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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

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Abbott Laboratories
100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 U.S.A.

On the Cover:FreeStyle Libre SystemTyler Walsh, Quality Control Technician, Rapid Diagnostics

GABRIELLE WEMPE
FreeStyle Libreuser
The Netherlands

    Since 2015, Gabrielle has relied onBy leveraging Abbott's experience in
infectious disease assay development and
research—knowing which regions of the
revolutionary technologyvirus to target and applying proven
development approaches—we were able
to quickly develop a comprehensive array
of highly accurate tests for COVID-19 in Abbott'sFreeStylea
Libresystem to monitor her glucose levels.matter of months, a process that often
takes years.

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Abbott Laboratories       1

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NOTICE OF 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Please sign and promptly return your proxy
in the enclosed envelope, or vote your
shares by telephone or using the Internet.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 27, 201823, 2021

The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Abbott Laboratories will be held at Abbott's headquarters, 100 Abbott Park Road, at the intersection of Route 137 and Waukegan Road, Lake County, Illinois, on Friday, April 27, 2018,23, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. for

In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the following purposes:

•

To elect 12 directorsongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to hold office untilsupport the nexthealth and safety of Abbott's shareholders, employees, and communities, shareholders may only attend the Annual Meeting virtually. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

Shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 24, 2021 will be able to attend the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be required to enter the meeting password (ABT2021) and a 15-digit control number. Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting on a listen-only phone line should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or until their successors are elected (Item 1abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Please see pages 12 and 13 for further instructions on how to be admitted to the proxy card),Annual Meeting.



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To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of Abbott for 2018 (Item 2 on the proxy card),



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To vote on an advisory

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the approvalfollowing items of executive compensation (Item 3 on the proxy card), and



•

Tobusiness:

Agenda				Board Voting Recommendation
​	​	​	​	​
Item 1		Election of the 13 director nominees named in this proxy statement to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until the next meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected		FOR Each Director Nominee
​	​	​	​	​
Item 2		Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of Abbott for 2021		FOR
​	​	​	​	​
Item 3		Approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation		FOR
​	​	​	​	​
Item 4		Approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation to eliminate statutory supermajority voting standards for:		FOR
		(a) amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and
		(b) approval of certain extraordinary transactions
​	​	​	​	​
Items 5 – 7		Three shareholder proposals, if properly presented at the meeting		AGAINST
​	​	​	​	​

Shareholders will also transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, including consideration of a shareholder proposal, if presented at the meeting (Item 4 on the proxy card).

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Items 1, 2, and 3.any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST Item 4.

The close of business on February 28, 2018, has been fixed as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Abbott's 20182021 Proxy Statement and 20172020 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.abbott.com/proxy.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Please sign and promptly return your proxy or voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope, or vote your shares by telephone or using the Internet.

If you are a registered shareholder (you received your proxy materials from Abbott through Abbott's transfer agent, Computershare), you may accessvote your shares by telephone (1-800-652-VOTE (8683)) or on the Internet at www.investorvote.com/abt.

If you are a beneficial shareholder (you received your proxy card by either:

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Goingmaterials from a broker, bank, or other agent), please refer to the following website:www.investorvote.com/abt, entering the information requested on your computer screen and then following the simple instructions, or



•

Calling (in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada) toll-free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) on a touch-tone telephone, and following the simplevoting instructions provided to you by the recorded message.

By order of the Board of Directors.

Hubert L. Allen
Secretary

March 16, 2018[      ], 2021

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PROXY SUMMARY

This summary contains highlights about Abbott and the upcoming 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider in advance of the meeting, and we encourage you to read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.

The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf ofby the Board of Directors on behalf of Abbott for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on April 27, 2018,23, 2021, at Abbott's headquarters, 100 Abbott Park Road, at the intersection of Route 137 and Waukegan Road, Lake County, Illinois. This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to shareholders on or about March 16, 2018.[      ], 2021.

In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to support the health and safety of Abbott's shareholders, employees, and communities, any shareholder who wishes to attend the Annual Meeting may only attend virtually. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. For more information on how to access and participate in the Annual Meeting, please see pages 12 to 13.

ACHIEVINGABBOTT'S DIVERSIFIED BUSINESS MODEL DELIVERS LEADING RETURNSLONG-TERM GROWTH

In 2017, Abbott achieved outstanding returns to shareholders, ranking #1Abbott's sustained strong performance has resulted in our peer group. Abbott's one-year total shareholder return (TSR) was 52.0%significantly exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-, which was 30.2three-, and 23.9 percentage points abovefive-year basis.

Abbott's three-year TSR of 101.7% is more than twice that of the robust growth of bothpeer group median and the broader Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) and more than three times that of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), respectively. Abbott continues to be recognized as a member market index. These consistent above-market returns are driven by the strength of our diversified business model with leadership positions in some of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat Index, having increased the dividend payout for 46 consecutive years.largest and fastest growing markets in healthcare and innovative product portfolios across our businesses.

Abbott delivered strong returns for shareholders in 2020, despite the global market challenges from COVID-19, and achieved or exceeded the financial targets that were set before the pandemic in January 2020. Abbott's one-year TSR was 28.0%, more than three times the peer median TSR, and significantly above major market indices, a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and ability to innovate and deliver in this challenging environment.

WELL-POSITIONED FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH

In 2017,addition to delivering significant shareholder returns, Abbott continued to strategically shape its business throughtake important steps to position the additions of St. Jude Medical and Alere Inc. The St. Jude Medical business expands Abbott's presence into multiple new areas of cardiovascular care, as well as neuromodulation, transforming Abbott into a broad-based leaderCompany for long-term, sustainable growth.

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Achieved important product approvals in medical devices. Alere Inc. extends Abbott's long-established presence and leadership2020 across our businesses that will be significant contributors to growth in diagnostics into rapid testing, an attractive and high growth area of testing in both developed and emerging markets. In addition, Abbott continues to have a strong organic pipeline of innovative new products across each of our major businesses, including novel technologies for glucose-monitoring, neuromodulation, cardiovascular care and fully-integrated diagnostic testing solutions. Together, this high level of R&D productivity and strategic shaping gives Abbott an exciting portfolio of businesses with the presencecoming years.



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Increased manufacturing scale and capabilities across several important products, including significant investment in both developedCOVID-19 diagnostic test capacity to help meet immediate global testing needs and emerging marketsfurther accelerate Abbott's leadership position in diagnostic testing.



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Returned $2.6 billion to createshareholders through dividends in 2020 and announced a 25% increase to the dividend payable in 2021, demonstrating Abbott's financial strength and commitment to shareholder returns.



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Launched our 2030 Sustainability Plan focused on Abbott's greatest opportunities to make an impact: creating new market opportunities for long-term growth.

life-changing technologies and products, expanding the access and affordability of this innovation, and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need.

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STAYING CURRENT AND RELEVANT - 130 YEARS LATERCOVID-19 RESPONSE

CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL TESTING NEEDS

Abbott is celebratingquickly responded to the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. We leveraged our expertise in infectious disease diagnostic testing and in a short period time, developed multiple diagnostic tests to meet the various needs in the market. We have launched and scaled significant manufacturing capacity for our tests around the globe and sold over 400 million tests in 2020.

Abbott's rapid response, significant manufacturing scale, and affordable pricing strategy have allowed for broad access to testing and have further positioned Abbott as a world leader in diagnostic testing. The demand for COVID-19 tests remains strong and Abbott will continue to be a leader in supporting global testing needs.

PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE

As a healthcare company, Abbott has continued to provide an important milestoneuninterrupted supply of vital diagnostics, medical devices, medicines and nutritional products to our customers. To help keep our own people safe, Abbott has taken aggressive steps to limit exposure and enhance the safety of facilities for our employees, including implementing mandatory temperature screening and social distancing, providing and requiring the use of personal protective equipment, and at most U.S. facilities, on-site COVID-19 testing.

Abbott has 109,000 employees in 2018:more than 160 countries, and throughout 2020, there were no pay cuts and we did not lay off or furlough any employees due to COVID-19. We're also assisting Abbott families whose lives have been disrupted by COVID-19 including, paying people when sick or in quarantine, offering flexible working hours, providing support for employees with children, and expanding employee assistance programs that offer health and wellness resources.

MAINTAINING ACCESS TO OUR TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS

Throughout the company's 130^th anniversary. A key element ofpandemic, we were able to continue providing our longevity and success has beenessential products to people around the abilityworld—even when route closures meant we needed to adapt and change continuallyidentify new delivery pathways. With more than 75,000 suppliers in 120 countries, Abbott's global supply chain enabled our life-changing technologies to ensure Abbott remains currentget to the millions of people who need them, when they need them. That's why we have spent years building our supply chain resilience to function even under the greatest stresses.

The following practices and policies ensure alignment of healthcare where we compete.interests between shareholders and executives, and effective ongoing compensation governance.

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MEDICAL DEVICES Leading positions in cardiovascular, neuromodulation and diabetes care. In cardiovascular devices, Abbott holds#1 or #2 positions across several large market segments, including coronary stents, cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.

COMPENSATION PRACTICE

DIAGNOSTICS A global leader inin vitrodiagnostics offering a broad portfolio spanning immunoassay, clinical chemistry, hematology, blood screening, molecular and point of care diagnostics.

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ABBOTT POLICY

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NUTRITION Portfolio of science-based products addressing the unique nutrition needs for people of all ages.Abbott is the worldwide leader in Adult nutrition and the leading Pediatric nutrition company in the United States.

ESTABLISHED PHARMACEUTICALS High-quality, branded generic pharmaceuticals business that is focused on emerging geographies, with significant scale andleading positions in India, Russia and Latin America.

Our shareholders compare us to other global multinational companies, only some of which are in healthcare. These companies share similar investment identities and operating characteristics aligned with diversified growth, returns to shareholders, and capital structure.

The peer group used for performance and compensation benchmarking prior to 2017 was established at the time of the AbbVie separation in 2013. That group has been used without change from 2013 through 2016. Due to the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere Inc. and significant changes in several peers due to corporate transactions, the Compensation Committee (the Committee) and its consultant reviewed the peer group to be used for 2017 benchmarking. Based on that review, the Committee approved an update to the peer group to better align to our current size, scope, and global footprint.

In determining changes to our peer group for 2017 performance and compensation benchmarking, as in prior years, we considered:

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Globally diverse manufacturing-driven organizations with significant international operations



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Consumer-facing organizations



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Similar financial and operating measures, including market capitalization, revenue, and number of employees



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Similar return of cash profiles, including dividends and share repurchases



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Similar geographic mix of revenues and profits

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Over the past four years, we have averaged 95% shareholder support for our annual advisory vote on "Say on Pay", demonstrating strong support for our approach to executive compensation. Our compensation program provides an appropriate and competitive mix of elements to incentivize our executives to achieve the Company's business strategies and goals, while also aligning executive performance and awards with shareholder interests.

COMPENSATION ALIGNED WITH PERFORMANCE

The vast majority of compensation for our executive officers is performance-based and objectively determined. Long Term Incentives (LTI), which comprise the largest percentage of compensation for our executive officers, are directly linked to shareholder returns. Each year, LTI award guidelines are determined based on relative TSR performance compared to our peer group. The Compensation Committee looks at 1-, 3-, and 5-year TSR in making these determinations. The table below illustrates the relative TSR and award guidelines since 2013 for executive officers at Abbott.

Not only is a direct link evident in these results; it can reasonably be concluded that Abbott has been conservative in setting target payout levels. This linkage translates into significant differentiation of pay for our executives, aligned with returns to our shareholders. The table below illustrates the pay outcomes for our CEO based on results each year since the separation of AbbVie. Again, a direct pay for performance link is very evident.

KEY FEATURES OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Details of the compensation decisions made for our named executive officers are outlined on pages 42 to 57.

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The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR the election of each of the following nominees for director. All nominees, other than Mr. Roman, are currently serving as directors. Additional information about each director'sdirector nominee's background and experience can be found beginning on page 12.16.

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Abbott is committed to goodstrong corporate governance andthat is aligned with shareholder interests. Our Board spends significant time with Abbott's senior management to understand the dynamics, issues, and opportunities for Abbott. During these interactions, directors provide insights and ask probing questions which guide management decision-making. This collaborative approach to risk oversight and emphasis on long term sustainability begins with our leaders and is engrained in Abbott's culture. The Board of Directorsalso regularly monitors bestleading practices in governance and adopts measures that it determines are in the best interest of Abbott and its shareholders.

GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTSCEO SUCCESSION PLANNING:

On March 31, 2020, Miles D. White stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, after a remarkable 21-year tenure and became Executive Chairman of the Board. Robert B. Ford, previously President and Chief Operating Officer and a 24-year Abbott veteran, succeeded Mr. White as Abbott's President and Chief Executive Officer.

With this transition, Mr. Ford became the 13^th CEO of Abbott in its 132-year history, all having been appointed from within, a testament to Abbott's strong management philosophy and succession-planning discipline.

BOARD GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS:

•

Strong Lead Independent Director since 2005



•

Two new directors in 2017 whoKey standing Board Committees are independent



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Four fully independent Board Committees:independent: Audit, Compensation, Public Policy and Nominations &and Governance



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All directors elected annually by majority vote



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Executive sessionsBoard conducts annual succession planning review of independent directors at each regularly scheduled Board meetingcompany management



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Annual Board receives regular updates and Board committee self-assessment



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Annual succession planning for management



•

Proxy Accesshas oversight over Abbott's environmental, social and governance practices

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Our goal is to maintain a diverse board representing a wide range of skills, experience, and perspectives.

SHAREHOLDER OUTREACHOUTREACH:

Active shareholder engagement throughout the year is essential to maintaining good corporate governance. We routinely seek investor input on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, executive compensation, financial performancesustainability and other strategic matters. During 2017,2020, we conducted outreach with a cross-section of shareholders representing more than 60% of our outstanding shares. Investor sentiment and specific feedback was summarized and shared with executive management and the Board of Directors, for their respective decision making process.as appropriate.

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At Abbott, sustainability means managing our company to deliver long-term impact for the people we serve—shaping the future of healthcare and helping the greatest number of people live better and healthier lives.

Our Sustainability efforts are focused on the most relevant industry and company-specific risks and opportunities. In December 2020, we launched our new 2030 Sustainability Plan focused on Abbott's greatest opportunities to make an impact: creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding the access and affordability of this innovation, and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need. That reach and impact requires a strong foundation and sustainable business, which is why we're also taking action in key areas, including building the workforce of tomorrow, responsibly applying data to advance care, building a more resilient, diverse and responsible supply chain and protecting health by safeguarding the environment.

These areas have been identified through an in-depth materiality analysis, directed by executive management, and in partnership with numerous diverse stakeholders. We aim to deliver sustainable, responsible growth that improves lives and creates value in communities around the world.

The Board of Directors and its committees have oversight over Abbott's environmental, social and governance practices. The Board was presented with sustainability objectives and efforts and has regular discussions with management on all the above sustainability matters, as well as workplace, management, and Board diversity, emerging governance practices and trends, global compliance matters, and sustainability reporting. In addition, executive compensation is linked to Sustainability commitments, as discussed in more detail on pages 40 and 41.

To learn more about Abbott's Sustainability efforts, please visit www.abbott.com/responsibility/sustainability.html.

		• Dow Jones Sustainability Index global Industry Group Leader for 8 consecutive years.   • Fortune's Most Admired Top 50 Company and leader in the Medical Products and Equipment sector for the past 8 years, and on Fortune's 2020 "Change the World" list for companies making positive social impacts through their core business.
		• Fast Company's 2020 World-Changing Company of the Year.   • Recognized by Working Mother, Great Place to Work, DiversityInc, and several other publications for workplace leadership and diversity.   • Member of the elite S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which recognizes companies who have raised their dividend payout annually for at least 25 consecutive years. In December 2020, Abbott announced a 25% increase to its quarterly dividend. This is the 49th consecutive year that Abbott has increased its quarterly dividend.

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At Abbott, we believe that being a responsible and sustainable business is an essential foundation for helping people live fuller, healthier lives. Abbott works hard to maximize the impact of the business in creating stronger communities around the world—focusing on operating responsibly and earning trust by doing the right things, for the long term.

Product Excellence—Committed to offering products and services consistent with the highest standards of quality and safety.

Improving Access—Dedicated to creating technologies and products that meet local needs around the world, as well as informing and empowering people to make well-informed choices about healthcare.

Safeguarding the Environment—We've set goals to significantly reduce our environmental impacts in the areas of carbon dioxide emissions, total water intake and total generated waste.

RECOGNITION BY THIRD-PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

Dow Jones Sustainability Index Industry Group Leader for the 5th consecutive year. Currently Abbott is the only U.S.-based company recognized as a global industry group leader.

Recognized by Working Mother, Diversity Inc., Science and many other publications for workplace leadership and diversity.

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Ranked No. 1 for Social Responsibility in the Medical Products and Equipment sector on theFortune Most Admired Companies list each of the past five years.

Ranked as one of the global 100 Best Corporate Citizens by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for nine consecutive years and named Healthcare Sector Leader in 2017.

To learn more about Abbott's sustainability efforts, please visitwww.abbott.com/citizenship.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

WHO CAN VOTE

Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2018 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of January 31, 2018, Abbott had 1,746,333,892 outstanding common shares, which are Abbott's only outstanding voting securities. All shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors and one vote per share on all other matters.

NOTICE AND ACCESS

In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's "Notice and Access" rules, Abbott mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") to certain shareholders in mid-March of 2018.2021. The Notice describes the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting and how the shareholders can access the proxy materials online. It also provides instructions on how those shareholders can vote their shares. If you received the Notice, you will not receive a print version of the proxy materials, unless you request one. If you would like to receive a print version of the proxy materials, free of charge, please follow the instructions on the Notice.

HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING ON THE VIRTUAL MEETING PLATFORM

Shareholders can attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097. Shareholders may log into the Annual Meeting beginning at 8:15 Central Time on April 23, 2021. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be required to enter the meeting password (ABT2021) and a 15-digit control number.

Registered Shareholders.    If you are a registered holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from Abbott through Abbott's transfer agent, Computershare), you may attend the Annual Meeting without advance registration. Your 15-digit control number is provided on your proxy card, email, or Notice. Please follow the instructions on your proxy card, email, or Notice to attend the meeting. If you no longer have these documents, please contact Computershare at 1-888-332-2268.

Beneficial Shareholders.    If you are a beneficial holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from your broker, bank, or other agent), you must register in advance to receive a 15-digit control number and attend the Annual Meeting. To register, you must submit your name, email address, and one of the following registration materials to Computershare:

•

A copy of the voter instruction form contained in the proxy materials mailed to you from your broker;



•

A copy of a broker statement evidencing that you are an Abbott shareholder; or



•

A legal proxy from your broker reflecting your ownership of Abbott shares.

Please send your registration materials to Computershare at legalproxy@Computershare.com, with "Registration Materials" in the subject line. Registration requests must be received by Computershare no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email from Computershare, along with a 15-digit control number needed to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you have questions, please contact Computershare at the telephone support line provided on the virtual meeting platform at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097.

HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING BY PHONE

Shareholders who wish to attend the Annual Meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting. If you would like to vote your shares or submit questions during the meeting, please follow the instructions above in "How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform."

WHO CAN VOTE

Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 2021 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of January 31, 2021, Abbott had 1,771,529,358 outstanding common shares, which are Abbott's only outstanding voting securities. All shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors and one vote per share on all other matters.

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HOW TO VOTE

Whether or not you plan to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, Abbott strongly urges you to submit your proxy or vote your shares in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Registered Shareholders.    Registered shareholders may vote by mail by signing and promptly returning their proxy in the enclosed envelope. Abbott's By-Laws provide that a shareholder may authorize no more than two persons as proxies to attend and vote at the meeting. Registered shareholders may also vote their shares:

•

by telephone (1-800-652-VOTE (8683)), or



•

or on the Internet at www.investorvote.com/abt.

If you vote by telephone or using the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. The instructions for voting can be found with your proxy card or on the Notice.

Registered shareholders who have not voted their shares in advance of the meeting may do so at the Annual Meeting by clicking the "Cast Your Vote" link on the meeting center site.

Beneficial Shareholders.    Beneficial shareholders should refer to the voting instructions provided by their broker, bank, or other agent to direct the voting of their shares in advance of the meeting.

Beneficial shareholders may vote their shares at the Annual Meeting if they obtain a legal proxy from their broker, bank, or other agent giving the shareholder the right to vote such shares at the Annual Meeting. Please follow the instructions provided above in "How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform."

Shareholders participating by phone will not be able to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting.

HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS

Following conclusion of the business items on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, Abbott will hold a live question and answer session where questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered, as time permits. Shareholders participating in the meeting on the virtual meeting platform can submit questions during the Annual Meeting by clicking on the message icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page on the meeting center site. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped together in a single response to avoid repetition and to allow more time for other questions.

Shareholders participating in the meeting by phone will not be able to submit questions during the meeting.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you experience technical difficulties accessing the Annual Meeting, a technical support telephone number and additional support information will be available on the virtual meeting platform at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097.

The virtual meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most up-to-date version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure that they have a strong WiFi connection wherever they intend to participate in the Annual Meeting.

REVOKING A PROXY

You may revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or, at any time prior to the meeting:

•

by delivering a written notice to the Secretary of Abbott,



•

by delivering an authorized proxy with a later date, or



•

by voting by telephone or using the Internet after you have given your proxy.

CUMULATIVE VOTING

Cumulative voting allows a shareholder to multiply the number of shares owned by the number of directors to be elected and to cast the total for one nominee or distribute the votes among the nominees, as the shareholder desires. Shareholders may not cumulate their votes against a nominee. If shares are voted cumulatively and there are more nominees than there are director vacancies, nominees who receive the greatest number of votes will be

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elected. If you wish to cumulate your votes, you must sign and mail in your proxy card or attend the Annual Meeting.

VOTING BY PROXY

All of Abbott's shareholders may vote by mail or at the Annual Meeting. Abbott's By-Laws provide that a shareholder may authorize no more than two persons as proxies to attend and vote at the meeting. Most of Abbott's shareholders may also vote their shares by telephone or the Internet. If you vote by telephone or the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. The instructions for voting can be found with your proxy card or on the Notice.

REVOKING A PROXY

You may revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or, at any time prior to the meeting:

•

by delivering a written notice to the Secretary of Abbott,



•

by delivering an authorized proxy with a later date, or



•

by voting by telephone or the Internet after you have given your proxy.

DISCRETIONARY VOTING AUTHORITY

Unless authority is withheld in accordance with the instructions on the proxy, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares covered by proxies they receive to elect the 1213 nominees named in Item 1 on the proxy card. Should a nominee become unavailable to serve, the shares will be voted for a substitute designated by the Board of Directors, or for fewer than 1213 nominees if, in the judgment of the proxy holders, such action is necessary or desirable. The persons named in the proxy may also decide to vote shares cumulatively in their sole discretion so that one or more of the nominees may receive fewer votes than the other nominees (or no votes at all), although they have no present intention of doing so. The proxy holders may not cast your vote for any nominee from whom you have withheld authority to vote.

Where a shareholder has specified a choice for or against the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, or the management proposal for approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, or a shareholder proposal, or where the shareholder has abstained on these matters, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted (or not voted) as specified. Where no choice has been specified, the proxy will be voted FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, FOR the approval of executive compensation, FOR the approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and AGAINST the shareholder proposal.

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TheAside from matters set forth in this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any other issue which may properly be brought before the meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.

QUORUM AND VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH ITEM ON THE PROXY

A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on a matter, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for consideration of that matter at the meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on a matter shall be the act of the shareholders with respect to that matter.matter, except for the management proposal to approve and adopt amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation, which requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes of the shares entitled to vote on such amendments.

EFFECT OF WITHHOLD VOTES, BROKER NON-VOTES, AND ABSTENTIONS

Shares represented by proxies which are present and entitled to vote on a matter but which have elected to withhold authority to vote for one or more directors or to abstain from voting on another matter will have the effect of votes against those directors or that matter. A proxy submitted by an institution, such as a broker or bank that holds shares for the account of a beneficial owner, may indicate that all or a portion of the shares represented by that proxy are not being voted with respect to a particular matter. This could occur, for example, when the broker or bank is not permitted to vote those shares in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. These "non-voted shares" will be considered shares not present and, therefore, not entitled to vote on those matters, although these shares may be considered present and entitled to vote for other purposes. Brokers and banks have discretionary authority to vote shares in the absence of instructions on matters the New York Stock Exchange considers "routine", such as the ratification of the appointment of the auditors. They do not have discretionary authority to vote shares in absence of instructions on "non-routine" matters. The election of directors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, and management and shareholder proposals are "non-routine" matters. Non-voted shares will not affect the determination of the outcome of the vote on any matter to be decided at the meeting.meeting, except for the management proposal to approve and adopt amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation, for which non-voted shares will have the effect of votes against that matter.

INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

The inspectors of election and the tabulators of all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that identify shareholders are independent and are not Abbott employees.

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COST OF SOLICITING PROXIES

Abbott will bear the cost of making solicitations from its shareholders and will reimburse banks and brokerage firms for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this solicitation. Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, Internet, or in person by directors, officers, or employees of Abbott and its subsidiaries.

Abbott has retained GeorgesonMorrow Sodali LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated cost of $19,500 plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES STOCK RETIREMENT PLAN

Participants in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan will receive voting instructions for their shares held in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust. The Stock Retirement Trust is administered by both a trustee and an Investment Committee. The trustee of the Trust is The Northern Trust Company. The members of the Investment Committee are Stephen R. Fussell,Mary K. Moreland, Karen M. Peterson, and Brian P. Wentworth, employees of Abbott. The voting power with respect to the shares is held by and shared between the Investment Committee and the participants. The Investment Committee must solicit voting instructions from the participants and follow the voting instructions it receives. The Investment Committee may use its own discretion with respect to those shares for which no voting instructions are received.

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CONFIDENTIAL VOTING

It is Abbott's policy that all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that reveal how a particular shareholder has voted be kept confidential and not be disclosed, except:

•

where disclosure may be required by law or regulation,



•

where disclosure may be necessary in order for Abbott to assert or defend claims,



•

where a shareholder provides comments with a proxy,



•

where a shareholder expressly requests disclosure,



•

to allow the inspectors of election to certify the results of a vote, or



•

in other limited circumstances, such as a contested election or proxy solicitation not approved and recommended by the Board of Directors.

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

Shareholders sharing an address may receive only one copy of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, unless their broker, bank, or other intermediary has received contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address. This is known as "householding." Shareholders wishing to discontinue householding and receive separate copies of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials should notify their broker, bank, or other intermediary.

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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS

	​	ROBERT J. ALPERN, M.D. Director since 2008 Age 6770 Ensign Professor of Medicine and Physiology and Professor of Internal Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, and Former Dean of Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut	​

	​	ROXANNE S. AUSTIN Director since 2000 Age 5760 President and Chief Executive Officer, Austin Investment Advisors, Newport Coast, California (Private Investment and Consulting Firm)	​

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	​	SALLY E. BLOUNT, PH.D. Director since 2011 Age 5659 Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy and Former Dean of the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management and the Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Management and Organizations at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois	​

	​	EDWARD M. LIDDYROBERT B. FORD Director since 20102019 Age 7247 Retired Chairman & CEO, The Allstate Corporation, Northbrook, Illinois (Insurance Company)President and Chief Executive Officer, Abbott Laboratories	​

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	​	MICHELLE A. KUMBIER Director since 2018 Age 53 Former Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Motorcycle and Related Products Manufacturer)	​

	​	DARREN W. MCDEW Director since 2019 Age 60 Retired General, United States Air Force, and Former Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois	​

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	​	NANCY MCKINSTRY Director since 2011 Age 5962 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of Wolters Kluwer N.V., Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands (Global (Global Information, Software, and Services Provider)	​

		PHEBE N. NOVAKOVIC Director since 2010 Age 60 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Dynamics Corporation, Falls Church, Virginia (Worldwide Defense, Aerospace, and Other Technology Products Manufacturer)

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	​	WILLIAM A. OSBORN Lead Independent Director Director since 2008 Age 7073 Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust Corporation (Multibank (Multibank Holding Company) and The Northern Trust Company, Chicago, Illinois (Banking Services Company)	​