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A controlled, randomized double-blind protocol was used to test the safety and efficacy of Laminaria japonica as a preinduction cervical ripening agent. A 2-day induction with amniotomy on day 2 was allowed. Forty-eight patients were studied including 22 controls. Though laminaria resulted in consistent cervical ripening, it was no better than the control in improving the rate of successful induction. Additionally, the induction time was no shorter with laminaria. There were no demonstrable infections or other adverse sequelae following use of laminaria. For a standard 2-day induction protocol laminaria offered no clear advantage.