Dictionary

lunchtime abortion en · NOUN

Etymology

So called because the procedure might conceivably be performed within the patient's lunchbreak.

Meanings

1. (derogatory) A conveniently available abortion, performed under local anesthetic soon after the onset of pregnancy.
   • Abortion became so much easier. I remember Germaine Greer wildly proclaiming to the women of the world that here was another new thing that was going to liberate women further, and that was the lunchtime abortion. 1986, Mary Kenny, Abortion: the whole story, page 287:
   • "We are already seeing an increase in post-abortion trauma in women who have had 'quickie' lunchtime abortions", he said, "as they have had insufficient time truly to consider the options available to them." 2000, The Tablet, page 398:
   • Aitken testified, "In recent years I personally have been involved in fights to prevent the State Health Service from closing down baby care facilities and opening 'lunchtime abortion clinics' instead." 1983, Family Protection Report, volume 5:

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