<unk>  is the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. An<unk>  that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous<unk> " and occurs in approximately 30% to 40% of pregnancies. When deliberate steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called an induced<unk> , or less frequently "induced miscarriage". The unmodified word<unk>  generally refers to an induced<unk> . Although it prevents the birth of a child,<unk>  is not generally considered birth control (another term for contraception). When properly done,<unk>  is one of the safest procedures in medicine, but unsafe<unk>  is a major cause of maternal death, especially in the developing world, while making safe<unk>  legal and accessible reduces maternal deaths. It is safer than childbirth, which has a 14 times higher risk of death in the United States. Modern methods use medication or surgery for<unk> s. The drug mifepristone in combination with prostaglandin appears to be as safe and effective as surgery during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. The most common surgical technique involves dilating the cervix and using a suction device. Birth control, such as the pill or intrauterine devices, can be used immediately following<unk> . When performed legally and safely on a woman who desires it, induced<unk> s do not increase the risk of long-term mental or physical problems. In contrast, unsafe<unk> s (those performed by unskilled individuals, with hazardous equipment, or in unsanitary facilities) cause 47,000 deaths and 5 million hospital admissions each year. The World Health Organization states that "access to legal, safe and comprehensive<unk>  care, including post-abortion care, is essential for the attainment of the highest possible level of sexual and reproductive health". Around 56 million<unk> s are performed each year in the world, with<unk> out 45% done unsafely.<unk>  rates changed little between 2003 and 2008, before which they decreased for at least two decades as access to family planning and birth control increased. , 37% of the world's women had access to legal<unk> s without limits as to reason. Countries that permit<unk> s have different limits on how late in pregnancy<unk>  is allowed.<unk>  rates are similar between countries that ban<unk>  and countries that allow it. Historically,<unk> s have been attempted using herbal medicines, sharp tools, forceful massage, or through other traditional methods.<unk>  laws and cultural or religious views of<unk> s are different around the world. In some areas,<unk>  is legal only in specific cases such as rape, fetal defects, poverty, risk to a woman's health, or incest. There is debate over the moral, ethical, and legal issues of<unk> . Those who oppose<unk>  often argue that an embryo or fetus is a person with a right to life, and thus equate<unk>  with murder. Those who support the legality of<unk>  often argue that it is part of a woman's right to make decisions<unk> out her own body. Others favor legal and accessible<unk>  as a public health measure.
Abortion
Hysterotomy abortion
Instillation abortion
Superfecundation
Postpartum confinement
Hormonal IUDs
Intrauterine device
Natural childbirth