The purposeful interruption of pregnancy with the intention other than to produce a liveborn infant or to remove a dead fetus and which does not result in a live birth. Liberalization of N.C.'s abortion laws began in 1967, but it was not until 1973 that abortion became available on demand, with the condition it be performed by a licensed physician in a hospital or licensed abortion clinic. Abortion data by mother's county of residence became available in 1978.

a deliberate termination of pregnancy

an opportunity for the diagnosis of an unruptured ectopic pregnancy

a procedure with few risks