What is the term for the termination of pregnancy before fetal viability?

What is the term for the termination of pregnancy before fetal viability?

• A. Family Planning
• B. Abortion
• C. Miscarriage
• D. Fertility Treatment

Answer: (B)

The term for the termination of pregnancy before fetal viability is commonly referred to as abortion. This is a medical procedure or intervention that deliberately ends a pregnancy, typically characterized by the intent to terminate before the fetus is capable of surviving outside the uterus.

In contrast, family planning refers to the methods that individuals or couples use to control the number and timing of their children, often through contraception or fertility awareness, rather than ending a confirmed pregnancy. Miscarriage, on the other hand, is a natural loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation and occurs without medical intervention, reflecting a spontaneous event, not a deliberate action. Fertility treatment encompasses various medical interventions aimed at helping individuals or couples conceive, rather than terminating a pregnancy.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why abortion specifically identifies the intentional act of ending a pregnancy prior to the point of fetal viability.