A D&C, or dilation and curettage, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened (dilated) and a thin instrument is inserted into the uterus to remove tissue from inside the uterus. Health care providers perform D&C to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions such as heavy bleeding or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion. A suction D&C may be used following a miscarriage to remove the fetus and other tissues if they have not all been naturally passed. A D&C may also be used to remove pregnancy tissue during a first-trimester abortion or during a miscarriage. A D&C can be done in a health care professional’s office, a surgery center, or a hospital.