Countries Where Abortion Is Illegal

Abortion was illegal in Argentina except in cases of rape or when the mother's life was in danger until December 2020, when the country's senate legalized abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy. The historic decision came after years of campaigning by women's rights activists and was celebrated as a major victory for reproductive rights in Latin America. However, the issue remains controversial in the predominantly Catholic country, with opposition from conservative groups and the Catholic Church.

Abortion is illegal in Brazil, except in cases of rape, fetal anencephaly, or if the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman's life. However, access to safe and legal abortions is limited, and many women resort to unsafe methods, which can lead to serious health complications and even death. The issue of abortion is highly controversial in Brazil, with religious and conservative groups opposing any liberalization of the law, while women's rights activists and healthcare professionals argue that women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Abortion in Canada is legal and accessible, and is considered a medically necessary procedure covered by the country's publicly funded healthcare system. Abortion is regulated under the Canada Health Act, which allows for abortion to be performed in hospitals and clinics. There are no legal restrictions on abortion in Canada, and it is up to the woman to make the decision to terminate her pregnancy. However, some provinces have regulations around access to abortion, such as mandatory waiting periods and counseling. Overall, Canada has relatively liberal laws regarding abortion, which are generally supported by the population.

In Denmark, abortion is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in certain circumstances, up to 22 weeks. Abortion is available to all women and is publicly funded, which means that it is free of charge. There is no mandatory waiting period or counseling required before an abortion can be performed, but women are offered counseling if they wish. Denmark has one of the lowest rates of unintended pregnancy and abortion in the world, which is attributed to its comprehensive sex education, easy access to contraception, and liberal abortion laws.

In France, abortion is legal and accessible up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and up to 14 weeks in cases of medical necessity. The law also allows for abortion after 12 weeks in cases of fetal abnormality or serious risk to the mother's health. Abortions are covered by the national health insurance system, and there are no mandatory waiting periods or requirements for counseling. However, minors must have parental consent to undergo the procedure. Despite the availability of legal abortion, there is still some societal stigma and controversy surrounding the issue in France.

Georgia, the country located in the Caucasus region, has a restrictive Georgia abortion law that allows the procedure only in cases of rape or incest, fetal abnormalities, or if the mother's life is in danger. Despite the limited legality of abortion, reports suggest that a significant number of illegal abortions are performed in the country, leading to complications and even deaths. The issue of abortion remains controversial in Georgia, with ongoing debates and protests by both pro-life and pro-choice groups.

In Germany, abortion is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but with certain restrictions. The woman must receive mandatory counseling before the procedure, and there is a three-day waiting period before the abortion can be performed. After 12 weeks, abortion is only allowed in cases of medical necessity or if the pregnancy is the result of sexual assault. In recent years, there has been political debate around loosening some of these restrictions, but the issue remains contentious.

Abortion in India is legal under certain circumstances, including when the continuation of the pregnancy could endanger the woman's life or pose a threat to her physical or mental health. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 sets out the guidelines and procedures for obtaining safe abortions, and allows for abortions up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, despite the legal provisions, unsafe abortions still occur, particularly in rural areas where access to safe and legal abortion services is limited. Efforts are being made to improve access to safe abortion services and to address social stigmas surrounding abortion in India.

Abortion was illegal in Ireland until 2018, when the country held a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment of the Irish Constitution, which effectively banned abortion except in cases where the mother's life was at risk. The referendum passed with a two-thirds majority, allowing the government to legalize abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and in certain circumstances thereafter. This marked a significant shift in Ireland's social and political landscape, as the country had been known for its strict anti-abortion laws and conservative attitudes towards reproductive rights.

In Israel, abortion is legal and available for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of fetal anomalies, risk to the mother's physical or mental health, or in cases of rape or incest. After 24 weeks, abortion may be performed only if the woman's life is in danger or if there is a high risk of serious fetal anomaly. Abortion services are covered by the national health insurance and must be performed in a hospital or approved clinic. However, there are restrictions on abortion for unmarried women under the age of 18, and a mandatory waiting period and counseling are required before the procedure can be performed.

Abortion in Japan is legal and widely accepted, although there are certain restrictions in place. The procedure can be performed on request up to 22 weeks into the pregnancy, and beyond that in cases of medical necessity or fetal abnormality. Despite the legality of abortion, there is still some stigma attached to the practice, and access to abortion services can be limited in certain areas. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about the morality and ethics of abortion in Japan, with some conservative voices advocating for stricter regulations.

Abortion in Mexico is a complex and controversial issue, as laws and regulations vary across the country's different states. In some states, abortion is legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, while in others, it is only allowed in cases of rape or if the mother's life is at risk. However, there are still several states in Mexico where abortion is completely illegal, making it difficult for women to access safe and legal abortion services. The debate around abortion in Mexico is ongoing, with advocates pushing for greater reproductive rights and access to healthcare, while opponents argue for the protection of the rights of the unborn child.

Abortion in Poland is heavily restricted, with only a few exceptions where it is legally allowed. In January 2021, the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland ruled that abortion in cases of fetal abnormalities is unconstitutional, sparking widespread protests and condemnation both domestically and internationally. The decision effectively banned most legal abortions in the country, leading many women to seek unsafe and illegal procedures or travel to other countries for the procedure. The issue remains highly contentious in Polish society, with advocates for reproductive rights continuing to push for greater access to safe and legal abortion.

In Russia, abortion is legal and widely available. It was legalized in 1955 and remains one of the most common forms of birth control in the country. However, the Russian government has recently been taking steps to try and reduce the number of abortions, citing concerns about the country's declining population. In 2011, the government introduced a law requiring women seeking abortions to receive mandatory counseling and a waiting period of at least 48 hours before the procedure can be performed. Despite these efforts, Russia still has the highest abortion rate in the world.

Abortion is generally illegal in Saudi Arabia except in cases where the pregnancy poses a serious threat to the woman's life or health. The country adheres to a strict interpretation of Islamic law, which considers abortion as the destruction of a life and therefore forbidden unless it is necessary to save the mother's life. Those who are found guilty of performing or undergoing an abortion may face severe legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

In Spain, abortion is legal during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and can be performed up to 22 weeks in cases where the mother's health is at risk or the fetus has serious abnormalities. The decision to have an abortion is ultimately up to the woman, but there are some requirements, such as a mandatory three-day waiting period after requesting the procedure, and mandatory counseling for women under 18 years old. Abortion is a controversial issue in Spain, with some religious and conservative groups opposing it, while others see it as a necessary reproductive right for women.

In Ukraine, abortion is legal and widely available, with no restrictions on access up to 12 weeks of gestation. After 12 weeks, a woman may still obtain an abortion if she meets certain criteria, such as if her life is in danger or if the pregnancy poses a significant threat to her health. However, there are some societal stigmas surrounding abortion in Ukraine, and many women face judgment or discrimination for choosing to terminate a pregnancy. Additionally, there have been concerns about the quality of abortion services in the country, with some women experiencing complications or receiving inadequate care.

Abortion is a highly debated and controversial topic in the United States, with polarizing opinions and beliefs on both sides. The landmark Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade in 1973 established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion, but it was overturned in 2022, enabling states to ban abortion. Many states have since implemented various restrictions and regulations on abortion access, leading to ongoing legal battles and protests.

Abortion is legal in Vietnam and is widely available in both public and private healthcare facilities. The government has implemented policies to promote family planning and birth control, including offering free or low-cost contraceptives and education programs. Despite these efforts, however, unsafe abortions still occur, particularly among disadvantaged and rural populations who may lack access to proper medical care. In recent years, there has been growing awareness and advocacy for women's reproductive rights in Vietnam, including calls for expanded access to safe and legal abortion services.