Kerns JL, et al. - Researchers examined if fetal death is associated with the risk of hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) among women undergoing dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures. Performing a retrospective cohort study of all D&Es at one academic abortion clinic in San Francisco between 2009 and 2013, they identified 92 cases of D&E for fetal death and 4,428 cases of D&E for other reasons; in 10% and 7% of these cases, respectively, hemorrhage occurred and in 2.0% and 0.2%, respectively, DIC occurred. These findings suggest a higher risk for experiencing DIC and hemorrhage among women undergoing D&E for fetal death than women without fetal death; the absolute risk is however low (2%). Although preparation for DIC and hemorrhage is emphasized, no specific preoperative preparation is recommended because the vast majority of D&E abortions for fetal death are uncomplicated.