A dismemberment abortion—also known as a dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion—is an abortion in which a person dismembers and extracts the unborn child from the uterus through the use of clamps, grasping forceps, tongs, scissors, or a similar instrument. Some states have passed dismemberment abortion bans. These laws are usually located in a state’s statutes.

Laws vary from state to state and under some state laws the term dismemberment abortion does not include an abortion that uses suction to dismember the body of an unborn child by sucking pieces of the unborn child into a collection container. The term includes a dismemberment abortion that is used to cause the death of an unborn child and in which suction is subsequently used to extract pieces of the unborn child after the unborn child's death.

In Indiana, the regulation of abortion procedures, including dismemberment abortions, is governed by state statutes. Indiana has passed legislation that restricts the use of dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions, which are often referred to as dismemberment abortions. Under Indiana law, this procedure is generally prohibited unless it is necessary to prevent a serious health risk to the mother. The law defines a dismemberment abortion as an abortion in which a fetus is extracted from the uterus using instruments that dismember the body as described. However, the law does allow for the use of suction to remove the fetus in pieces if the fetus is already deceased. It's important to note that abortion laws are subject to change and can be affected by ongoing legal challenges. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an attorney for the most current legal status of abortion procedures in Indiana.