Country or Region | |
---|---|
Colombia |
No
Read more On requestNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) |
Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
Economic or social reasonsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 16) Additional notesThe regulations indicate that health professionals must take into account the risk to social well-being of the pregnant woman or person, while considering grounds for interruption of pregnancy. |
Foetal impairmentNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) Additional notesAbortion is permitted when there is serious malformation of the fetus that makes its life unfeasible. |
RapeYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
IncestYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo |
Mental healthYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 16) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
Physical healthYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 16) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
HealthYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 16) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
LifeYes Gestational limitNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
OtherThe pregnancy is the result of a criminal act of unwanted artificial insemination or unwanted implantation of a fertilized ovum. When there is serious malformation of the fetus that makes its life unfeasible. Additional notesThe decision to perform the legal abortion, should be taken in each case with a weight of: (i) the grounds in question, (ii) medical criteria supported in particular physical and mental condition pregnant women and, in any case, (iii) the desire of it. And like all medical intervention should be preceded by an appropriate informed consent to perform the procedure and its risks and benefits. (Judicial decision, source 6). Judges lack the competence to define the gestational age, and they cannot deny access to a legal abortion based on this point (Judicial decision, source 9). Related documents: |
Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
Authorization of health professional(s)No WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 81) Additional notesOnly in cases of pregnancies greater than the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation, health professionals must identify the configuration of any of the grounds contained in the Constitutional Court ruling C-355 of 2006. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. To establish an enabling environment, there is a need for abortion care to be integrated into the health system across all levels (including primary, secondary and tertiary) – and supported in the community – to allow for expansion of health worker roles, including self-management approaches. To ensure both access to abortion and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), abortion must be centred within primary health care (PHC), which itself is fully integrated within the health system, facilitating referral pathways for higher-level care when needed. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 52) |
Judicial authorization for minorsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 81) |
Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) |
Police report required in case of rapeYes Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 64) Additional notesWhen the woman is under 14 years old, the police report is not required. Related documents: |
Parental consent required for minorsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 81) |
Spousal consentNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 81) |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The right to refuse information, including the right to refuse viewing ultrasound images, must be respected. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against the use of ultrasound scanning as a prerequisite for providing abortion services for both medical and surgical abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.5. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 85) |
Compulsory counsellingNo Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 77) |
Compulsory waiting periodNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mandatory waiting periods delay access to abortion, sometimes to the extent that women’s access to abortion or choice of abortion method is restricted. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against mandatory waiting periods for abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 79) Additional notesHealth care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. Related documents: |
Mandatory HIV screening testNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 59) |
Other mandatory STI screening testsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 59) |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement. Source document: Preventing Gender-Biased Sex Selection (page 17) |
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 74) Additional notes“When a public official makes public pronouncements on sexual and reproductive health issues such as voluntary termination of pregnancy, he should not issue erroneous or unfounded information as this violates the right to reproductive information.” |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines § 4.2.1.4. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) |
Other |
Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 50) Additional notesIn a 2022, the Constitutional Court asked the government to "formulate and implement a comprehensive public policy -including the legislative and administrative measures that are required, according to the case. This policy must contain, at a minimum, (i) clear disclosure of the options available to pregnant women during and after pregnancy, (ii) the elimination of any obstacle to the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights recognized in this judgment, (iii) the existence of pregnancy prevention and planning instruments, (iv) the development of educational programs on sexual and reproductive education for all people, (v) accompaniment measures for pregnant mothers that include adoption options, among others, and (vi) measures that guarantee the rights of those born in circumstances of pregnant women who wished to abort. Related documents: |
Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes (15 WEEKS)
Dilatation and evacuationYes (More than 15 WEEKS)
Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (15 WEEKS)
Misoprostol onlyYes (10 WEEKS) Misoprostol only can be used when Mifepristone is not available.
Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 101) Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 103) The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 106) The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 106) |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Pharmacy selling or distributionYes, with prescription only No information is provided as to where mifepristone must be dispensed. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 55) Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 55) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesYes, with prescription only No information is provided as to where mifepristone must be dispensed. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 55) |
Where can abortion services be providedRelated documents:
Primary health-care centresYes
Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes
Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes
Private health-care centres or clinicsYes
NGO health-care centres or clinicsYes
Other (if applicable)Abortion services shall be provided at all care levels. Medical abortion before 12 weeks of gestation can be carried out on an outpatient basis. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 48) |
National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 50) |
Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes The Technical Guidelines on comprehensive abortion care outline a number of specific requirements concerning infrastructure and equipment. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsYes Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 133) |
Contraception included in post-abortion careYes Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 126) |
Insurance to offset end user costsYes Induced abortion for all womenYes It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with.
Foreign women and pregnant persons in regular or irregular migratory status may access the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If the migratory condition allows the connection of the person to the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), the procedures for the voluntary interruption of the pregnancy will be attended in accordance with the Health Benefits Plan, if the person is an irregular migrant without the possibility of linking to the system, access to said procedure, as well as other care related to pregnancy will be considered essential, urgent and will be exempt from charges. Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with.
Foreign women and pregnant persons in regular or irregular migratory status may access the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If the migratory condition allows the connection of the person to the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), the procedures for the voluntary interruption of the pregnancy will be attended in accordance with the Health Benefits Plan, if the person is an irregular migrant without the possibility of linking to the system, access to said procedure, as well as other care related to pregnancy will be considered essential, urgent and will be exempt from charges. Abortion complicationsYes It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with.
Foreign women and pregnant persons in regular or irregular migratory status may access the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If the migratory condition allows the connection of the person to the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), the procedures for the voluntary interruption of the pregnancy will be attended in accordance with the Health Benefits Plan, if the person is an irregular migrant without the possibility of linking to the system, access to said procedure, as well as other care related to pregnancy will be considered essential, urgent and will be exempt from charges. Private health coverageYes It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with.
Foreign women and pregnant persons in regular or irregular migratory status may access the voluntary termination of pregnancy. If the migratory condition allows the connection of the person to the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), the procedures for the voluntary interruption of the pregnancy will be attended in accordance with the Health Benefits Plan, if the person is an irregular migrant without the possibility of linking to the system, access to said procedure, as well as other care related to pregnancy will be considered essential, urgent and will be exempt from charges. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 53) |
Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:
NurseNo
Midwife/nurse-midwifeNo
Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Some guidelines specify that a general practitioner (médico generalista) can perform abortions up to 15 weeks of gestation when he/she is trained.
Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes
Other (if applicable)Nursing auxiliaries, midwives, community health agents, as well as traditional and complementary medicine agents will be able to participate in the orientation and support voluntary interruption of pregnancy. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against regulation on who can provide and manage abortion that is inconsistent with WHO guidance. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.8. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 97) |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityYes
Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes
Minimum number of bedsYes
Other (if applicable)Minimum requirements for health service providers and for the provision of gynaecological health services, including periodic professional clinical and human rights training.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There is no single recommended approach to providing abortion services. The choice of specific health worker(s) (from among the recommended options) or management by the individual themself, and the location of service provision (from among recommended options) will depend on the values and preferences of the woman, girl or other pregnant person, available resources, and the national and local context. A plurality of service-delivery approaches can co-exist within any given context. Given that service-delivery approaches can be diverse, it is important to ensure that for the individual seeking care, the range of service-delivery options taken together will provide access to scientifically accurate, understandable information at all stages; access to quality-assured medicines (including those for pain management); back-up referral support if desired or needed; linkages to an appropriate choice of contraceptive services for those who want post-abortion contraception. Best Practice Statement 49 on service delivery. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 132) |
Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
Public sector providersRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 98) Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Private sector providersRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 98) Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Provider type not specifiedYes Related documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 98) Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 98) Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Public facilitiesNo Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 48) |
Private facilitiesNo Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 48) |
Facility type not specifiedNo Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 48) |
Neither Type of Facility PermittedYes Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 48) |
Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 62) |
PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 62) |
PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 62) |
PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. |
PenaltiesArticle 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62. Source document: WHO Abortion Care Guideline (page 62) |