DEFINITION, PREVALENCE & ETIOLOGY
DEFINITION
Abortion: Termination of pregnancy under the legal framework established by the 1967 Abortion Act
PREVALENCE
Free service under the NHS
ETIOLOGY
Medical or surgical intervention to terminate pregnancy
LAWFULLY PERMITTED IF
Pregnancy <24 weeks
- Risk of harm to mother and existing children
- Risk of permanent mental/physical injury to the mother
- Risk to the mother’s life
- Substantial risk of severe mental/physical disabilities of the unborn child
Assessment by 2 medical professionals is required to determine if abortion is legally permitted.