What is the procedure known as a D and C?

A D&C, called dilation and curettage, is a medical procedure usually done in the outpatient setting. It involves dilating the cervix to access the uterus, and then removing the contents of the uterus. This procedure may be done to terminate a pregnancy, to remove a non-viable pregnancy, or to treat excessive bleeding or overgrowth of the uterine lining.