Pronunciation: /əˈbɔːʃ(ə)n/ · Part of speech: noun · Verb form: to abort · Field: obstetrics / general medicine
Definition. An abortion is a situation in which a fetus leaves the uterus before it is fully developed — especially during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy — or a procedure that causes this to happen. To have an abortion means to undergo an operation or treatment that ends the pregnancy during its earlier stages.
Spontaneous versus induced. Medically, the word covers two broad situations:
- Spontaneous abortion — the pregnancy ends naturally, without intervention. In everyday language this is called a miscarriage.
- Induced abortion — the pregnancy is deliberately ended by medical (drug-based) or surgical means.
In both senses, the defining feature is that the fetus leaves the uterus before it is fully developed.
Clinical subtypes. In medical terminology, several specific terms describe particular situations:
- Threatened abortion — bleeding occurs in early pregnancy but the pregnancy may still continue.
- Inevitable abortion — the process has begun and cannot be stopped.
- Incomplete abortion — only part of the pregnancy’s contents has been expelled.
- Complete abortion — all the contents have been expelled.
- Missed abortion — the fetus has died but has not yet been expelled.
- Recurrent (habitual) abortion — repeated spontaneous losses across successive pregnancies.
Legal context (as noted for the UK). As the accompanying comment indicates, abortion is regulated by law, and the rules differ from country to country. In the UK, an abortion can be carried out legally if two doctors agree that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life, that it risks grave permanent injury to her physical or mental health or that of her existing children, or that the fetus is likely to be born with severe disabilities. Legal frameworks elsewhere may be more or less restrictive, so the lawful basis for the procedure always depends on local legislation.
Clinical relevance. Abortion — whether spontaneous or induced — is a significant event with medical, emotional, ethical, and legal dimensions. Care involves assessing the woman’s health, managing any complications such as bleeding or infection, and providing appropriate support. Because of the personal and legal complexity of the subject, decisions are made individually, within the applicable legal framework and with professional guidance.
Distinction from related terms. Miscarriage is the lay term for spontaneous abortion. Stillbirth refers to fetal death at a later stage, after the threshold of viability, and is distinct from abortion. Premature birth means the delivery of a live infant before full term. “Abortion” specifically denotes the loss or ending of a pregnancy before the fetus is fully developed.
Etymology. From Latin abortio, from aboriri, “to miscarry” or “to fail to be born” (ab- = away, amiss + oriri = to be born, to arise).
⚠️ Disclaimer: This explanation is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not advocate any particular course of action. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any clinical questions, and be aware that laws and regulations on this subject vary by location.