Definitions of abortion vary from one source to another. Abortion has many definitions that can differ from each other in significant ways. Given the contentious nature of abortion, lawmakers and other stakeholders often face controversy in defining abortion.
Language referring to abortion often reflects societal and political opinions (not only scientific knowledge).
Influential non-state actors like the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church have also engendered controversy over efforts to define abortion.
Late termination of pregnancy is the term usually used for later uterine evacuation.
Concerns in the medical community.
Ambiguous definitions can create concerns in the medical community. Physicians in several countries, including Ireland and Canada, have expressed concern over ambiguous definitions of abortion. Even in situations where there is a clear definition of abortion, it does not always match definitions of related terms in effect in the same jurisdiction.
Examples of definitions.
The following is a partial list of definitions as stated by obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) textbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias:
Major OB/GYN textbooks
Other OB/GYN textbooks
Major medical dictionaries
Other medical dictionaries
Bibliographies
Major English dictionaries (general-purpose)
Other dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Philosophical essays
References.
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