Balloon vs. dilators: can a simple device speed up abortion care?

This study compares a cervical ripening balloon (Foley balloon) to standard osmotic dilators for preparing the cervix before a same-day outpatient dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure in the second trimester. About 70 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods. The goal is to see if the balloon works just as well, is safe, and is acceptable to patients.