The decision by a pregnant woman to have the embryo or fetus removed by one of several different methods that may involve medication, a suction process, or surgery.
The voluntary termination of a pregnancy. The 1973 Roe v. Wade decision by the US Supreme Court ruled that American women have a constitutional right to have abortions, legalizing abortion in all 50 states. States may regulate abortions performed after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some states have passed laws requiring a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed. Minors must obtain parental consent or approval by a court before an abortion can be performed in some states.
Voluntary termination of a pregnancy for other than medical reasons. The procedure may be recommended when the mother’s mental or physical state would be endangered by continuation of the pregnancy or when the fetus has a condition incompatible with life. It may also be performed as a result of rape, incest, or at the mother’s request.