Intact dilation and extraction

Partial-birth abortion is a commonly used term for a medical D&X procedure (dilation and extraction,) so named as the patient's womb is dilated and fetus extracted. Not to be confused with a D&E Procedure. D&X is an abortion technique that was pioneered by Dr. Martin Haskell in 1992 for mid and late-term abortion.

The term "partial birth abortion" is not preferred by those in the pro-choice movement, but it is very common in public use.

The procedure consists of pulling the fetus out of the womb with forceps, delivering the fetus entirely except for the head. Scissors are used to open the skull, and the brain is suctioned out to ensure death. The fetus is then removed.

The procedure is preferable from a legal standpont to other forms of abortion as it ensures death of the fetus, while others may not. That is not to say that there have not been D&X procedure abortions performed where a living fetus was involved.