Regarding the “Abortion care is health care” letter (Our Readers’ Views, Oct. 26): While dilation and curettage is used to remove fetal tissue in both abortions and miscarriages, there is a difference. According to Planned Parenthood, the key difference is the intent behind the pregnancy termination; a miscarriage happens on its own, while an abortion is a conscious choice to end a pregnancy.
D&Cs have been routinely performed for women who required them prior to and since Roe v. Wade and the Dobbs decision. They are routinely performed at both public hospitals and hospitals with religious affiliations.
I understand your concern that doctors would not complete a D&C following a miscarriage, for fear that they would be prosecuted for violating restrictive abortion laws. If there is confusion as to when a D&C is legal after miscarriage or abortion, the state government must take steps immediately to educate doctors.
Finally, whether a child is lost in a miscarriage or in an abortion, both are tragic.
