Annotation: The article analyzes such phenomenon as abortion, treats the concept of the latter in the legal and medical terms, as well as provides information on the change in attitude to the operation of artificial abortion depending on the historical period of human development. Abortion is so controversial and related to a large number of factors, which influence the decision on him, which leads to the division of all the disputes into two diametrically opposite groups: "for choice" and "for life". The position of both adherents of legalization and prosecution is considered. they are abortions, with the simultaneous analysis of the arguments of each group. The article also deals with the legal regulation of abortion in different countries of the world and in Ukraine. The right to artificial abortion is related to reproductive rights and is inextricably linked with the right to life, the determination of which moment of commencement determines the decision on the prohibition or legalization of abortion. Today, Ukrainian legislation provides that life arises from the moment of physiological birth, but, if guided by such a provision, one can come to the conclusion that in such a case does not coincide with the time when the very benefit of life and the right to it, since the process of ontogenesis originates from the moment of the merger of the male and female cells, resulting in the formation of a new system, which is the beginning of a new life. The conclusion on the basis of the study is reduced to recognition the expediency of legalizing the operation of artificial abortion in contrast to the prohibition. This conclusion is based primarily on adverse consequences, which will inevitably trigger the prohibition of the operation of artificial abortion (increased mortality and violence against children, the development of tourism and criminal abortion and other) and the need to ensure freedom of choice of women.