Latest items for ABO-LAW-1
Nov. 11, 2025, 5:09 a.m.
Countries: Switzerland
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion has been legal in Switzerland for 20 years. On June 2, 2002, over 72% of voters approved decriminalising abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This decision put an end to decades of debate – a first attempt had narrowly failed at the ballot box in 1977. The new rule, also called the “first-trimester solution', came into force on October 1, 2002 and is enshrined in the Swiss Penal CodeExternal link. According to article 119, abortion in the first 12 weeks is exempt from penalty in situations where doctors can show a risk of 'serious physical harm' to the pregnant woman or 'at the written request of the...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion has been legal in Switzerland for 20 years. On June 2, 2002, over 72% of voters approved decriminalising abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This decision put an end to decades of debate – a first attempt had narrowly failed at the ballot box in 1977. The new rule, also called the “first-trimester solution', came into force on October 1, 2002 and is enshrined in the Swiss Penal CodeExternal link. According to article 119, abortion in the first 12 weeks is exempt from penalty in situations where doctors can show a risk of 'serious physical harm' to the pregnant woman or 'at the written request of the...more
Nov. 11, 2025, 5:04 a.m.
Countries: Switzerland
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"In Switzerland, abortion is not punishable if a woman demands the abortion in writing within twelve weeks of the start of her last period and can claim a situation of distress. The doctor must discuss the matter with the woman in detail and advise her on the options. The woman will also receive a list of the agencies and associations that can provide moral or financial support. She will also be informed about the possibility of giving the child up for adoption at birth. Pregnant girls aged under 16 are obliged to visit a specialist youth counsellor. The cantons must designate hospitals and medical practices which meet set criteria for...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"In Switzerland, abortion is not punishable if a woman demands the abortion in writing within twelve weeks of the start of her last period and can claim a situation of distress. The doctor must discuss the matter with the woman in detail and advise her on the options. The woman will also receive a list of the agencies and associations that can provide moral or financial support. She will also be informed about the possibility of giving the child up for adoption at birth. Pregnant girls aged under 16 are obliged to visit a specialist youth counsellor. The cantons must designate hospitals and medical practices which meet set criteria for...more
Nov. 11, 2025, 4:31 a.m.
Countries: Sweden
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortions are performed until the 18th week of pregnancy but can in some cases be done until the 22nd week of pregnancy. You are entitled to have an abortion until the 18th week of pregnancy, without having to explain your reasons. After the 18th week you need permission from Socialstyrelsen – the National Board of Health and Welfare, to have an abortion. Such permission requires special reasons (e.g. health risks for the mother). Socialstyrelsen can’t give permission for pregnancies beyond week 22. The staff at the abortion clinic are bound by confidentiality and may not tell anyone about your visit. However, if you are under 18, the staff usually suggests...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortions are performed until the 18th week of pregnancy but can in some cases be done until the 22nd week of pregnancy. You are entitled to have an abortion until the 18th week of pregnancy, without having to explain your reasons. After the 18th week you need permission from Socialstyrelsen – the National Board of Health and Welfare, to have an abortion. Such permission requires special reasons (e.g. health risks for the mother). Socialstyrelsen can’t give permission for pregnancies beyond week 22. The staff at the abortion clinic are bound by confidentiality and may not tell anyone about your visit. However, if you are under 18, the staff usually suggests...more
Nov. 11, 2025, 4:23 a.m.
Countries: Sweden
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"After week 18, an application must be made to the National Board of Health and Welfare’s legal council to have an abortion and extraordinary reasons are required in order for permission to be granted. An abortion is only permitted after week 18 for extraordinary reasons. The most common reason for a later abortion is that foetal damage has been detected during the routine ultrasound carried out in week 18. An abortion can also be granted for social reasons, for example if the pregnant person is very young or faces difficult life conditions or addiction. Abortion is not permitted if the foetus is deemed able to survive outside of the woman’s...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"After week 18, an application must be made to the National Board of Health and Welfare’s legal council to have an abortion and extraordinary reasons are required in order for permission to be granted. An abortion is only permitted after week 18 for extraordinary reasons. The most common reason for a later abortion is that foetal damage has been detected during the routine ultrasound carried out in week 18. An abortion can also be granted for social reasons, for example if the pregnant person is very young or faces difficult life conditions or addiction. Abortion is not permitted if the foetus is deemed able to survive outside of the woman’s...more
Nov. 10, 2025, 2:13 p.m.
Countries: Guinea-Bissau
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The Committee understood that abortion was permitted during the first three months of pregnancy and available upon request; it needed the consent of the woman’s father, tutor, legal representative or of her husband or companion" (para. 25).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The Committee understood that abortion was permitted during the first three months of pregnancy and available upon request; it needed the consent of the woman’s father, tutor, legal representative or of her husband or companion" (para. 25).
Nov. 10, 2025, 2:08 p.m.
Countries: Guinea
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Voluntary abortion is illegal and cannot be performed at a woman’s request in Guinea. It is only permitted when there is foetal impairment, in cases of rape, incest and in situations of certain health and life-threatening medical conditions" (page 5).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Voluntary abortion is illegal and cannot be performed at a woman’s request in Guinea. It is only permitted when there is foetal impairment, in cases of rape, incest and in situations of certain health and life-threatening medical conditions" (page 5).
Nov. 10, 2025, 2:03 p.m.
Countries: Guinea
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is legal only to save the life or health of the pregnant person or in cases of rape, incest, minors’ pregnancies, or severe fetal impairment. In Guinea, abortion is legal to save the life of the mother; in the case of early pregnancy, rape, and incest; and when a fetus has a serious condition. In this case, the abortion must be authorized by medical specialists, who will justify their decision in a report. It can only be performed by a doctor in a suitable public or private institution. However, post-abortion care services are legal, though implementation and access remain mired by challenges" (para. 1).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is legal only to save the life or health of the pregnant person or in cases of rape, incest, minors’ pregnancies, or severe fetal impairment. In Guinea, abortion is legal to save the life of the mother; in the case of early pregnancy, rape, and incest; and when a fetus has a serious condition. In this case, the abortion must be authorized by medical specialists, who will justify their decision in a report. It can only be performed by a doctor in a suitable public or private institution. However, post-abortion care services are legal, though implementation and access remain mired by challenges" (para. 1).
Nov. 10, 2025, 1:53 p.m.
Countries: Guatemala
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is allowed only to protect the life of the mother; women who procure abortions can be jailed for as many as three years for procuring an abortion, or as little as six months if they are suffering from a psychiatric problem. Anyone who performs an abortion can be jailed for 1-3 years if the woman consents, or as many as six years if they performed it without the woman’s consent" (para 13).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is allowed only to protect the life of the mother; women who procure abortions can be jailed for as many as three years for procuring an abortion, or as little as six months if they are suffering from a psychiatric problem. Anyone who performs an abortion can be jailed for 1-3 years if the woman consents, or as many as six years if they performed it without the woman’s consent" (para 13).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:58 p.m.
Countries: Lesotho
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The procedure remains illegal except in cases of rape, incest, or when necessary to preserve the woman’s health. These restrictions are outlined in both the Counter Domestic Bill of 2022 and the Penal Code of 2010. Section 45 of the Penal Code permits abortion only in cases where the pregnant woman’s health is at risk or if the foetus has severe mental defects" (para 3-4).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The procedure remains illegal except in cases of rape, incest, or when necessary to preserve the woman’s health. These restrictions are outlined in both the Counter Domestic Bill of 2022 and the Penal Code of 2010. Section 45 of the Penal Code permits abortion only in cases where the pregnant woman’s health is at risk or if the foetus has severe mental defects" (para 3-4).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:51 p.m.
Countries: Lesotho
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion remains illegal while safe abortion guidelines are being developed in line with the Penal Code 2010" (4, 8).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion remains illegal while safe abortion guidelines are being developed in line with the Penal Code 2010" (4, 8).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:45 p.m.
Countries: Lesotho
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Behind the tightly controlled legal framework governing abortion in Lesotho, permitting termination only in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnant person’s life is at risk, a harrowing crisis unfolds in silence" (para 1). "Lesotho’s Penal Code Act of 2010 criminalises abortion, imposing a prison sentence of up to three years on anyone who willingly causes or induces the termination of a pregnancy. While there are limited exceptions, such as in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the pregnant person is at risk, these require stringent conditions, including a written opinion from a second medical practitioner" (para 11).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Behind the tightly controlled legal framework governing abortion in Lesotho, permitting termination only in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnant person’s life is at risk, a harrowing crisis unfolds in silence" (para 1). "Lesotho’s Penal Code Act of 2010 criminalises abortion, imposing a prison sentence of up to three years on anyone who willingly causes or induces the termination of a pregnancy. While there are limited exceptions, such as in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the pregnant person is at risk, these require stringent conditions, including a written opinion from a second medical practitioner" (para 11).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Liberia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Based on the current Liberian laws, abortion is only allowed under a limited set of conditions, including to save the life of a woman and to preserve physical or mental health, and when the pregnancy results from rape or incest or other felonious intercourse, and when the pregnancy has fetal impairment. However, two doctors must certify that a woman/girl meets these conditions before a pregnancy can be terminated, and only a doctor can perform the procedure" (para 6, 12).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Based on the current Liberian laws, abortion is only allowed under a limited set of conditions, including to save the life of a woman and to preserve physical or mental health, and when the pregnancy results from rape or incest or other felonious intercourse, and when the pregnancy has fetal impairment. However, two doctors must certify that a woman/girl meets these conditions before a pregnancy can be terminated, and only a doctor can perform the procedure" (para 6, 12).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: Liberia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Access to safe abortion is legally restricted in Liberia, forcing women to resolve unintended pregnancies through unsafe methods, leading to severe illnesses and deaths. Liberia’s Government has committed to addressing abortion-related maternal mortalities by availing comprehensive post-abortion care" (para 1). "Under the Liberian Penal Code (1978), abortion is highly restricted. Section 16.3 of the Penal Code provides justifiable grounds for abortion as follows: to save the life of the woman; to preserve the physical or mental health of the woman; for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or other felonious intercourse; or fetal impairment" (para 5).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Access to safe abortion is legally restricted in Liberia, forcing women to resolve unintended pregnancies through unsafe methods, leading to severe illnesses and deaths. Liberia’s Government has committed to addressing abortion-related maternal mortalities by availing comprehensive post-abortion care" (para 1). "Under the Liberian Penal Code (1978), abortion is highly restricted. Section 16.3 of the Penal Code provides justifiable grounds for abortion as follows: to save the life of the woman; to preserve the physical or mental health of the woman; for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or other felonious intercourse; or fetal impairment" (para 5).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:21 p.m.
Countries: Liberia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Liberia’s current Public Health Law—originally passed in 1950 and last revised in 1976—does not reflect modern health realities and leaves significant gaps in reproductive healthcare access. 'The law must move beyond criminalization to ensure access, dignity, and equality. [Libya] cannot continue operating under a legal framework that fails to protect the rights and lives of women and girls'" (para 7).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Liberia’s current Public Health Law—originally passed in 1950 and last revised in 1976—does not reflect modern health realities and leaves significant gaps in reproductive healthcare access. 'The law must move beyond criminalization to ensure access, dignity, and equality. [Libya] cannot continue operating under a legal framework that fails to protect the rights and lives of women and girls'" (para 7).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:12 p.m.
Countries: Moldova
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion in Moldova is legal on request until week 12 of pregnancy and generally permitted until 28 weeks for a broad variety of reasons determined by the Ministry of Health – until 22 weeks in cases of risks to health, fetal impairment, when pregnancy is the result of a crime or for social reasons, and until 28 weeks if the fetus has severe malformations or congenital syphilis. Abortions must be carried out in authorized medical facilities by obstetricians and gynaecologists" (para 8).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion in Moldova is legal on request until week 12 of pregnancy and generally permitted until 28 weeks for a broad variety of reasons determined by the Ministry of Health – until 22 weeks in cases of risks to health, fetal impairment, when pregnancy is the result of a crime or for social reasons, and until 28 weeks if the fetus has severe malformations or congenital syphilis. Abortions must be carried out in authorized medical facilities by obstetricians and gynaecologists" (para 8).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:07 p.m.
Countries: Libya
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Articles 390–395 of the Penal Code prohibit abortion, even in cases of rape or when pregnancy poses a risk to the health or life of the pregnant woman and punish both women and providers with imprisonment" (para 7).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Articles 390–395 of the Penal Code prohibit abortion, even in cases of rape or when pregnancy poses a risk to the health or life of the pregnant woman and punish both women and providers with imprisonment" (para 7).
Nov. 9, 2025, 6:03 p.m.
Countries: Lithuania
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"A group of Lithuanian lawmakers from the ruling bloc and the opposition have proposed legalising abortions by law, saying the current regulation that allows terminating pregnancies was confusing. The bill stipulates that abortion can be carried out surgically or medically, and that the service of medically assisted termination can be provided remotely at a pregnant woman's request" (para 1-2). "The proposed time limits would remain the same – pregnancies may be terminated up to the 12 weeks, and up to the 22 weeks in the case of medical indications. Abortions could also be carried out up to 22 weeks after rape or in the case of pregnancy resulting from incest"...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"A group of Lithuanian lawmakers from the ruling bloc and the opposition have proposed legalising abortions by law, saying the current regulation that allows terminating pregnancies was confusing. The bill stipulates that abortion can be carried out surgically or medically, and that the service of medically assisted termination can be provided remotely at a pregnant woman's request" (para 1-2). "The proposed time limits would remain the same – pregnancies may be terminated up to the 12 weeks, and up to the 22 weeks in the case of medical indications. Abortions could also be carried out up to 22 weeks after rape or in the case of pregnancy resulting from incest"...more
Nov. 9, 2025, 5:35 p.m.
Countries: Luxembourg
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"On Tuesday, lawmakers in Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies approved a measure abolishing the mandatory [3-day] "reflection period" previously required before an abortion. However, the legal timeframe for abortion – currently set at 12 weeks of pregnancy – remains unchanged" (para 1). "Separately, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) proposed extending the legal cut-off for abortions from 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Taina Bofferding, head of the LSAP parliamentary group, argued that the adjustment would grant women who discover pregnancies later more time to make informed decisions while allowing for better assessment of foetal health. However, the motion was rejected, with opponents citing concerns over the foetus' advanced development at...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"On Tuesday, lawmakers in Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies approved a measure abolishing the mandatory [3-day] "reflection period" previously required before an abortion. However, the legal timeframe for abortion – currently set at 12 weeks of pregnancy – remains unchanged" (para 1). "Separately, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) proposed extending the legal cut-off for abortions from 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Taina Bofferding, head of the LSAP parliamentary group, argued that the adjustment would grant women who discover pregnancies later more time to make informed decisions while allowing for better assessment of foetal health. However, the motion was rejected, with opponents citing concerns over the foetus' advanced development at...more
Nov. 9, 2025, 5:05 p.m.
Countries: Macedonia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"During the reporting period, North Macedonia had adopted a law permitting abortion from 12 to 17 weeks of pregnancy and regulations on abortion procedures. However, abortion medications had not been registered and procedures were not available in rural areas" (para 40).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"During the reporting period, North Macedonia had adopted a law permitting abortion from 12 to 17 weeks of pregnancy and regulations on abortion procedures. However, abortion medications had not been registered and procedures were not available in rural areas" (para 40).
Nov. 9, 2025, 4:08 p.m.
Countries: Madagascar
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Madagascar has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Africa, prohibiting abortion access in all cases... With no legal exceptions to preserve the life of the pregnant woman, this means that abortions are occurring illegally and in many cases in unsafe conditions" (para 1).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Madagascar has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Africa, prohibiting abortion access in all cases... With no legal exceptions to preserve the life of the pregnant woman, this means that abortions are occurring illegally and in many cases in unsafe conditions" (para 1).
Nov. 9, 2025, 4 p.m.
Countries: Madagascar
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Parliament continued to reject a bill drafted in 2021 that sought to decriminalize abortion, which remained illegal under all circumstances, despite the alarmingly high incidence of rape against girls, including instances involving incest" (para 16).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Parliament continued to reject a bill drafted in 2021 that sought to decriminalize abortion, which remained illegal under all circumstances, despite the alarmingly high incidence of rape against girls, including instances involving incest" (para 16).
Nov. 9, 2025, 3:57 p.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) bill was actually first proposed in 2015 by the Ministry of Health after seeing that 18% of maternal mortality in Malawi comes from unsafe abortion... There was of course a lot of pressure from the anti-abortion movement but eventually a consensus was reached that the bill would allow abortion access under certain grounds. Currently the law only allows for abortion where the pregnant woman’s life is in danger. The bill would expand to situations including pregnancy as a result of rape or incest, malformation of the fetus, and threats to the woman’s mental or physical health... It was written ten years ago but has still...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"The Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) bill was actually first proposed in 2015 by the Ministry of Health after seeing that 18% of maternal mortality in Malawi comes from unsafe abortion... There was of course a lot of pressure from the anti-abortion movement but eventually a consensus was reached that the bill would allow abortion access under certain grounds. Currently the law only allows for abortion where the pregnant woman’s life is in danger. The bill would expand to situations including pregnancy as a result of rape or incest, malformation of the fetus, and threats to the woman’s mental or physical health... It was written ten years ago but has still...more
Nov. 9, 2025, 3:47 p.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Malawi’s parliament has withdrawn an abortion bill from debate following opposition to the proposal to liberalize the country's law, which only allows abortions when the mother’s life is at risk" (para 1). "The current 160-year-old law criminalizes abortion, with the only exception being if the mother’s life is in danger. Offenders face up to 14 years in jail" (para 8).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Malawi’s parliament has withdrawn an abortion bill from debate following opposition to the proposal to liberalize the country's law, which only allows abortions when the mother’s life is at risk" (para 1). "The current 160-year-old law criminalizes abortion, with the only exception being if the mother’s life is in danger. Offenders face up to 14 years in jail" (para 8).
Nov. 9, 2025, 2:36 p.m.
Countries: Malaysia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Contrary to popular belief, termination of pregnancy or abortion has been legal in Malaysia for nearly half a decade, which has kept the number of unsafe abortions “low” in the country, according to an obstetrician and gynaecologist" (para 1). "Abortion in Malaysia is generally governed by Section 312 of the Penal Code, where the law provides for safe abortion to save a woman’s life and to preserve a woman’s physical and mental health" (para 2). "Under syariah rulings (fatwa) issued by the National Fatwa Committee, abortion is permissible within 120 days of gestation in cases where the woman’s life is at risk, or if the foetus is found to be...more
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Contrary to popular belief, termination of pregnancy or abortion has been legal in Malaysia for nearly half a decade, which has kept the number of unsafe abortions “low” in the country, according to an obstetrician and gynaecologist" (para 1). "Abortion in Malaysia is generally governed by Section 312 of the Penal Code, where the law provides for safe abortion to save a woman’s life and to preserve a woman’s physical and mental health" (para 2). "Under syariah rulings (fatwa) issued by the National Fatwa Committee, abortion is permissible within 120 days of gestation in cases where the woman’s life is at risk, or if the foetus is found to be...more
Nov. 9, 2025, 10:17 a.m.
Countries: Malaysia
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion has been lawful in Malaysia since 1989 when Section 312 of the Penal Code was amended to allow termination of pregnancy to preserve a woman’s life or physical or mental health. Yet confusion, stigma and uneven service availability push many, such as this young woman in Melaka, to unsafe, clandestine and illicit options" (para 4).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion has been lawful in Malaysia since 1989 when Section 312 of the Penal Code was amended to allow termination of pregnancy to preserve a woman’s life or physical or mental health. Yet confusion, stigma and uneven service availability push many, such as this young woman in Melaka, to unsafe, clandestine and illicit options" (para 4).
Nov. 9, 2025, 9:18 a.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is illegal except to save the woman's life, and women can face imprisonment" (para 16).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Abortion is illegal except to save the woman's life, and women can face imprisonment" (para 16).
Nov. 9, 2025, 9:12 a.m.
Countries: Mali
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Self-administered abortion is also common because of Mali’s restrictive abortion laws, which prohibit all abortions except in cases of rape or where a pregnancy threatens the mother’s life" (para 34).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Self-administered abortion is also common because of Mali’s restrictive abortion laws, which prohibit all abortions except in cases of rape or where a pregnancy threatens the mother’s life" (para 34).
Nov. 9, 2025, 9:05 a.m.
Countries: Mali
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"[A]bortion in Mali is legal only in cases of incest and rape, or if the life of the woman is endangered" (para 2).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"[A]bortion in Mali is legal only in cases of incest and rape, or if the life of the woman is endangered" (para 2).
Nov. 9, 2025, 8:53 a.m.
Countries: Mali
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Malian law prohibits abortion except in exceptional cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother. This means that most young women who want to have an abortion do so clandestinely" (para 32, 44). "[I]n Mali abortion is only allowed in cases of rape, incest, or fetal malformation, and to save the life of the mother if she is in danger" (para 36).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"Malian law prohibits abortion except in exceptional cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother. This means that most young women who want to have an abortion do so clandestinely" (para 32, 44). "[I]n Mali abortion is only allowed in cases of rape, incest, or fetal malformation, and to save the life of the mother if she is in danger" (para 36).
Nov. 9, 2025, 7:46 a.m.
Countries: Malta
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"But this stands in sharp contrast with its near-total abortion ban: the nation of a half a million is home to the EU’s most restrictive abortion law, criminalising terminations even in cases of rape and foetal anomalies" (para 13).
Variables: ABO-LAW-1
"But this stands in sharp contrast with its near-total abortion ban: the nation of a half a million is home to the EU’s most restrictive abortion law, criminalising terminations even in cases of rape and foetal anomalies" (para 13).