abortion definition – abortion defined

abortion n. The termination of a pregnancy: a miscarriage or the premature

expulsion of a foetus from the womb before the normal period of gestation is

complete. It is an offence to induce or attempt to induce an abortion unless the

terms of the Abortion Act 1967 and the Abortion Regulations 1991 are complied with.

The pregnancy can only be terminated by a registered medical practitioner, and two

registered medical practitioners must agree that it is necessary, for example because

(1) continuation of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the life or physical or

mental health of the pregnant woman (or of other children of hers) that is greater

than the risk of terminating the pregnancy, or (2) that there is a substantial risk

that the child will be born with a serious physical or mental handicap. However,

doctors are not obliged to perform abortions if they can prove that they have a

conscientious objection to so doing. A husband cannot prevent his wife having a

legal abortion if she so wishes. Compare CHILD DESTRUCTION.