This is another non-issue that's been blown way out of proportion by the GOP, the Biblethumpers and the general nitwits out there. This procedure is performed about 1,500 times a year throughout this country, which means it's an option taken by only one out of nearly 37,000 women of childbearing age, or about .00027 percent. Partial birth procedures make up roughly 1% of all abortions in the U.S.  It is not a birth control-related measure, but instead is only performed when the pregnancy is no longer viable or the health of the woman is at risk. Either: (1) the fetus is dead; (2) the fetus is alive, but continued pregnancy would place the woman's life in severe danger; (3) the fetus is alive, but continued pregnancy would grievously damage the woman's health and/or disable her; and (4) the fetus is so malformed that it can never gain consciousness and will die shortly after birth. Many fetuses that fall into the final category have developed a very severe form of hydrocephalus. So, this procedure is not for irresponsible, remorseless women to get rid of pregnancies they don't want. This procedure is rarely performed and only under very critical medical circumstances. But, the ideologues and other douchewads conveniently avoid speaking in realities about this issue, so, misinformation abounds. Change the record already, you rightwing dingbats.