Abortion is the ending of pregnancy by removing a fetus or embryo from the uterus before it can survive on its own. An abortion which occurs spontaneously is also known as a miscarriage. An abortion may be caused purposely and is then called an induced abortion, or less frequently, "induced miscarriage". The word abortion is often used to mean only induced abortions. A similar procedure after the fetus could potentially survive outside the womb is known as a "late termination of pregnancy". Abortion has been understood by many as termination of unwanted pregnancy. Article 305 of Thai Penal Code states that abortion is illegal except in cases when it is committed by a medical practitioner and is considered only as necessary if the same endangers the health of the mother or when the pregnancy is due to sexual offenses such as rape and incest. The issue regarding abortion in Thailand has been considered as a politically sensitive issue which alarms not only the government but by several activist as well as known feminists in Thailand.