Partial-birth abortion

Partial birth abortion (PBA) refers to most intact dilation and extraction (IDX) procedures where the fetus is alive at the time of the procedure — thus resulting in an abortion of the fetus. IDX procedures are also called dilation and extraction (D&X), intact dilation & evacuation (Intact D&E, or IDE), and Intrauterine Cranial Decompression (for the purposes of this article, IDX will be the term of choice). While the term "Partial Birth Abortion" largely refers to IDX procedures, in broader contexts the term is sometimes applied to dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures. Though often performed during the same developmental stage wherein most D&X procedures are done, D&E is a separate and distinct procedure from IDX. A D&E procedure differs in that the fetus is killed during the process of dismemberment before leaving the womb, rather than being extracted intact.

See also

• Intact dilation and extraction
• Abortion in the United States
• Abortion Law
• Morality and legality of abortion
• Religion and abortion