Rewrite this "Late-term abortion, often defined as procedures performed at or after 21 weeks of gestation, constitutes less than 1% of all abortions in the United States, highlighting its rarity amid broader reproductive health discussions. These abortions typically occur due to severe fetal anomalies, maternal health risks, or delays in accessing care caused by financial, logistical, or diagnostic barriers. Medically, advancements in prenatal screening can reveal life-threatening conditions later in pregnancy, necessitating interventions to prevent maternal morbidity or mortality. Ethically, the debate centers on fetal viability, with many experts noting that around 24 weeks marks a point where survival outside the womb becomes possible with intensive care. Pro-choice advocates argue that restricting late-term abortions infringes on women's bodily autonomy and ignores complex circumstances like rape, incest, or mental health crises that may justify the procedure. They emphasize that such abortions are not elective in the frivolous sense but often tragic decisions made under duress, with claims of "post-birth" abortions being entirely fabricated for political rhetoric. In contrast, pro-life perspectives view late-term abortions as morally equivalent to infanticide, asserting that the fetus's ability to feel pain and exhibit human traits demands legal protection from conception onward. They contend that modern medicine provides alternatives to termination, even in complicated pregnancies, and that societal support like adoption could address underlying issues without ending a life. Legally, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision has led to a patchwork of state laws, with some imposing bans as early as six weeks while others allow flexibility for medical necessities. This variability exacerbates healthcare disparities, forcing women in restrictive states to travel long distances or face criminalization for seeking care. Recent data from 2025 indicates a slight uptick in abortion rates in the early 2020s, potentially influenced by post-pandemic economic pressures and reduced access to contraception. Public opinion remains divided, with polls showing majority support for abortion in early trimesters but waning approval for later procedures, often due to misconceptions about their frequency and reasons. On platforms like X, discussions in 2025 reveal polarized sentiments, with users criticizing late-term abortions as barbaric while others defend them as essential for women's rights. Ethical frameworks from organizations like the AMA underscore the need for physicians to prioritize patient-centered care, including abortions when medically indicated, without undue legal interference. However, stringent laws in some states create moral dilemmas for providers, who risk prosecution for interpreting exceptions too broadly. Globally, countries with liberal policies permit late-term abortions for broad reasons, including mental health, reflecting a recognition of diverse cultural and individual needs. Critics argue that vague criteria could enable misuse, prompting calls for better data collection to inform evidence-based policies. Ultimately, the late-term abortion debate encapsulates broader tensions between individual rights and societal values, urging a nuanced approach that balances compassion with empirical realities. As of 2025, ongoing legal battles and Project 2025 proposals signal potential further restrictions, intensifying the need for equitable access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare."