An induced abortion is a procedure that intentionally terminates a pregnancy. It is usually accomplished using surgical techniques that remove the fetus and other tissue through the vagina. In other situations, drugs may be used to stimulate contractions of the uterus that eventually expel the contents of the uterus.

Abortions may be performed for several reasons. Most often, abortions are performed because a woman does not wish to be pregnant. In other cases, abortions are used to terminate pregnancies that are the result of acts of rape or incest, to prevent the birth of a child with birth defects or because a woman’s health is endangered by the pregnancy.

Although abortion procedures come with some risks, most women do not have significant physical complications. However, abortion remains a controversial issue in the United States, and some women experience significant emotional trauma regarding their abortions. Mental health counseling and support groups are available to help women cope with such feelings.