Abortion

Latest about Abortion

An ultrasound of an embryo at 6 weeks.

Is a 'fetal heartbeat' really a heartbeat at 6 weeks?

By Rachael Rettner last updated

What exactly do we mean when we talk about a "fetal heartbeat" at six weeks of pregnancy?

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
Abortion rights demonstrators gather near the Washington Monument during a nationwide rally in support of abortion rights in Washington, D.C., on May 14, 2022.

What is an abortion?

By Kimberly Hickok last updated

An abortion is the early termination of a pregnancy, which can happen spontaneously, as in the case of a miscarriage, or by medical or surgical means.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
anesthesia, surgery

Do Fetuses Feel Pain? What the Science Says

By Sara G. Miller last updated

What scientists know about fetal pain.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
Lina Medina pictured in 1941 with one of her doctors and her son

What's the youngest age that a person can get pregnant and give birth?

By Nicoletta Lanese last updated

Pregnancy is possible from the start of ovulation.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
loose supplement capsules, pills and small oil-filled bottles strewn on a white table

Are 'home remedies' for abortion safe? (Experts say no.)

By Nicoletta Lanese published

"There is no 'natural abortifacient' that is safe and effective," an expert said.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
Demonstrators during an abortion-rights protest in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Roe v. Wade FAQ: What if abortion rights law gets overturned?

By Rachael Rettner, Nicoletta Lanese published

Here are answers to questions about what could happen if the landmark ruling is overturned.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
front steps of the us supreme court

Roe v. Wade: Facts about the landmark case

By Nicoletta Lanese published

In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 ruling.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
Healthy vs. ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy: Signs, symptoms & treatment

By Cari Nierenberg published

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus or not within the uterine cavity. Such pregnancies are not viable and can be life-threatening.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
First 100 Days Report Card

Grading Trump's First 100 Days in Office: A Science Report Card

By Live Science Staff published

We reached out to experts across different fields and asked them to grade President Trump's performance in his first 100 days in office. Here is his report card when it comes to science issues.

Planet Earth
The U.S. Supreme Court building

Supreme Court Abortion Ruling Explained

By Rachael Rettner published

The Supreme Court has overturned parts of a Texas law that would have caused many abortion clinics in the state to close down. Here are some important facts about the ruling.

Health
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