Which term describes abortion performed to preserve the life or health of the mother?

• A. Spontaneous abortion
• B. Induced abortion
• C. Quickening
• D. Therapeutic abortions

Answer: (D)

Therapeutic abortion describes terminating a pregnancy to protect the mother’s life or health. This term is used specifically when the procedure is medically indicated because continuing the pregnancy would pose a serious risk, rather than for reasons of elective choice.

Spontaneous abortion is the term for a miscarriage that occurs naturally, not by choice. Induced abortion is a general label for deliberately ending a pregnancy, but it doesn’t specify the medical necessity behind the decision. Quickening refers to the point at which fetal movement is felt and has no connection to abortion terminology.

So, the term that captures the idea of performing an abortion to preserve the mother’s life or health is therapeutic abortion. It signals medical necessity behind the decision rather than elective timing or natural loss.