Legal Definitions - therapeutic abortion

A therapeutic abortion refers to the medical termination of a pregnancy when its continuation poses a significant and serious risk to the pregnant person's physical or mental health, or their life. Unlike an elective abortion, which is chosen for personal reasons, a therapeutic abortion is performed out of medical necessity to protect the well-being of the pregnant individual.

• Example 1: Life-Threatening Maternal Condition

  A woman in her second trimester is diagnosed with a severe and rapidly progressing form of pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Her doctors determine that continuing the pregnancy would lead to imminent kidney failure and a high probability of death for her. After consulting with her medical team, she undergoes a therapeutic abortion to save her life.

  This illustrates a therapeutic abortion because the procedure is performed specifically to prevent a fatal outcome for the pregnant woman, directly addressing a severe medical threat to her life.

• Example 2: Serious Health Risk Requiring Immediate Treatment

  A pregnant individual is diagnosed with an aggressive and fast-spreading form of cancer that requires immediate, intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Medical specialists advise that delaying treatment until after childbirth would significantly reduce her chances of survival and allow the cancer to become untreatable. The necessary cancer treatments are known to be highly toxic and lethal to a developing fetus.

  This scenario demonstrates a therapeutic abortion because the pregnancy is terminated to allow the pregnant individual to receive urgent, life-saving medical treatment that is incompatible with continuing the pregnancy, thereby preserving her health and life.