Transcervical Balloon Compared to Osmotic Dilators Prior to Surgical Abortion

Transcervical Balloon Compared to Osmotic Dilators Prior to Surgical Abortion: a Non-Inferiority Randomized Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Foley balloon is similar to osmotic dilators for preparing the cervix prior to a second trimester abortion. Procedure time will be used to compare the two different methods of cervical preparation, reflecting the ease at which the surgeon can perform through a prepared cervix. The aim is to expand effective options for cervical preparation that will can accommodate for varying patient characteristics and provider experiences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• presenting to clinic for second trimester abortion at 18 to 23 weeks and 6 days gestation confirmed by ultrasound
• able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol
• English or Spanish-speaking
• candidate for outpatient cervical preparation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anyone with an allergy to misoprostol, mifepristone or any study medication
• premature rupture of membranes
• intrauterine fetal demise
• placenta previa
• suspected abnormal placentation
• evidence of infection at the time of enrollment