People seeking second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D\&E) procedures are often facing profoundly challenging circumstances, including desired pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies or demise, serious maternal health conditions, or changes in financial or relationship status. Although abortion regret is uncommon, the emotional burden surrounding these experiences is substantial: many patients experience significant grief and post-traumatic stress symptoms in the weeks to months following care. Perioperative interventions that decrease the body's stress response offer a promising opportunity to reduce downstream psychologic morbidity. Dexmedetomidine has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in other high-stress medical and surgical settings. The investigators are undertaking a randomized trial to evaluate whether perioperative administration of dexmedetomidine during second-trimester D\&E can reduce the frequency and severity of post-procedural grief, directly addressing an unmet need in patient-centered, trauma-informed abortion care.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Reproductive Grief Screen
Timeframe: 2 weeks post-procedure