is a medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy. There are two major types of abortion: medical (also known as "the abortion pill") and in-person procedures (surgical abortion). A medical abortion involves taking two different types of medications, generally administered by a healthcare professional, to end a pregnancy. The first pill, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from developing, while the second one, misoprostol, is taken 24-48 hours later to expel the pregnancy from the uterus. This form of abortion is most effective within 70 days or 10 weeks of the first day of a person's last menstrual period.

Surgical abortions usually involve a procedure called aspiration or vacuum aspiration, during which a healthcare professional empties the uterus with gentle suction. This can be performed up to 15 to 16 weeks after the last menstrual period. A dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure may be performed for pregnancies beyond 16 weeks, during which the cervix is prepared and softened a day or two before the procedure. Then, a combination of suction and medical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy. Both medical and surgical abortions are safe and effective when performed by trained professionals, and the type chosen often depends on personal preference, health considerations, and how far along the pregnancy is.