Therefore, the opinions and statements made in all articles and replies do not represent the official opinions of MGH and MGH Neurology. Neither is MGH or MGH Neurology responsible for the content of any articles or replies. No messages are screened for content. A previous poster seemed to be confused on this. Just to set the record straight, there is an abortion procedure in which suction is used to rip apart and extract the baby.
Vacuum extraction is used in vaginal births.
It used to be seen as the new, safer alternative to forceps. I first heard of vacuum extraction when I was dating a Family Practice resident. According to my ex, if the doctor pulled too hard the suction cup released. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Recently it has come to light that a vacuum extractor in the hands of an under-trained individual can cause serious brain damage.