Fact check: Late term abortion

1. Summary of the results

The concept of late-term abortion is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various sources providing different perspectives on its medical necessity, regulation, and rarity ^[1]. According to some sources, the US scientific and medical communities have failed to inform this topic with transparency and evidence-based objectivity, rendering the concept of medical necessity in late-term abortion irrelevant ^[1]. Other sources argue that time limits on abortion are often arbitrary and can lead to human rights concerns, particularly in cases where women's health and autonomy are at stake ^[2]. Additionally, sources highlight the rarity of late-term abortions, which represent only 1% of all abortions in the U.S., and that claims of abortions occurring 'moments before birth' or 'after birth' are false and do not occur in the United States ^[3]. Some sources also discuss the medical necessity of late-term abortion, citing that most late-term abortions are elective and done on healthy women with healthy fetuses, for the same reasons given by women experiencing first-trimester abortions ^[1]. The efficacy, safety, and acceptability of medical abortion in the late first trimester have also been examined, with complete abortion rates ranging from 78.6% to 94.6%, and safety issues reported as rare ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key points that are missing from the original statement include the rarity of late-term abortions, which is only 1% of all abortions in the U.S. ^[3]. Additionally, the original statement does not provide context on the medical necessity of late-term abortion, with some sources arguing that it is often elective and done on healthy women with healthy fetuses ^[1]. Alternative viewpoints on the regulation of abortion by gestational age are also not considered, with some sources arguing that time limits on abortion are often arbitrary and can lead to human rights concerns ^[2]. Furthermore, the original statement does not account for the need for greater clarity and consistency in abortion policies, which is highlighted by some sources ^[3]. Key stakeholders who may benefit from considering these alternative viewpoints include women's health organizations, human rights groups, and medical professionals. Some of the specific facts or context that are missing from the user's query include:

• The definition of late-term abortion and its distinction from other types of abortion ^[1]
• The current laws and regulations surrounding late-term abortion in the U.S. ^[3]
• The potential health risks and benefits associated with late-term abortion ^[4]
• The social and economic factors that influence a woman's decision to have a late-term abortion ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading due to its lack of context on the rarity and medical necessity of late-term abortion ^{[3] [1]}. Some sources argue that claims of abortions occurring 'moments before birth' or 'after birth' are false and do not occur in the United States, which may indicate bias in the original statement ^[3]. Additionally, the original statement does not consider the human rights concerns surrounding time limits on abortion, which may be a result of bias towards restrictive abortion policies ^[2]. Key stakeholders who may benefit from this framing include anti-abortion groups, who may use the lack of context and misleading information to further their agenda. On the other hand, women's health organizations and human rights groups may be negatively impacted by this framing, as it may perpetuate misinformation and contribute to the stigmatization of abortion ^{[3] [2]}.