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Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)
 
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Abortion - elective or therapeutic

Alternative names:

elective abortion; therapeutic abortion

Definition:

The deliberate termination of a pregnancy.

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, 1 legal abortion occurs for every 4 live births.


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