Is Miscarriage the Same as Abortion?

Understanding the Medical and Legal Differences

With abortion restrictions in many states, many people have questions about how these laws affect miscarriage care. Unfortunately, some of the information being shared—especially online—has caused confusion and worry.

One common misunderstanding is the idea that a miscarriage is the same thing as an abortion. While both terms may appear in medical records, they are not the same, and abortion laws do not restrict access to miscarriage care.

Difference between miscarriage and abortion

What Is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage, also known medically as a “spontaneous abortion,” is the natural loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation (ACOG, 2023). It is not caused by medical intervention and happens in about 10–20% of known pregnancies (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

Miscarriages can occur for many reasons, including:

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Hormonal imbalances
• Underlying health conditions
• Infections
• Unknown causes
  

What Is an Abortion?

In medical terms, abortion refers to the deliberate termination of a pregnancy through medication or a surgical procedure. This is also called an induced abortion.

The key difference is intent:

• Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) – The pregnancy ends naturally without medical intervention causing it.
  
• Induced abortion – A medical procedure or medication is used to intentionally end a pregnancy.

Why the Terms Can Cause Confusion

In the medical field, the word “abortion” can appear on hospital records to describe both spontaneous and induced pregnancy loss. For example:

• Spontaneous abortion = miscarriage
  
• Induced abortion = elective or medical abortion procedure
  
  

This terminology can be unsettling if you’ve experienced a miscarriage and see the word “abortion” in your paperwork—but rest assured, they are not the same thing legally or practically.

Miscarriage Care is Legal

Abortion restrictions do not apply to miscarriage care. Hospitals, emergency rooms, and OB/GYN providers across the state are legally allowed—and medically obligated—to treat miscarriage.

Miscarriage care may involve:

• Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy loss
• Medications to help the body pass pregnancy tissue if needed (ACOG Practice Bulletin #200, 2018, reaffirmed 2023)
  
• Surgical procedures (such as D&C) to prevent infection or complications
  
• Emotional and physical recovery support

If you are experiencing miscarriage symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, or passing large clots, seek emergency medical care immediately

The Danger of Misinformation

Misinformation can discourage people from seeking urgent care for miscarriage, which can lead to severe complications, infection, and even death. Delaying care out of fear or confusion is dangerous.

If you or someone you know is having miscarriage symptoms, do not wait—hospitals are both equipped and legally permitted to provide treatment.

Bottom line: A miscarriage is not the same as an abortion, and miscarriage care remains legal and accessible throughout every state in the united states of America.