What is the reason some abortions are called elective?

Elective abortion refers to the voluntary termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable outside of the womb. It is called "elective" because it is not the result of an emergency medical situation. Elective abortions are typically performed for reasons such as an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, concerns about the health or safety of the mother or fetus, or social or economic factors.

It's important to note that the term "elective" does not imply that abortion is a frivolous or non-serious decision. The choice to terminate a pregnancy is deeply personal and often involves complex factors that the individual, their healthcare provider, and their family can understand. The term "elective" simply refers to the voluntary and non-mandatory nature of the procedure, as opposed to an abortion performed due to medical necessity or a life-threatening situation.