Legal Definitions - abortifacient

An abortifacient refers to any drug, substance, or device that is specifically designed or intended to cause the termination of a pregnancy.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Pharmaceutical Medication: A physician prescribes a specific two-drug regimen to a patient seeking a medical abortion. These medications are scientifically formulated and approved for their ability to induce uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy.

  Explanation: These prescribed drugs are considered abortifacients because their primary design and intended use are to medically terminate a pregnancy.

• Unregulated Online Product: An individual purchases an herbal mixture online that is advertised as a "natural remedy to end an unwanted pregnancy." The seller explicitly markets the product with the intent that it will cause an abortion, regardless of its actual effectiveness or safety.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the herbal mixture is presented and sold as an abortifacient because its advertised purpose and the seller's clear intent are for it to produce an abortion.

• Medical Device Development: A medical device company develops a new instrument specifically engineered to perform vacuum aspiration, a procedure used to terminate a pregnancy by removing uterine contents.

  Explanation: This newly developed instrument is an abortifacient because its entire design and intended function are centered around the goal of performing an abortion.