Definition of Abortion - medical:

A medical abortion is the use of certain medications to end a pregnancy. The drugs help remove the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).

There are different types of medical abortion.

Sometimes the woman has one for a health reason. This is called a therapeutic medical abortion.

Other times, she chooses (elects) to end the pregnancy. This is called an elective medical abortion.

See also:

• Miscarriage
• Surgical abortion

Description:

A medical, or nonsurgical, abortion can be done within 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A combination of prescription hormone medicines are used to help the body remove the fetus and placenta tissue. The doctor may give you the medicines after performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.

Medications used to end an early pregnancy include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, prostaglandins, or a combination of these medications.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

There are several reasons a medical abortion might be considered:

• The developing baby has a birth defect or genetic problem
• The pregnancy is harmful to the woman's health (therapeutic abortion)
• The pregnancy resulted after a traumatic event such as rape or incest
• The woman may not wish to be pregnant (elective abortion)