Reasons for procuring induced abortions are typically characterized as either therapeutic or elective.

Therapuetic

to save the life of the pregnant woman;

to prevent harm to the woman's physical or mental health;

to terminate a pregnancy where indications are that the child will have a significantly increased chance of mortality or morbidity;

or to selectively reduce the number of fetuses to lessen health risks associated with multiple pregnancy.

Abortion

Elective

elective or voluntary abortion when it is performed at the request of the woman for non-medical reasons