Abortion - Key terms

Abortion

The early intentional ending of a pregnancy using medical procedure before full term

Conceptiton

When the sperm and the egg are fertilised right at the beginning of the pregnancy

Pro-choice

Those in favour of a woman’s right to choose abortion

Pro-life

Those who are against abortion and campaign for the right of the unborn child

Embryo

Newly conceived baby in the womb

Foetus

Name given to the embryo after 10 weeks

Hippocratic Oath

The oath taken by the doctor that they will preserve life

Post-abortion trauma

Trauma experienced by a woman after an abortion

Back street abortion

Illegal abortion by medically unqualified person