Medical Health Encyclopedia

Abortion - elective or therapeutic

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Abortion - elective or therapeutic

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Therapeutic abortion; Elective abortion

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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.

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