine 75(12): 2168-2171
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-7628 PMID: 1059921 Document Number: 84588
Data on abortions performed in New York State (exclusive of New York City) from July 1970-December 1972, were reviewed to determine the number of abortions performed out-of-hospital after the first trimester of pregnancy and their inherent risks. More than 5% of out-of-hospital abortions were done at gestational ages of 90 days-16 weeks. The 2 methods used for second trimester abortions were saline and hysterotomy. The overall maternal mortality rate was about twice as high for abortions done out-of-hospital regardless of the procedure or duration of the pregnancy. For abortions done after 90 days gestation the mortality rate is 5 times greater for abortions done out-of-hospital . The changes in the New York State abortion law requiring second trime ster abortions to be performed in hospitals was based on these data.