FAQs

“D&C” means “dilation and curettage,” which is the surgical procedure used for abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is also the procedure used to treat most miscarriages in the first trimester. In states with abortion bans, some doctors are hesitating to perform this safe and common procedure because they fear losing their licenses or going to prison.

I use the term to signify that most people who need or have abortions or have miscarriages use the word “woman” to identify themselves, but some trans or nonbinary people, for example, may not.

The “+” also signifies the loved ones who suffer.

Search the National Network of Abortion Funds to help women+ get access to abortion care.

Sign up for independent journalist Jessica Valenti’s Substack newsletter Abortion, Every Day or follow Jessica on social media.

Read more stories of how abortion bans are affecting people’s lives at Abortion in America.