Sometimes people talk about hard topics using gentle or unclear words. One topic that many people feel strongly about is abortion. It’s something that involves serious choices, and people often don’t want to talk about it directly. That’s why idioms or phrases are sometimes used to talk about it in a softer or less direct way.
Idioms are groups of words that mean something different from what they say. For example, saying “she took care of it quietly” might mean someone had an abortion, without using the word. This article will explain common idioms used to talk about abortion. It will also help you understand what these phrases mean and how they’re used in conversations or writing.
Idioms for Abortion
1. Took care of it
Meaning: Handled a pregnancy privately, usually by ending it.
Within a Sentence: She said she took care of it after the doctor visit. / He heard she took care of it last month.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She had an abortion quietly.
2. Made the hard choice
Meaning: Decided to have an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She made the hard choice and stayed home all weekend. / Her aunt once made the hard choice in her teens.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She had an abortion.
3. Ended it early
Meaning: Had an abortion before the baby was born.
Within a Sentence: She ended it early after talking to her doctor. / They decided to end it early due to health reasons.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / They stopped the pregnancy.
4. Stopped it before it started
Meaning: Had an abortion in the early stages.
Within a Sentence: She stopped it before it started, as she wasn’t ready. / Her friend said she stopped it before anyone knew.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy early. / She had an abortion.
5. Quietly went through it
Meaning: Had an abortion without telling many people.
Within a Sentence: She quietly went through it and missed school for a few days. / Her cousin quietly went through it last year.
In Other Words: She had an abortion privately. / She didn’t talk much about it.
6. Made a private decision
Meaning: Chose to have an abortion without telling many people.
Within a Sentence: She made a private decision and didn’t tell her classmates. / Her aunt made a private decision years ago.
In Other Words: She had an abortion quietly. / She kept it to herself.
7. Didn’t go through with it
Meaning: Chose not to continue the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She didn’t go through with it after the test. / They didn’t go through with it for personal reasons.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / They stopped the pregnancy.
8. Ended the journey
Meaning: Stopped the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: They ended the journey early on. / She said ending the journey was not easy.
In Other Words: They had an abortion. / She ended the pregnancy.
9. Took a different path
Meaning: Decided not to have the baby.
Within a Sentence: She took a different path after finding out. / He supported her when she took a different path.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She made another choice.
10. Closed that chapter
Meaning: Moved on from the pregnancy by having an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She closed that chapter in her life. / That chapter was closed quietly.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She had an abortion.
11. Handled it privately
Meaning: Had an abortion without telling many people.
Within a Sentence: She handled it privately and stayed home a few days. / Her sister handled it privately last year.
In Other Words: She had an abortion quietly. / She didn’t share much about it.
12. Took matters into her own hands
Meaning: Made the decision to have an abortion on her own.
Within a Sentence: She took matters into her own hands after finding out. / Nobody told her what to do she took matters into her own hands.
In Other Words: She made the choice herself. / She ended the pregnancy.
13. Made a health decision
Meaning: Chose abortion due to health reasons.
Within a Sentence: Her doctor helped her make a health decision. / It was a health decision, not an easy one.
In Other Words: She had an abortion for health. / Her choice was about safety.
14. Stopped the process
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She stopped the process after one month. / The doctor said she could stop the process safely.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She didn’t continue the pregnancy.
15. Took medical steps
Meaning: Used medicine or saw a doctor to end a pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She took medical steps after the appointment. / They talked about taking medical steps early.
In Other Words: She had a medical abortion. / She followed a health plan.
16. Changed course
Meaning: Decided not to continue the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: They changed course after talking it over. / She changed course before the second month.
In Other Words: They ended the pregnancy. / She chose abortion.
17. Didn’t carry to term
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy before birth.
Within a Sentence: She didn’t carry to term by choice. / Her doctor said she didn’t have to carry to term.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She stopped the pregnancy early.
18. Went another way
Meaning: Took a different option instead of giving birth.
Within a Sentence: She went another way after long thinking. / He supported her when she went another way.
In Other Words: She chose abortion. / They picked a different path.
19. Had it taken care of
Meaning: Had an abortion, often quietly.
Within a Sentence: She had it taken care of on Friday. / Her friend had it taken care of last year.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She didn’t talk about it much.
20. Pressed pause on motherhood
Meaning: Delayed or avoided having a child.
Within a Sentence: She pressed pause on motherhood for now. / It wasn’t time yet, so she pressed pause on motherhood.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She waited to be a mom.
21. Faced it alone
Meaning: Made the abortion decision by herself.
Within a Sentence: She faced it alone and didn’t tell anyone. / Her cousin faced it alone but stayed strong.
In Other Words: She had an abortion without help. / She didn’t ask for support.
22. Ended it before anyone knew
Meaning: Had an early abortion in secret.
Within a Sentence: She ended it before anyone knew she was pregnant. / He never knew she ended it before anyone found out.
In Other Words: She kept it private. / She had an abortion early.
23. Saw a specialist
Meaning: Went to a doctor who helps with pregnancy choices.
Within a Sentence: She saw a specialist to talk about options. / The specialist helped her decide.
In Other Words: She spoke to a doctor about abortion. / She got medical advice.
24. Went to the clinic
Meaning: Visited a medical center for an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She went to the clinic after the test. / They went to the clinic to learn more.
In Other Words: She had an abortion at a clinic. / She got care.
25. Decided early
Meaning: Chose abortion soon after learning she was pregnant.
Within a Sentence: She decided early to avoid problems. / It helped that she decided early.
In Other Words: She made her choice quickly. / She had an early abortion.
26. Backed out of it
Meaning: Decided not to have the baby.
Within a Sentence: She backed out of it before the first trimester. / Her plans changed she backed out of it.
In Other Words: She chose abortion. / She didn’t keep the pregnancy.
27. Walked away from it
Meaning: Let go of the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She walked away from it and moved on. / Her choice to walk away from it wasn’t easy.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She had an abortion.
28. Took a step back
Meaning: Chose not to continue with the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She took a step back after learning more. / Taking a step back was her decision.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She changed her mind.
29. Didn’t go all the way
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy before birth.
Within a Sentence: She didn’t go all the way this time. / They didn’t go all the way with the pregnancy.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / They stopped it.
30. Shortened the road
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy early.
Within a Sentence: She shortened the road to avoid long-term pain. / It wasn’t easy to shorten the road.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She made an early choice.
31. Took the safe route
Meaning: Chose abortion for safety.
Within a Sentence: She took the safe route after speaking to the doctor. / Taking the safe route helped her stay healthy.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy for health. / It was safer for her.
32. Stopped the clock
Meaning: Ended a pregnancy before time ran out.
Within a Sentence: She stopped the clock early in the first month. / He knew she had stopped the clock.
In Other Words: She had an early abortion. / She acted quickly.
33. Interrupted the process
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy while it was still early.
Within a Sentence: They interrupted the process with help from the clinic. / The process was interrupted for personal reasons.
In Other Words: The pregnancy was ended. / She had an abortion.
34. Let it go
Meaning: Chose to end the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She let it go after much thinking. / Letting it go helped her feel peace.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She moved on from it.
35. Turned the page
Meaning: Moved on from the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She turned the page and started fresh. / It took time, but she turned the page.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She began a new chapter.
36. Didn’t keep it
Meaning: Had an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She didn’t keep it because of school. / They didn’t keep it due to family reasons.
In Other Words: She ended the pregnancy. / She had an abortion.
37. Put herself first
Meaning: Made a personal choice that was right for her.
Within a Sentence: She put herself first this time. / It was time she put herself first.
In Other Words: She chose abortion. / She made a choice for her well-being.
38. Made the best choice she could
Meaning: Did what she believed was right.
Within a Sentence: She made the best choice she could with what she had. / It wasn’t easy, but she made the best choice.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She did what felt right.
39. Followed the doctor’s advice
Meaning: Had an abortion based on medical guidance.
Within a Sentence: She followed the doctor’s advice and had the procedure. / Following the doctor’s advice helped her.
In Other Words: She had an abortion for health reasons. / The doctor helped her decide.
40. Trusted her instincts
Meaning: Went with what felt right.
Within a Sentence: She trusted her instincts about the situation. / It wasn’t easy, but she trusted her instincts.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She believed in her choice.
41. Ended the cycle
Meaning: Stopped a pregnancy before it continued.
Within a Sentence: She ended the cycle and focused on school. / He knew ending the cycle was her decision.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She didn’t continue the pregnancy.
42. Took a break from plans
Meaning: Paused the idea of having a baby.
Within a Sentence: She took a break from plans to focus on herself. / It wasn’t the right time, so she took a break.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She waited for a better time.
43. Didn’t complete the term
Meaning: Ended the pregnancy before birth.
Within a Sentence: She didn’t complete the term by choice. / It was a hard call not to complete the term.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She didn’t carry to birth.
44. Went through a procedure
Meaning: Had a medical abortion.
Within a Sentence: She went through a procedure last week. / The clinic helped her go through the procedure.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She followed medical steps.
45. Handled it her way
Meaning: Made her own decision.
Within a Sentence: She handled it her way without pressure. / It was important to handle it her way.
In Other Words: She chose abortion. / She made the call.
46. Faced a tough moment
Meaning: Went through a hard time while making the choice.
Within a Sentence: She faced a tough moment and came out stronger. / That moment was tough, but she handled it.
In Other Words: She chose abortion during a hard time. / It wasn’t easy.
47. Stopped the pregnancy
Meaning: Had an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She stopped the pregnancy at six weeks. / The doctor helped her stop the pregnancy safely.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / The pregnancy didn’t continue.
48. Followed her heart
Meaning: Made the decision she felt was right.
Within a Sentence: She followed her heart after much thought. / Following her heart helped her find peace.
In Other Words: She chose abortion. / It was a personal choice.
49. Took a turn
Meaning: Changed her plan about having the baby.
Within a Sentence: Things took a turn after she found out. / She took a turn and made a different choice.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She changed her plan.
50. Stepped away from the pregnancy
Meaning: Decided not to continue with the baby.
Within a Sentence: She stepped away from the pregnancy to focus on school. / He supported her when she stepped away.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She let go of the pregnancy.
51. Dealt with it on her own
Meaning: Faced the situation and had an abortion without help.
Within a Sentence: She dealt with it on her own over the weekend. / Nobody knew she dealt with it on her own.
In Other Words: She had an abortion privately. / She was alone in it.
52. Made a call she had to
Meaning: Chose abortion because she felt it was necessary.
Within a Sentence: She made a call she had to for her future. / It wasn’t easy, but she made a call she had to.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / It was her choice.
53. Had no other way
Meaning: Felt abortion was the only option.
Within a Sentence: She had no other way at the time. / He said she had no other way but to choose this.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She had no other safe choice.
54. Stopped it quietly
Meaning: Had an abortion without telling people.
Within a Sentence: She stopped it quietly and returned to school. / They stopped it quietly and told no one.
In Other Words: She had a private abortion. / It was kept secret.
55. Took action
Meaning: Made a decision to end the pregnancy.
Within a Sentence: She took action as soon as she found out. / Taking action helped her feel in control.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She decided quickly.
56. Went through the process
Meaning: Had an abortion.
Within a Sentence: She went through the process in the first month. / It wasn’t easy, but she went through the process.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She followed the steps.
57. Went with her gut
Meaning: Trusted her own feeling and chose abortion.
Within a Sentence: She went with her gut and didn’t wait. / Going with her gut helped her feel peace.
In Other Words: She followed her instinct. / She had an abortion.
58. Faced the facts
Meaning: Accepted the situation and made a decision.
Within a Sentence: She faced the facts and made her choice. / It was hard, but she faced the facts.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / She did what felt right.
59. Took the responsible path
Meaning: Chose abortion because it seemed best for her.
Within a Sentence: She took the responsible path and stayed focused. / He supported her in taking the responsible path.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / It was the right choice for her.
60. Made a grown-up choice
Meaning: Chose abortion as a serious decision.
Within a Sentence: She made a grown-up choice and stayed strong. / Her decision was a grown-up choice, not an easy one.
In Other Words: She had an abortion. / It was a big decision.
True/False Quiz – Idioms for Abortion
- Saying “She made a private decision” means she may have chosen to end a pregnancy.
- “He turned the page” means he got a new job.
- “She didn’t carry to term” can mean she had an abortion.
- “She went to the clinic” could mean she saw a doctor for an abortion.
- “They built a new plan” is a common way to say someone had an abortion.
- “She stopped the process” means she may have ended the pregnancy.
- “He followed his heart” always means he fell in love.
- “She handled it privately” means she likely made a quiet decision about her pregnancy.
- “She trusted her instincts” could mean she chose abortion.
- “He went another way” might mean he changed his lunch order.
- “She didn’t go all the way” can be used when someone chooses abortion.
- “She made a grown-up choice” could describe a serious pregnancy decision.
- “She stopped the clock” likely means she turned off her alarm.
- “She faced the facts” could mean she accepted the truth and chose abortion.
- “They didn’t complete the term” can mean they chose not to have the baby.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Idioms Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get Idioms, nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning, keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about Idioms together!
Conclusion
Sometimes, people use idioms to talk about big or hard things. When someone talks about abortion, they may not want to say the word. So, they use phrases like “she made a private decision” or “she didn’t carry to term.” These idioms help people speak in a softer way.
By learning these phrases, you can better understand what someone might mean. You don’t have to use these words, but it helps to know what they mean when others do. This helps you listen kindly and talk with care.
