The results of a prospective study of the effectiveness and safety of saline instillation with oxytocin administration in midtrimester abortion is presented. One instillation (14 weeks) failed to result in abortion. The mean time from instillation to delivery was 23.4 hours, with a significantly shorter interval in multiparas. Retained placentas were noted in 29% of cases. A curettage was required in 4.6% of cases. The infection rate was less than 1%. Water intoxication with convulsion was questioned in 1 case. The combination of saline instillation with oxytocin administration is considered an effective and safe procedure when precautionary measures outlined are adhered