Legal Definitions - induced abortion

An induced abortion refers to the intentional termination of a pregnancy through medical or surgical procedures. This term specifically distinguishes a deliberately ended pregnancy from a spontaneous abortion, which is commonly known as a miscarriage and occurs naturally without intervention.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of an induced abortion:

• Example 1: A person, after consulting with their healthcare provider and considering their personal circumstances, decides to end an early-stage pregnancy. They then undergo a medical procedure at a clinic to terminate the pregnancy.

  Explanation: This is an induced abortion because the pregnancy is intentionally brought to an end through a deliberate medical act, rather than ending naturally.

• Example 2: During a routine prenatal check-up, doctors discover that a pregnant individual has a severe, life-threatening medical condition that would be significantly worsened, or even fatal, if the pregnancy were to continue. Following extensive medical consultation, the individual chooses to have a procedure to terminate the pregnancy to protect their own health.

  Explanation: This scenario describes an induced abortion because the pregnancy is intentionally terminated by medical intervention as a direct response to a health risk, rather than ending on its own.

• Example 3: A couple receives a diagnosis that their fetus has a severe, untreatable congenital anomaly that is incompatible with life or would result in extreme suffering shortly after birth. After careful consideration and counseling, they make the difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy.

  Explanation: This is an induced abortion because the pregnancy is intentionally ended through a medical procedure due to the severe fetal condition, rather than being allowed to progress naturally to term or end spontaneously.