Which term describes an abortion that results from natural causes such as birth defects or maternal injury?

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

Answer: (C)

Spontaneous abortion refers to a miscarriage, an abortion that occurs naturally without any deliberate intervention. It happens due to natural factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or maternal injury. This distinguishes it from induced abortion, which is a deliberate termination of pregnancy through medical or surgical means. Therapeutic abortions are a subset of induced abortions performed for medical reasons to protect the mother's health or due to fetal problems. Quickening is simply the moment a pregnant person first feels fetal movement, not a type of abortion. So, when the description specifies natural causes, spontaneous abortion is the best fit.