This article is theoretical and does a brief history of abortion in the world, exposing the meanings of this theme over time in different societies and cultures, showing more specifically how this practice has developed and is seen today in Brazil. The study also shows the statistical reality of abortion in Brazil and Rio Grande do Norte. Finally, we make some reflections in the light of existential-phenomenological perspective in order to initiate an understanding of abortion, which is regarded as a phenomenon present in daily life of some women, and as a possibility among many in the women existence.
History of abortion; women; existential-phenomenological perspective