In medical jurisprudence. The expulsion of the ovum or embyro from the uterus within the flrst six weeks after conception. Between that time, and before the expiration of the sixth month, when the child may possibly live, it is termed “abortion.” When the delivery takes place soon after the sixth month, it is denominated “premature labor.” But the criminal act of destroying the foetus at any time before birth is termed, in law, “procuring miscarriage.”
In practice. As used in the statute of frauds, (“debt, default or miscarriage of another,”) this term means any species of unlawful conduct or wrongful act for which the doer could be held liable in a civil action.