What is the difference between elective and therapeutic abortion?
The difference between elective and therapeutic abortion in North Carolina is that elective abortion is a procedure that a woman chooses to undergo voluntarily, while therapeutic abortion is a procedure that is performed to protect the physical health of the woman or to preserve the life of the woman or fetus. Elective abortions can be obtained by a woman for any reason, including emotional or social reasons, while therapeutic abortions are only performed when the medical condition of the woman is at risk. For example, if the woman has a medical condition that could cause serious complications with an unintended pregnancy, a therapeutic abortion may be necessary to preserve the woman’s health. This type of abortion can also be performed if the fetus poses a threat to the mother’s life or is unviable. Elective abortions in North Carolina must be done prior to 20 weeks gestation, and in some cases with pre-abortion counseling. Therapeutic abortions are often performed later in the pregnancy and amount of pre-abortion counseling depends on the medical necessity of the procedure. Under North Carolina law, elective and therapeutic abortions must be performed at an approved medical facility by a licensed physician. No other medical professional may perform an abortion, regardless of the type of abortion. Additionally, when a woman chooses to undergo an elective or therapeutic abortion, she must be given specific information about the procedure and potential risks.
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