Purposeful termination of a pregnancy.
An abortion which is deliberately caused by drugs or by surgery.
Deliberate termination of pregnancy. The conception product may be removed by suction, curettage (scraping of the uterus), the induction of uterine contractions, or hysterotomy (cutting into the uterus).
The intentional termination of a pregnancy by means of dilating the cervix and evacuating the uterus. Methods used during the first trimester include cervical dilation with a laminaria tent or a cannula, vacuum aspiration, or dilation and curettage (D & C). In the second trimester, abortion may be induced with methotrexate, RU 486, prostaglandins, or the instillation of hypertonic saline into the uterus.
The termination of pregnancy through medical means is a practice known as medically induced abortion. In the United Kingdom, abortion is legally permissible up to the 24th week of pregnancy. Under the law, abortion can be performed if the continuation of the pregnancy poses a greater risk to the woman’s life compared to termination, if there is a risk to the mental or physical health of the woman or her existing children, or if there is a significant possibility of severe impairment to the baby.
In situations where a woman experiences a life-threatening condition such as severe heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or certain types of cancer (particularly breast or cervical cancer), a doctor may advise and recommend an abortion as a course of action. This decision is made with the intention of prioritizing the woman’s health and well-being.
In cases where a significant fetal abnormality is detected, such as severe developmental defects like anencephaly or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, the parents may be presented with the choice of terminating the pregnancy. This option is offered to them as a means to address the challenging circumstances associated with the diagnosed condition. Additionally, if a mother contracts rubella (German measles) during the early stages of pregnancy, abortion may also be recommended by medical professionals to mitigate potential risks and complications.
In cases where a significant fetal abnormality is detected, such as severe developmental defects like anencephaly or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, the parents may be presented with the choice of terminating the pregnancy. This option is offered to them as a means to address the challenging circumstances associated with the diagnosed condition. Additionally, if a mother contracts rubella (German measles) during the early stages of pregnancy, abortion may also be recommended by medical professionals to mitigate potential risks and complications.