Abortion is the premature termination of a pregnancy, either spontaneous or induced. Roe v.

Wade is the Supreme Court’s ruling that, within certain guidelines, women are allowed to make decisions regarding how their pregnancies will end. According to Roe v. Wade:

■■ During the first trimester, an abortion decision is between a woman and her physician.

■■ During the second trimester, a state may regulate the medical conditions under which an abortion is performed.

■■ During the third trimester, a state can prohibit all abortions except those deemed necessary to protect maternal life or health.