What is the definition of late-term abortion?   Medical experts
disagree. The most conservative definition says any abortion
after 12 weeks of gestation is late-term. Others say only
abortions performed after fetal viability, which means the
ability of the fetus to survive outside the uterus, should be
defined as late-term. Generally, viability begins between the
22nd and 27th week of pregnancy. How are late-term abortions
performed? The most common process is called dilation and
extraction. A doctor inserts laminaria sticks into the woman’s
cervix. These sticks, often made from a species of kelp, absorb
liquid and expand. This dilates the cervix and promotes labor.
The doctor injects a chemical into the amniotic cavity to kill
the fetus and extracts the remains with surgical instruments.
Complications can include excessive blood loss, infection,
perforation of the uterus, and psychological difficulties. Are
late-term abortions legal in Texas? Yes, but not after the 26th
week of gestation — unless having the