Cervical Ripening Balloons for Same-Day Cervical Prep

Cervical Ripening Balloon for Same-Day Cervical Preparation for Second Trimester Termination

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a cervical ripening balloon (Foley balloon) works to prepare the cervix before same-day outpatient dilation and evacuation (D&E). The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Is cervical preparation with cervical ripening balloon for same-day outpatient D&E non-inferior to cervical preparation with osmotic dilators?
• How feasible and safe is cervical preparation with cervical ripening balloon for same-day outpatient D&E?
• How acceptable is cervical preparation with cervical ripening balloon for same-day outpatient D&E?

Participants will:

• Have cervical preparation with cervical ripening balloon (experimental group) or osmotic dilators (usual care group)
• Complete two surveys, one about the cervical preparation and one about the D&E procedure

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who desire outpatient dilation and evacuation (D&E)
• At least 18 years of age
• Able and willing to consent
• Gestational duration between 18 weeks 0 days and 19 weeks 6 days as determined by ultrasound
• Able to read and understand English or Spanish
• Able to obtain reliable post-procedure transportation
• Able to observe fasting guidelines of 6 hours prior to the D&E procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medical conditions that require procedural management in the operating room
• Preference for D&E procedure in the operating room