First trimester of pregnancy
First trimester of pregnancy
Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)
Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)
Early weeks of pregnancy
Early weeks of pregnancy


Abortion - elective or therapeutic

Definition:
Elective or therapeutic abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy.

Alternative Names:
Therapeutic abortion; Elective abortion

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Elective abortions are those initiated by personal choice. Therapeutic abortions are those recommended by the health care provider to protect the mother's physical or mental health. In the United States, one legal abortion occurs for every four live births.




Review Date: 1/27/2002
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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