mjm, compare this (from your opening post): the feet, legs and buttocks are delivered, then the skull is crushed; with this (from my local newspaper): it involves partially extracting a fetus, legs first, through the birth canal, piercing the skull and draining its contents. Still doesn't sound pleasant, I know, but notice how the words "delivered" (implying birth) and "crushed" (ouch!) compare to "extracted" and "pierce and drain". I can't help but see that the former description was designed to have emotional impact and suggest maximum barbarism.

Does anyone know for a fact that the fetus feels pain in this procedure? This has been suggested in this thread, but I'll maintain some skepticism until I see credible scientific evidence, relating to the development of the fetal nervous system.

A ban on "PBA" or "D&X" (dilation and extraction) would not affect the abortion options for the overwhelming majority of women. As pointed out in other posts, however, the particular law that was struck down recently did not clearly confine itself to this particular procedure.