Abortion - meaning and definition
Alsoinduced abortiontermination of pregnancyabortionsterminating a pregnancysurgical abortion
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Abortion is the medical ending of a pregnancy, either with medication or with a procedure carried out by a trained clinician.
At a glance
- Abortion is the medical ending of a pregnancy.
- It can be done with medication or a procedure by a trained clinician.
- The WHO describes abortion with a recommended method by a trained person as very safe.
- Unsafe abortion, often where access is restricted, causes major preventable harm worldwide.
- Laws differ greatly between countries and sometimes between regions.
In detail
When provided with a recommended method by a trained person, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures, according to the WHO. Unsafe abortion, often where access is restricted, remains a major cause of preventable harm worldwide.
Laws on abortion differ greatly between countries and sometimes between regions within a country, affecting whether it is available, up to what point in pregnancy and under which conditions. Local sexual health services or reputable organisations can explain what applies where someone lives.
People make decisions about pregnancy for many reasons. Non-judgemental counselling can support whatever choice they make.
In a sentence
- The clinic offered non-judgemental counselling before and after her abortion.
- Our health class covered how abortion laws differ between countries.
Where the word comes from
From the Latin "abortio", from a verb meaning to miscarry or pass away. In medical language "spontaneous abortion" also refers to miscarriage, which can confuse people.
Not to be confused with
- Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from starting and does not end an existing one.
- Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy, sometimes called spontaneous abortion in medical language.
Common questions
Is abortion safe?
According to the WHO, when provided with a recommended method by a trained person, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Risks rise where access is restricted and people turn to unsafe methods.
Where can I find out about abortion law where I live?
Laws vary greatly between countries and regions. Local sexual health services or reputable organisations can explain what applies where someone lives and what support is available.
Related terms
Sources
- WHOAbortion
- ACOGInduced Abortion