elective abortion

An elective abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy by choice rather than medical necessity.

The term distinguishes procedures sought for personal, economic, or social reasons from those performed because the pregnancy threatens the mother's health or the fetus has severe abnormalities.

She scheduled an elective abortion at eight weeks.

The modifier "elective" is sometimes contested—critics argue all abortions involve choice, while others note that circumstances often make the decision feel far from optional.