How is an instillation (saline) abortion performed?
In a saline abortion, amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and replaced with a saline solution, which the fetus swallows. The fetus is killed by salt poisoning, dehydration, brain hemorrhage and convulsions. Saline abortions, typically performed in the second and early third trimester, are rarely used today, due to the risk of particularly serious health complications to the woman.
Sources:
Clowes, Brian, PhD. The Facts of Life. Front Royal, VA: Human Life International, 2001.
