Forced abortion is the intentional termination of pregnancy without the prior and informed consent of the woman. The termination of pregnancy covers any of the various procedures that result in the expulsion of all the products of conception. This covers any abortion that is performed without a fully informed decision taken by the victim. It is a form of harmful practice usually performed on adolescent girls and women who are in a situation of pronounced vulnerability or marginalisation. These girls and women may encounter significant barriers to realising their rights to decide freely on matters affecting their lives, including the right to establish relationships and to decide whether, when, and with whom to have a family.

See also: victim; survivor