In the summer of 2023, the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs (AAPLOG) published a Glossary of Medical Terms affirming that there is no medical need for induced abortion — the intentional and direct killing of preborn child (embryo or fetus) — in any circumstance. The organization noticed that this struck a nerve with pro-abortion advocates at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), many members of which actively commit abortions.

AAPLOG explained in its glossary that "medically-indicated maternal-fetal separation" is a term that encompasses treatment for ectopic pregnancy, and preterm delivery for situations such as severe cases of pre-eclampsia and other life-threatening medical conditions in pregnancy (further explained in the group's "Concluding Pregnancy Ethically" guide). These acts include preterm induced delivery or emergency C-section to protect the lives of both mother and child, which are easily distinguishable from acts of induced abortion that carry the intent to kill one of the patients — the baby.

Acts of medically-indicated maternal-fetal separation are carried out "to prevent the mother's death or immediate, irreversible bodily harm, which cannot be mitigated in any other way," explained AAPLOG.