abortion: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 4, 2026

News •

Voters back abortion rights and reject Trump's redistricting in state ballot measures • Nov. 4, 2026, 4:21 AM ET (AP)

A West Point cadet drugged his girlfriend to force an unwanted abortion. Then he went to grad school • Nov. 2, 2026, 7:16 PM ET (AP)

Women are protesting in Poland for free access to legal abortions • Oct. 22, 2026, 1:50 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As	induced abortion • pregnancy termination

Photos

Crowd of protesters outside the United States Supreme Court, holding signs reading Keep Abortion Legal and Choose Life during the Webster v. Health Services demonstration.

See All Images and Interactives →

Topics

elective abortion hysterotomy late abortion therapeutic abortion dilatation and evacuation dilatation and curettage early abortion Abortion pregnancy abortifacient cesarean section gender-affirming surgery tracheotomy Tommy John surgery laryngectomy sterilization gastrectomy mastectomy radial keratotomy coronary artery bypass

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Key People

Harry A. Blackmun

Harry A. Blackmun

United States jurist

The real “Roe”

Norma McCorvey

American activist

Warren E. Burger

Warren E. Burger

chief justice of United States

Madame Restell

Madame Restell

American abortionist

A Yorkshire terrier dressed up as a veterinarian or doctor on a white background. (dogs)

A Visit with the Word Doctor: Medical Vocabulary Quiz