Abortion refers to the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus reaches viability. It can be induced through medical or surgical methods and is distinct from miscarriage, which is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy. Abortion is a globally practiced and contested procedure that intersects with healthcare, law, ethics, and identity. Access, stigma, and safety vary widely depending on geography, socioeconomic status, and political climate.
Abortion
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|---|---|
| Category | Health & Autonomy |
| Related Fields | Reproductive Health, Public Policy, Ethics |
| Key Constructs | Consent, Bodily Autonomy, Viability, Access |
| Used In | Medicine, Law, Human Rights, Gender Studies |
Other Names
termination, pregnancy termination, induced abortion, elective abortion, reproductive procedure, medical abortion, surgical abortion, abortion care, pregnancy choice, early termination
Historical Context
Ancient–1800s: Herbal Remedies and Informal Practices
Historical records from Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and Indigenous cultures describe the use of herbal remedies, physical methods, and midwifery knowledge to end pregnancies. Abortion was often practiced privately, and attitudes varied by era and region.
1800s–1940s: Criminalization and Moral Regulation
During the 19th century, many countries began criminalizing abortion under moral, religious, and nationalist frameworks. Physicians sought legal control over reproductive care, marginalizing traditional practitioners. In the U.S., abortion became illegal in most states by the early 1900s.
1950s–1980s: Decriminalization and Public Health
Public health concerns and feminist movements prompted decriminalization in several countries. The World Health Organization recognized unsafe abortion as a major cause of maternal mortality. Landmark rulings like Roe v. Wade (1973, U.S.) reframed abortion as a constitutional right.
1990s–2020s: Global Disparities and Legal Challenges
Access to abortion remained uneven. Some nations expanded rights through legislation, while others restricted them. The rise of telemedicine and medication abortion increased access in some areas. In 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned in the U.S., reviving state-level bans and legal uncertainty.
Key Debates
Debates about abortion center on ethics, bodily autonomy, and state power. Key questions include when life begins, whether consent to sex implies consent to pregnancy, and the role of government in regulating reproductive decisions. Additional debates examine the framing of abortion as healthcare versus morality, and the role of stigma in shaping access.
Biology
Abortion procedures end a developing pregnancy. Medical abortion involves the use of pharmaceutical agents (typically mifepristone and misoprostol) to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10–12 weeks. Surgical abortion includes methods such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation. The safety and method depend on gestational age, health status, and provider access.
Psychology
Psychological responses to abortion vary. Most individuals report relief and improved mental health post-abortion, especially when they were confident in their decision. Studies do not support the idea that abortion leads to widespread psychological harm. However, where stigma, coercion, or lack of support are present, some individuals may experience complex emotions or distress.
Sociology
Sociologically, abortion is shaped by power structures, norms, and access. Gender, race, class, and geography influence who can safely access abortion and how they are treated. In some communities, abortion stigma is reinforced by silence, misinformation, or religious norms. In others, access is framed as a public health and justice issue. Reproductive labor, choice, and coercion intersect in abortion discourse.
Cultural Impact
Abortion is represented across media, literature, and politics in ways that reflect evolving norms. Some cultures portray abortion as shameful or taboo, while others depict it as a necessary and routine medical decision. In literature and film, abortion narratives often explore secrecy, identity, and agency. Public protests, art, and storytelling have become tools for both advocacy and resistance.
Media Depictions
Television Series
- Sex Education (2019–): Portrays a supportive abortion experience with emotional nuance.
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005–): Multiple storylines involve abortion decisions among medical professionals.
Films
- Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020): Follows a teen navigating abortion access across state lines.
- 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007): A Romanian film set during Communist-era abortion bans.
Literature
- The Cider House Rules by John Irving: Addresses abortion through the lens of orphanage life and physician ethics.
- This Common Secret by Susan Wicklund: Memoir of an abortion provider and the stigma she faced.
Visual Art
Abortion has inspired protest art, conceptual installations, and photojournalism.
- Paula Rego’s abortion series depicts the psychological and social dimensions of reproductive decisions.
- The “Abortion Is Normal” exhibition (2020) gathered artists advocating reproductive autonomy through visual media.
Research Landscape
Abortion research spans reproductive health, epidemiology, law, ethics, psychology, and cultural studies. Topics include access barriers, health outcomes, policy effects, self-managed abortion, and stigma reduction. Major contributors include WHO, Guttmacher Institute, and peer-reviewed journals in medicine and public health.
- Prevalence, predictors and selected outcomes of early sexual initiation among adolescents in secondary schools in Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria: a mixed methods study
- Interpersonal Abortion Conversations: Communication Characteristics Post-Roe
- Interviewing adolescent girls about sexual and reproductive health: a qualitative study exploring how best to ask questions in structured follow-up interviews in a randomized controlled trial in Zambia
- Men's Use of Metaphors to Make Sense of Their Spouse's Miscarriage: Expanding the Communicated Sense-Making Model
- Reproductive and relational trajectories leading to pregnancy: Differences between adolescents and adult women who had an abortion
FAQs
Is abortion safe?
Abortion is considered medically safe when performed using recommended methods by trained professionals. The safety of the procedure depends on factors such as gestational age, method used, and access to follow-up care. Complications are rare in clinical settings but may be more likely when procedures are delayed or performed in unsafe conditions.
Is abortion legal everywhere?
No. Abortion laws vary by country, state, and region. Some jurisdictions allow abortion without restriction, while others permit it only under specific conditions, such as risk to the pregnant person’s life or health. In some areas, abortion is heavily restricted or prohibited. Legal frameworks may change based on political, religious, or cultural factors.
Does abortion affect fertility?
When performed under safe medical conditions, abortion does not generally affect future fertility. The risk of complications that could impact fertility is low, particularly in early-term abortions. In contrast, unsafe or incomplete procedures without medical oversight may carry health risks that could affect reproductive outcomes.
Do people regret having an abortion?
Emotional responses to abortion vary. Some individuals feel relief, others experience mixed emotions, and some may struggle with the decision over time. Longitudinal studies have found that most people do not regret their abortion and consider it the right decision for their circumstances. Factors such as stigma, support, and access to resources may influence how people process the experience.
Can trans and nonbinary people have abortions?
Yes. Abortion care is relevant to anyone with a uterus who can become pregnant, including some transgender men, nonbinary individuals, and gender-diverse people. Access to inclusive, respectful healthcare remains an ongoing area of policy development and clinical training in many regions.
