Countries - GAPD - The Global Abortion Policies Database

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Abortion at the woman's request

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Africa
Algeria	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Algeria - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Angola	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 58) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Benin	No Read more On request No Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Benin Penal Code 2018 (page 121) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Interruption of pregnancy can be authorized on the demand of the pregnant woman up until 12 weeks gestation, when the pregnancy is susceptible to cause or aggravate a material, educational, professional or moral distress that is incompatible with the interest of the woman or the baby to born.
Benin - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2003 (page 18 ) Law on the Child 2015 (page 73) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Botswana	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Botswana Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Burkina Faso	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 2018 (page 196) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Burkina Faso - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 2018 (page 196) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Burundi	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 142 ) Health Care and Services Act 2020 (page 15) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Burundi - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 142) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cabo Verde	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Constitution, 2010 (page 29 ) Law and Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1 ) Resolution ratifying Maputo Protocol (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Law and Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cabo Verde - April 2020	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law and Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Law and Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cameroon	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 2016 (page 129) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cameroon - August 2021	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 1967 (page 86) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Central African Republic	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 13 ) Reproductive Health Law 2006 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Central African Republic - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 13) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chad	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law on the Promotion of Reproductive Health 2002 (page 3 ) Penal Code 2017 (page 74) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chad - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law on the Promotion of Reproductive Health 2002 (page 3 ) Penal Code 2017 (page 74) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Comoros	No Read more On request No Related documents: Comoros Penal Code (page 61 ) Comoros Public Health Law, 1995 (page 21) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Comoros - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Comoros Penal Code (page 61) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Congo	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 48 ) Code of Ethics for Health and Social Affairs Professions 1988 (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Congo - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 48) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cote D'ivoire	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 2019 (page 40) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cote D'ivoire - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 1981 (page 88) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Democratic Republic of Congo	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 45 ) Medical Ethics Rules (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Democratic Republic of Congo - May 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 45 ) Medical Ethics Rules (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Democratic Republic of Congo - October 2021	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 45 ) Medical Ethics Rules (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Djibouti	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 139) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Egypt	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 93) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Equatorial Guinea	No data found Read more On request No data found Where there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes A law on abortion – Ley Nº 1/1991, de fecha 4 de abril 1991, Reguladora del Aborto – exists but could not be accessed.
Eritrea	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 204) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Eswatini	No Read more On request No Related documents: The Constitution, 2005 (page 15) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Eswatini - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: The Constitution, 2005 (page 15) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ethiopia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Ethiopia Criminal Code, Proclamation No. 414/2004, 9 May 2005 (page 186) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Gabon	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code Amendments, 2021 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Gabon - June 2021	No Read more On request No Related documents: Gabon Penal Code, 2019 (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Gambia	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Gambia Womens Act, 2010 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Gambia - May 2017	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code Chapters XII to XXIII WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ghana	No Read more On request No Related documents: Criminal Code (Act 29) (1960). (page 42) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guinea	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2016 (page 54 ) Reproductive Health Law, 2000 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guinea - April 2020	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 68) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guinea - October 2021	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 68 ) Reproductive Health Law, 2000 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guinea-Bissau	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes According to the 1993 Penal Code, abortion is a crime in cases where it is caused against the woman’s wish or without her consent or outside an adequate health facility or by someone who is not a trained professional. The Penal Code does not stipulate grounds. The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Related documents: Penal Code (page 15)
Kenya	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitution of Kenya Kenya Penal Code Health Act, 2017 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kenya - May 2017	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitution of Kenya Kenya Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kenya - November 2021	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitution of Kenya Kenya Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Lesotho	No Read more On request No Related documents: Lesotho Penal Code (page 24) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Liberia	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Law - Title 26 - Liberian Code of Laws Revised. § 16.3. Abortion. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Libya	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 129) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Madagascar	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code 1998 (page 42 ) Health Code 2011 (page 25) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mali	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 38) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mauritania	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mauritania Penal Code (page 59 ) Law 2017 025 relating to reproductive health, 2017 (page 5 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mauritania - February 2019	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mauritania Penal Code (page 59) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mauritius	No Read more On request No Related documents: Criminal Code (CAP 195) of Mauritius (page 55) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Morocco	No Read more On request No Related documents: Morocco Penal Code (Code pénal: consolidation 04-06-2015) Pages 165-166 (page 164) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mozambique	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code, 2019 (page 21 ) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Penal Code, 2019 (page 21 ) Ministerial Decree on abortion, 2017 (page 1111) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mozambique - June 2021	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code 2013 (page 21 ) Ministerial Decree on abortion, 2017 (page 1111) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Penal Code 2013 (page 21 ) Ministerial Decree on abortion, 2017 (page 1111) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Article 168(1 ) lists a range of grounds where abortion is permissible, and several have gestational limits associated with them. Article 168(5) states that abortion with the consent of the woman is not punishable if carried out within the first 12 weeks. Article 168(5) cannot condition the grounds in 168(1) since several of those have specific, and higher, gestational limits. For example clause c has a limit of 24 weeks, and in the guidelines d and e have higher gestational limits as well. Therefore article 168(5) seems to refer to abortion on request in the first 12 weeks, unlinked to any requirement for reasons as listed in Article 168(1) or the guidelines.
Mozambique - November 2021	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code, 2019 (page 21 ) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Penal Code, 2019 (page 21 ) Ministerial Decree on abortion, 2017 (page 1111) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Namibia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Abortion and Sterilisation Act of 1975 (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Niger	No Read more On request No Related documents: Niger Penal Code 2008 (page 54 ) Reproductive Health Law 2006 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nigeria	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Nigeria, three systems of criminal law are applicable to abortion: the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act (No. 25 of 1960) (applicable in the northern states), the Criminal Code Act, Chapter 77 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 (applicable in the southern states) and province-level Sharia penal legislation applicable in twelve northern provinces.
Northern Nigeria (Nigeria)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Northern Nigeria National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications 2018 (page 12) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Province-level Sharia penal legislation applicable in the twelve northern provinces regulate abortion could not be accessed in official online versions.
Southern Nigeria (Nigeria)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Rwanda	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law on Offences and Penalties, 2018 (page 122) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Rwanda - July 2019	No Read more On request No Related documents: N° 01/2012/OL OF 02/05/2012: Organic Law Instituting the Penal Code (page 209) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sao Tome and Principe	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Sao Tome and Principe Penal Code (page 40) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Sao Tome and Principe Penal Code (page 40) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Senegal	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 50 ) Law on Reproductive Health, 2005 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Seychelles	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Act Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sierra Leone	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Offences Against the Person Act, 1861 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes As confirmed by the Parliamentary Division of the Law Officers’ Department, the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 is in force in Sierra Leone.
Somalia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Provisional Constitution of Somalia, 2012 (page 12 ) Somalia Penal Code (Legislative Decree No. 5 of 16 December 1962) (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
South Africa	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Amended Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act (2008) (page 4 ) National Guideline for Implementation of Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2019 (page 13) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Amended Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act (2008) (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
South Sudan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 116) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sudan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Sudan Penal Code 1991 (page 64) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Togo	No Read more On request No Related documents: Public Health Code, 2009 (page 19 ) Reproductive Health Law (page 4 ) Penal Code, 2015 (page 152) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Togo - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Public Health Code, 2009 (page 19 ) Reproductive Health Law (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tunisia	Gestational limit: 3 months Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code 2010 (page 76) Gestational limit Weeks: 3 months Penal Code 2010 (page 76) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Uganda	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitution, 1995 Penal Code Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Uganda - May 2017	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitution, 1995 Penal Code Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
United Republic of Tanzania	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
United Republic of Tanzania - November 2018	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Zimbabwe	No Read more On request No Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1977 (page 2 ) National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion care, 2014 (page 8) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Asia
Afghanistan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (1976) (page 130) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Armenia	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law of the Republic of Armenia on reproductive health and reproductive rightsApproved 11.12.2002 (page 7) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law of the Republic of Armenia on reproductive health and reproductive rightsApproved 11.12.2002 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Azerbaijan	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on the protection of public health (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on the protection of public health (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bahrain	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1976 (page 57- Arabic ) Penal Code, 1976 (page 93- English ) Legislative Decree on the Practice of Human Medicine and Dentistry, 1989 (page 5- Arabic ) Legislative Decree on the Practice of Human Medicine and Dentistry, 1989 (page 6- English ) Departmental Policy and Processes, Ministry of Health (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bangladesh	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1860 (page 67) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bhutan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 38 ) Standard Guidelines for the health workers on management of complications of abortion (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Brunei Darussalam	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2013 (page 75) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cambodia	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Abortion, 1997 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Abortion, 1997 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
China	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: Technical Guidance for Commonly Used Family Planning Techniques, 2003 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Technical Guidance for Commonly Used Family Planning Techniques, 2003 Law of the People's Republic of China on Maternal and Infant Health Care, 2005 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Hong Kong (China)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Offences against the Person Ordinance, 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cyprus	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law amending the Criminal Code, 2018 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law amending the Criminal Code, 2018 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea	No data Read more On request No data found WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Georgia	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Rules for the Implementation of Abortion, 2014 (page 17 ) Law on Healthcare (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Abortion for expanded medical and social indications can be performed beyond 22 weeks of gestation if considered necessary by the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs. Rules for the Implementation of Abortion, 2014 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
India - October 2019	No Read more On request No Related documents: Comprehensive Abortion Care Training and Service Delivery Guidelines, 2018 (page 26 ) Penal Code, 1860 (page 140) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Indonesia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 56) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Iran	No Read more On request No Related documents: Islamic Penal Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran (page 19) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Iraq	No Read more On request No Related documents: The First Amendment to Instructions to Health Committees (page 2 ) Penal Code (page 77) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Israel	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Law (page 94) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Japan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Maternal Health Act, 1948 (page 3 ) Penal Code (page 70) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jordan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1960 (page 43 ) National Health Law, 2008 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kazakhstan	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Reproductive Rights (page 9) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Reproductive Rights (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kuwait	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1960 (page 19) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kyrgyzstan	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Reproductive Rights, 2007 (page 4 ) Law on Health Protection, 2005 (page 18) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Reproductive Rights, 2007 (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Lao People's Democratic Republic	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Unsafe Abortion and Care guidelines, 2016 Penal Code, 2017 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Under Article 36 of the Penal Code, if an individual takes action “to safeguard his/her own or another individual's life, health, or legitimate rights and interests” against public danger, it is considered a defence. As per article 37 any act “taken in a state of necessity” is also a defence and includes an act necessary to avoid threats against his/her own or another individual's life, health, or legitimate rights and interests. Neither provision specifically mentions abortions. The 2016 guidelines list the following as a considering indication: Based on the request of woman. While no gestational limit is specified, the following is listed as an "example" - For example, woman has many children (more than 4 children), poor woman and gestational age is not more than 12 weeks, and must be given counselling and obtain agreement from head of obstetric and gynecology unit. Related documents: Unsafe Abortion and Care guidelines, 2016 (page 7 ) Penal Code, 2017 (page 11)
Lao People's Democratic Republic - May 2017	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code, 1990 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Lebanon	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Malaysia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2006 (page 126) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Maldives	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2014 (page 126) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Penal Code only criminalizes termination of pregnancies performed after 120 days, except for those performed where the mother is at risk or the pregnancy results from sexual assault or incest. Additional source documents are known to exist, but could not be accessed, and may be relevant, including Nuthufaa Naththaalumai, hayyarun nattuvailumaai dhari vattalumaa behey and Sikhee Khidhumathuge Bill 24/2015.
Maldives - May 2017	No data found Read more On request No data found Where there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Several relevant documents are known to exist but could not be accessed: Penal Code 2014, “Nuthufaa Naththaalumai, hayyarun nattuvailumaai dhari vattalumaa behey” and “Sikhee Khidhumathuge Bill 24/2015.”
Mongolia	Gestational limit: 14 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Mongolia Guidelines for Abortion Care, 2004 (page 10) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 weeks Mongolia Guidelines for Abortion Care, 2004 (page 10 ) National Abortion Standards (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Myanmar	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 105) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nepal	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: The Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act, 2018 (page 7) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 National Safe Abortion Policy, 2003 (page 6 ) The Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act, 2018 (page 7 ) Comprehensive Abortion Care Integrated Reference Manual, 2015 (page 20) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Oman	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 35) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Pakistan	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1860 (page 80) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Philippines	No Read more On request No Related documents: An Act Revising the Penal Code and Other Penal Laws, 1930 (page 69) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Qatar	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2004 (page 70 ) Practice of Physicians, Surgeons, and Dentists, 1983 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Republic of Korea	No Read more On request No Related documents: Republic of Korea: Criminal Act (page 23 ) Mother and Child Health Act (page 5 ) Constitutional Court decision, 2019 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Saudi Arabia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Laws pertaining to Practice of Health Professions, 2005 (page 16) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Singapore	Gestational limit: 24 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Act as Amneded, 1985 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 24 weeks Termination of Pregnancy Act as Amneded, 1985 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sri Lanka	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 96) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Syrian Arab Republic	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 48) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tajikistan	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Law on Protection of Population Health, 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Law on Health Protection states that induced abortion, including for social and health reasons, may be carried out at the request of the pregnant woman and that a list of medical indications is to be approved by the Ministry of Health while a list of social indications is to be approved by the government. Guidelines by the Ministry of Health “Indications and order of performing an induced abortion”, an Order of the Minister of Health on the approval of a list of social indications for abortion and an order of the Minister of Health containing National Standards for the safe abortion and post abortion care exist but are not reflected here as they could not be translated.
Thailand	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Thailand Penal Code Amendment, 2021 (page 1 ) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Thailand Penal Code Amendment, 2021 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Timor Leste	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2009 (page 42) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Turkey	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Abortion Law, 1983 (page 2 ) Regulations Concerning the Administration and Control of Womb Evacuation and Sterilization (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Abortion Law, 1983 (page 2 ) Regulations Concerning the Administration and Control of Womb Evacuation and Sterilization (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Turkmenistan	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Public Health (page 23) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Public Health (page 23) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
United Arab Emirates	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1987 (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Uzbekistan	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Induced Abortion Standards, 2013 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Induced Abortion Standards, 2013 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Vietnam	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Protection of People's Health, 1989 (page 6) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Law on Protection of People's Health, 1989 Population Ordinance Implementation of Population Ordinance WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Yemen	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law on Crimes and Punishments (page 18) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Europe
Albania	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law Nr. 8045 "On The Interruption of Pregnancy" (page 7) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Women can access abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation in cases where they consider that the pregnancy causes them psychological problems. Law Nr. 8045 "On The Interruption of Pregnancy" (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Women can access abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation in cases where they consider that the pregnancy causes them psychological problems.
Andorra	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 24) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Austria	Gestational limit: Within the first three months of pregnancy Read more On request Yes Related documents: Criminal Code (page 27) Gestational limit Weeks: Within the first three months of pregnancy Criminal Code (page 27) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Belarus	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Healthcare 2014 (page 13) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Healthcare 2014 (page 13) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Belgium	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on interruption of pregnancy, 2018 (page 38) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Law on interruption of pregnancy, 2018 (page 38) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Belgium - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 86) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes This questionnaire reflects the legal and policy sources that apply in the two autonomous entities that comprise Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Law of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Law on Health Protection WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)	Gestational limit: 10 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Conditions and Procedure for Termination of the Pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 weeks Law on Conditions and Procedure for Termination of the Pregnancy (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bulgaria	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Ordinance No 2 on Conditions and Procedures for the Artificial Termination of pregnancy (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Ordinance No 2 on Conditions and Procedures for the Artificial Termination of pregnancy (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Croatia	Gestational limit: 10 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Abortion Law, 1978 (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 weeks Abortion Law, 1978 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Czech Republic	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Abortion, 1986 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Abortion, 1986 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Denmark	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Health Act (page 25) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Health Act (page 25) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Estonia	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Pregnancy Termination and Sterilization (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Pregnancy Termination and Sterilization (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Finland	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Law on Abortion, 1970 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
France	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Public Health Code Last Updated, 2021 (page 311) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Public Health Code Last Updated, 2021 (page 311) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
France - May 2018	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Public Health Code, 2013 (page 403) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Public Health Code, 2013 (page 403) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Germany	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Criminal Code (page 110) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 The number of weeks given refers to weeks since conception. Criminal Code (page 110 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In the federal state of Bavaria, to obtain the counselling certificate required for an abortion within the first 12 weeks of gestation, the woman must state the reason why she wishes to have an abortion during the mandatory counselling session. Related documents: Germany Bavaria Pregnancy Counselling Law, 1996 (page 4)
Germany - April 2020	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Criminal Code (page 110) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 The number of weeks given refers to weeks since conception. Criminal Code (page 110 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In the federal state of Bavaria, to obtain the counselling certificate required for an abortion within the first 12 weeks of gestation, the woman must state the reason why she wishes to have an abortion during the mandatory counselling session. Related documents: Germany Bavaria Pregnancy Counselling Law, 1996 (page 4)
Greece	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 109) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Penal Code (page 109) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Holy See / Vatican City State	No Read more On request No Related documents: Code of Canon Law Canons - 1397 and 1398 (page 1 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Under the Code of Canon Law, abortion is treated as a 'delict against human life and freedom' under Title VI (1). The Code of Canon Law states: "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs a late sententiae excommunication." (1) Canon 1398 does not specifically mention accomplices. Canon 1329.2 states: "Accomplices who are not named in a law or precept incur a late sententiae penalty attached to a delict if without their assistance the delict would not have been committed, and the penalty is of such a nature that it can affect them; otherwise, they can be punished by ferendae sententiae penalties." (2) The Code of Canon Law defines penalties as follows: "Generally, a penalty is ferendae sententiae, so that it does not bind the guilty party until after it has been imposed; if the law or precept expressly establishes it, however, a penalty is late sententiae, so that it is incurred ipso facto when the delict is committed." (3) The Code of Canon Law makes stipulations regarding persons who "are not subject to a penalty when they have violated a law or precept" which are relevant to abortion (2, Canon 1323). It further sets out cases in which "the perpetrator of a violation is not exempt from a penalty, but the penalty established by law or precept must be tempered or a penance employed in its place if the delict was committed" (2, Canon 1324). In an Apostolic Letter on 20 November 2016, Pope Francis stated: “I henceforth grant to all priests, in virtue of their ministry, the faculty to absolve those who have committed the sin of procured abortion.” The Letter can be accessed at: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20161120_misericordia-et-misera.html According to the 2008 Act on the Sources of Law, the Vatican legal system recognizes the Code of Canon Law as the first normative source. The Act on the Sources of Law further specifies that matters not addressed by the Code of Canon Law are governed by Italian law, subject to specific caveats. (See also Law N.IX Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 11 July 2013: "[…..] considering that - pursuant to articles 7 and 8 of the Act on the sources of Law of 1 October 2008, N. LXXI, the Italian Criminal Code and the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure received into the Vatican legal system by the Law of 7 June 1929, n. II, are currently in force in the Vatican City State; [….]" (5)) Related documents: Code of Canon Law Canons - 1321 to 1330 (page 1 ) Code of Canon Law Canons - 1313 to 1320 (page 1 ) Act on Sources of Law (page 1 ) Law N. IX: Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure (page 1)
Hungary	No Read more On request No Related documents: Criminal Code, 2012 (page 49 ) Law on the Protection of Human Life, 1992 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Iceland	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Iceland Law on termination of pregnancy, 2019 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Iceland Law on termination of pregnancy, 2019 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ireland	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Health Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 12 ) Interim clinical guidance on termination of pregnancy under 12 weeks 2018 (page 1 ) Draft Model of Care for the Termination of Pregnancy Service, 2018 (page 1 ) Interim Clinical Guidance - Risk to Life or Health of a Pregnant Woman in relation to Termination of Pregnancy, 2019 (page 1 ) Interim Clinical Guidance – Pathway for Management of Fatal Fetal Anomalies and / or Life Limiting Conditions Diagnosed During Pregnancy, 2019 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 A termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner where, having examined the pregnant woman, he or she is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy. “12 weeks of pregnancy” shall be construed in accordance with the medical principle that pregnancy is generally dated from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. It is defined as 12 weeks plus zero days. Health Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 10 ) Interim clinical guidance on termination of pregnancy under 12 weeks 2018 (page 10) Interim clinical guidance on termination of pregnancy under 12 weeks 2018 (page 31) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Related documents: Interim clinical guidance on termination of pregnancy under 12 weeks 2018 (page 31)
Ireland - January 2019	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/07-Ireland-Health-Regulation-of-Termination-of-Pregnancy-Act-2018.pdf#page=12 Gestational limit Weeks: 12 A termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner where, having examined the pregnant woman, he or she is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy. “12 weeks of pregnancy” shall be construed in accordance with the medical principle that pregnancy is generally dated from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. It is defined as 12 weeks plus zero days. https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/07-Ireland-Health-Regulation-of-Termination-of-Pregnancy-Act-2018.pdf#page=10 https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/10-Ireland-Interim-clinical-guidance-ToP-under-12-weeks-2018.pdf#page=10 https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/10-Ireland-Interim-clinical-guidance-ToP-under-12-weeks-2018.pdf#page=31 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/10-Ireland-Interim-clinical-guidance-ToP-under-12-weeks-2018.pdf#page=31
Italy	No Read more On request No Related documents: Abortion Law, 1978 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Latvia	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Organisational Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy, 2003 Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Organisational Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy, 2003 (page 1 ) Sexual and Reproductive Health Law, 2007 (page 6 ) The Official Description of the Medical Technology of Surgical Abortion (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Liechtenstein	No Read more On request No Related documents: Liechtenstein Penal Code, 1987 (page 63) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Lithuania	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Abortion Operations Performance of Procedure (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Abortion Operations Performance of Procedure (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Luxembourg	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Health Code, 2015 (page 340) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 Health Code, 2015 (page 340) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Malta	No Read more On request No Related documents: Criminal Code - chapter 9 (page 103) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Monaco	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Monaco - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Montenegro	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on the Terms and Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy, 2009 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Law on the Terms and Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy, 2009 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Netherlands	No Read more On request No Related documents: Criminal Code (page 103) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
North Macedonia	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 2019 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks The gestational limit for medical abortion conducted partially at home is 9 weeks. Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 2019 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
North Macedonia - March 2019	Gestational limit: 10 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Termination of Pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 weeks Law on Termination of Pregnancy (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes A termination of pregnancy cannot be carried out if one year has not expired from the termination of a previous pregnancy.
Norway	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 1975 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 1975 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Norway - July 2019	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 1975 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Law on Termination of Pregnancy, 1975 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Poland	No Read more On request No Related documents: Act on Family Planning, Protection of the Human Foetus and Conditions for Termination of Pregnancy (page 3) Criminal Code (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Poland - 2017	No Read more On request No Related documents: Act on Family Planning, Protection of the Human Foetus and Conditions for Termination of Pregnancy (page 3) Criminal Code (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Portugal	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Act (page 5 ) Options for Interruption of Pregnancy Information Guide (page 1 ) Penal Code (page 109 ) Portugal Law on exclusion of unlawfulness in cases of voluntary termination of pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Termination of Pregnancy Act (page 5 ) Options for Interruption of Pregnancy Information Guide (page 1 ) Penal Code (page 109 ) Portugal Law on exclusion of unlawfulness in cases of voluntary termination of pregnancy (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Republic of Moldova	Gestational limit: 12 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy in Safe Conditions (page 5) https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/ Reproductive Health Law (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 weeks Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy in Safe Conditions (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Romania	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 80) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 Penal Code (page 80) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Russian Federation	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on the Basics of Health Protection of the Citizens (page 35) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on the Basics of Health Protection of the Citizens (page 35) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
San Marino	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 42) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Serbia	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Abortion in Health Institutions (page 2 ) National Guidelines on Good Clinical Practice for Safe Abortion (page 10) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Law on Abortion in Health Institutions (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Slovakia	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Artificial Interruption of Pregnancy, as amended (page 1 ) Decree Implementing Act on Artificial Interruption of Pregnancy, as amended (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Artificial Interruption of Pregnancy, as amended (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Slovenia	Gestational limit: 10 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 10 Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Spain	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Abortion, 2010 (page 9) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Abortion, 2010 (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sweden	Gestational limit: 18 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Abortion, 1975 (page 2) Gestational limit Weeks: 18 Law on Abortion, 1975 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Switzerland	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 54) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Aargau (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Appenzell Innerrhoden (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Basel-Landschaft (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Basel-Stadt (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bern (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Fribourg (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Genève (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Graubünden (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jura (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Luzern (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Neuchâtel (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nidwalden (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Obwalden (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Schaffhausen (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Schwyz (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Solothurn (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
St Gallen (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Thurgau (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ticino (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Uri (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Valais (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Vaud (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Zug (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Zurich (Switzerland)	No Read more On request No Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Switzerland-Penal-Code-2015.pdf#page=54 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ukraine	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Civil Code - Right to Life (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Civil Code - Right to Life (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Abortion Act, 1967 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guernsey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Guernsey Abortion Law 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Isle of Man (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: United Kingdom Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act, 2019 (page 8 ) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 United Kingdom Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act, 2019 (page 8 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jersey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Jersey Termination of Pregnancy Law, 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Not specified When 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. Gestational limit Weeks: 12 The Abortion Regulations 2020 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - July 2019	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Abortion Act, 1967 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guernsey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - July 2019)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Guernsey Abortion Law 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Isle of Man (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - July 2019)	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: United Kingdom Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act, 2019 (page 8 ) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 United Kingdom Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act, 2019 (page 8 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jersey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - July 2019)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Jersey Termination of Pregnancy Law, 1997 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - July 2019)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Northern Ireland Guidance for medical profession, 2019 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Latin America
Antigua and Barbuda	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: The Infant Life (Preservation) Act, 1937 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Argentina	Gestational limit: 14 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Access to Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (page 2 ) Comprehensive Abortion Care Guide, 2021 (page 4 ) Legal Standards for the interruption of pregnancy, 2021 (page 4) Gestational limit Weeks: 14 Access to Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Argentina - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 19) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bahamas	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Barbados	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1983 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Belize	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code, 2000 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Bolivia	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Constitutional decision 0206, 2014 Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Bolivia had substantially amended the abortion provisions in its penal code in 2017. However, these amendments were repealed in 2018, and the provisions in the previous penal code continue to apply. Related documents: Ley 1027, 2018 (page 1)
Bolivia - November 2018	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code 2017 Constitutional decision 0206, 2014 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Brazil	No Read more On request No Related documents: Brazil Penal Code (page 54) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Brazil - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Brazil Penal Code (page 54) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chile	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 71 ) Public Health Code (page 20) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Colombia	No Read more On request No Related documents: Constitutional Court Judgment C.355, 2006 (page 1 02-Colombia-Penal-Code-Law-599-2000.pdf) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Costa Rica	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 34 ) Norma Tecnica, 2019 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Costa Rica - July 2019	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 34) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cuba	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Methodological Guidelines for the implementation of voluntary termination of pregnancy, 2011 (page 2 ) Norms for the voluntary termination of pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Methodological Guidelines for the implementation of voluntary termination of pregnancy, 2011 (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Dominica	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Offences Against the Person Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Dominican Republic	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 45) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Ecuador	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2014 (page 70) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
El Salvador	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 35) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Grenada	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code, 1987 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guatemala	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code Decree No. 17-73 (page 41) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guyana	Gestational limit: 8 Read more On request Yes Related documents: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1995 (page 5) Gestational limit Weeks: 8 The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1995 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Haiti	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 23) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Honduras	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 1983 (page 24) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: Constitutional Amendment, 2020 (page 2)
Jamaica	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: The Offences against the Person Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mexico	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Access to safe and legal abortion services is governed mainly at state level rather than at the national level. Access grounds, gestational limits and additional restrictions vary from state to state. Federal public institutions and all health service providers of the public, social and private sectors that make up the National Health System must comply with applicable federal regulations. There are federal level norms and guidelines on prevention and care relating to family and sexual violence which contain guidance on abortion as one area of specialized care. Related documents: NOM 046-SSA2-2005. Family Violence, Sexual Violence and Violence against Women. Criteria for the Prevention and Care (page 4 ) Modification NOM-046-SSA2-2005. Family Violence, Sexual Violence and Violence against Women. Criteria for the Prevention and Care (page 1)
Aguascalientes (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Aguascalientes Penal Code (page 35) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Baja California (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Baja California Penal Code (page 34) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Baja California Sur (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Baja California Sur Penal Code (page 48) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Campeche (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Campeche Penal Code (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chiapas (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Chiapas Penal Code (page 65) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chihuahua (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Chihuahua Penal Code (page 57) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Coahuila (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Coahuila Penal Code (page 134) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Colima (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Colima Penal Code (page 56 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Durango (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Durango Penal Code (page 56) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Estado de Mexico (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico State Penal Code (page 108) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guanajuato (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Guanajuato (page 39) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guerrero (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Guerrero (page 54) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Hidalgo (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Hidalgo (page 47) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jalisco (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Jalisco (page 116) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mexico City (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 33 ) Manual for legal abortion provision 2008 (page 16) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Abortion is defined as the death of the product of conception after the twelfth week of gestation. While abortion is penalized in certain circumstances, termination of a pregnancy of less than 13 weeks of gestational age falls outside the definition of abortion. Related documents: Penal Code (page 3 ) Guidelines for the Organization and Operation of Health Services for Interruption of Pregnancy 2018 (page 6)
Michoacan (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Michoacán (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Morelos (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Morelos (page 71) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nayarit (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Nayarit (page 111) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nuevo Leon (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Nuevo Leon (page 145) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Oaxaca (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Oaxaca CP Decreto 806 despenalizar aborto, 2019 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy after the twelfth week of gestation. While abortion is penalized in certain circumstances, termination of a pregnancy of less than 13 weeks of gestational age falls outside the definition of abortion.
Puebla (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Puebla (page 107) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Querétaro (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Queretaro (page 43) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Quintana Roo (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Quintana Roo (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
San Luis Potosi (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of San Luis Potosí (page 50) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sinaloa (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Sinaloa (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sonora (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Sonora (page 113) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tabasco (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tabasco (page 50) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tamaulipas (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tamaulipas (page 130) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tlaxcala (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tlaxcala (page 85) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Veracruz (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Veracruz (page 40) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Yucatan (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Yucatan (page 131) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Zacatecas (Mexico)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Zacatecas (page 97) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mexico - January 2019	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Access to safe and legal abortion services is governed mainly at state level rather than at the national level. Access grounds, gestational limits and additional restrictions vary from state to state. Federal public institutions and all health service providers of the public, social and private sectors that make up the National Health System must comply with applicable federal regulations. There are federal level norms and guidelines on prevention and care relating to family and sexual violence which contain guidance on abortion as one area of specialized care. Related documents: NOM 046-SSA2-2005. Family Violence, Sexual Violence and Violence against Women. Criteria for the Prevention and Care (page 4 ) Modification NOM-046-SSA2-2005. Family Violence, Sexual Violence and Violence against Women. Criteria for the Prevention and Care (page 1)
Aguascalientes (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Baja California (page 35) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Baja California (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Baja California Sur (page 34) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Baja California Sur (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Baja California Sur (page 48) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Campeche (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Campeche (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chiapas (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Chiapas (page 65) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Chihuahua (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Chihuahua (page 57) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Coahuila (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2017 (page 134) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Colima (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2017 (page 56 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Durango (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Durango (page 56) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Estado de Mexico (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of México (page 108) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guanajuato (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Guanajuato (page 39) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Guerrero (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Guerrero (page 54) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Hidalgo (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Hidalgo (page 47) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Jalisco (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Jalisco (page 116) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Mexico City (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 33 ) Manual for legal abortion provision 2008 (page 16) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Abortion is defined as the death of the product of conception after the twelfth week of gestation. While abortion is penalized in certain circumstances, termination of a pregnancy of less than 13 weeks of gestational age falls outside the definition of abortion. Related documents: Penal Code (page 3 ) Guidelines for the Organization and Operation of Health Services for Interruption of Pregnancy 2018 (page 6)
Michoacan (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Michoacán (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Morelos (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Morelos (page 71) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nayarit (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Nayarit (page 111) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nuevo Leon (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Nuevo Leon (page 145) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Oaxaca (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Mexico Oaxaca CP Decreto 806 despenalizar aborto, 2019 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy after the twelfth week of gestation. While abortion is penalized in certain circumstances, termination of a pregnancy of less than 13 weeks of gestational age falls outside the definition of abortion.
Puebla (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Puebla (page 107) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Querétaro (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Queretaro (page 43) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Quintana Roo (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Quintana Roo (page 44) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
San Luis Potosi (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of San Luis Potosí (page 50) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sinaloa (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Sinaloa (page 46) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Sonora (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Sonora (page 113) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tabasco (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tabasco (page 50) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tamaulipas (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tamaulipas (page 130) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tlaxcala (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Tlaxcala (page 85) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Veracruz (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Veracruz (page 40) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Yucatan (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the State of Yucatan (page 131) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Zacatecas (Mexico - January 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code for the state of Zacatecas (page 97) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Nicaragua	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2007 (page 45) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Panama	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 108) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Paraguay	No Read more On request No Related documents: Law 3440 Modifying the Penal Code (page 8) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Peru	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Offences Against the Person Act WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Offences against the Person Act prohibits abortion in circumstances in which it is unlawful but does not set out the circumstances in which abortion may be lawful. Related documents: Offences Against the Person Act (page 18)
Saint Lucia	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Saint Lucia Criminal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code, 1988 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - April 2020	No data found Read more On request No data found Where there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes A Criminal Code of 1988 (Act No. 23) exists but could not be located as an official document.
Suriname	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code, 2015 (page 114) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Trinidad and Tobago	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Offences against the Person Act, 1925 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Uruguay	Gestational limit: 12 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Law on Legal Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 12 Law on Legal Interruption of Pregnancy (page 1 ) Medical Regulation, 2012 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Venezuela	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 99) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
North America
Canada	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1 ) Health Act Annual Report for 2014-2015 (page 15) Gestational limit applies Restriction Varies By Jurisdiction WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes There are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit. Abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. The Canada Health Act outlines coverage for abortion services. Access however in practice varies depending on the availability of public facilities, and gestational limits vary at province level. As the Ministry of Health states in its Annual Report on the Health Act for2014-2015 (Source 7, see Chapter 2, page 13): “During 2014–2015, Health Canada continued to monitor the following ongoing compliance and interpretation issues: Abortion services are insured in all provinces and territories; however, access to these insured services varies within and between jurisdictions across the country. In Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, the services are only covered if performed in a hospital (for example, private clinic procedures are not covered). In addition, Prince Edward Island lacks abortion services on the island and residents must travel off the island to access them. In New Brunswick, access has improved because certification of medical necessity by two physicians, and performance of the service by a specialist in gynecology or obstetrics in a hospital are no longer required. Prince Edward Island service has improved because the province has eliminated the need for a referral from an Island doctor and now allows women to self-refer to a Moncton, New Brunswick, hospital. However, accessibility and comprehensiveness concerns remain because neither province covers private clinic abortions under their respective provincial health insurance plans.” Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1 ) Health Act Annual Report for 2014-2015 (page 15)
Alberta (Canada)	Gestational limit: 20 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1 ) Canada Alberta Termination of Pregnancy Policy, 2017 (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 20 weeks Canada Alberta Termination of Pregnancy Policy, 2017 (page 2) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
British Columbia (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Manitoba (Canada)	Gestational limit: 19 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 19 weeks Manitoba Youth Pregnancy Options Provider Handbook (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
New Brunswick (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Northwest Territories (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Nova Scotia (Canada)	Gestational limit: 15 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 15 weeks Nova Scotia Pregnancy Options Halifax Sexual Health Centre (page 4) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Nunavut (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Ontario (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Prince Edward Island (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 (page 1) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: R. v. Morgentaler, 1988 Canada Health Act amended, 2012 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit.
Quebec (Canada)	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Canada-R-v-Morgentaler-Supreme-Court-1988.pdf#page=1 Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/01-Canada-R-v-Morgentaler-Supreme-Court-1988.pdf https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/03-Canada-Health-Act-Ministry-of-Health-2012.pdf WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes In Canada, abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. At the federal level, there are no legal restrictions on abortion, including no gestational limit. Related documents: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/07-Canada-Quebec-Health-Act-Annual-Report-2014-2015.pdf#page=15
United States of America	Yes Read more On request Yes Related documents: Roe v. Wade (page 1 ) Planned Parenthood v. Casey (page 1 ) Gestational limit applies Restriction Varies By Jurisdiction see note Related documents: Roe v. Wade (page 1 ) Planned Parenthood v. Casey (page 1 ) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Abortion is governed by the Supreme Court decisions Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which established a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy. States may impose a variety of limitations on access in the interest of protecting women's health and promoting potential life, and may completely proscribe abortion post-viability as long as there is an exception for the woman's life or health.
Oceania
Australia	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Access to safe and legal abortion services is governed by each state or territory, rather than at the national level. The only nationwide applicable source that could be found was the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Mifepristone/Misoprostol combination. However, rules on accessing this medicine at the local level also vary. Gestational limits also vary from state to state, as do the grounds of access, and any additional restrictions. Related documents: Australia Mifepristone and Misoprostol registration Department of Health, 2012 (page 1)
Capital Territory (Australia)	Gestational limit: No limit specified Read more On request Yes Related documents: Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) Gestational limit Weeks: No limit specified The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit. Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit.
New South Wales (Australia)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 4) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 6) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Northern Territory (Australia)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Northern Territory Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2017 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes A suitably qualified medical practitioner may perform a termination on a woman who is not more than 14 weeks pregnant, if the medical practitioner considers the termination is appropriate in all the circumstances, having regard to: (a) all relevant medical circumstances; and (b) the woman's current and future physical, psychological and social circumstances; and (c) professional standards and guidelines. A suitably qualified medical practitioner may perform a termination on a woman who is more than 14 weeks pregnant, but not more than 23 weeks pregnant, if: (a) the medical practitioner has consulted with at least one other suitably qualified medical practitioner who has assessed the woman; and (b) each medical practitioner considers the termination is appropriate in all the circumstances having regard to each of the matters mentioned above. Related documents: Northern Territory Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2017 (page 6)
Queensland (Australia)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
South Australia (Australia)	Gestational limit: 22 weeks 6 days Read more On request Yes Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2021 Gestational limit Weeks: 22 weeks 6 days Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tasmania (Australia)	Gestational limit: 16 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 16 Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Victoria (Australia)	Gestational limit: 24 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) Gestational limit Weeks: 24 Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Western Australia (Australia)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Western Australia Acts Amendment Abortion Act, 1998 (page 3 ) Western Australia Health Act, 1911 (page 236 ) Criminal Code Act Compilation Act, 1913 (page 123) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Australia - April 2021	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Access to safe and legal abortion services is governed by each state or territory, rather than at the national level. The only nationwide applicable source that could be found was the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Mifepristone/Misoprostol combination. However, rules on accessing this medicine at the local level also vary. Gestational limits also vary from state to state, as do the grounds of access, and any additional restrictions. Related documents: Australia Mifepristone and Misoprostol registration Department of Health, 2012 (page 1)
Capital Territory (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: No limit specified Read more On request Yes Related documents: Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) Gestational limit Weeks: No limit specified The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit. Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit.
New South Wales (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 4) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 6) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Northern Territory (Australia - April 2021)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Northern Territory Criminal Code Act, 1974 (page 113) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Queensland (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
South Australia (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: 22 weeks 6 days Read more On request Yes Related documents: Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2021 Gestational limit Weeks: 22 weeks 6 days Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tasmania (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: 16 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 16 Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Victoria (Australia - April 2021)	Gestational limit: 24 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) Gestational limit Weeks: 24 Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Western Australia (Australia - April 2021)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Western Australia Acts Amendment Abortion Act, 1998 (page 3 ) Western Australia Health Act, 1911 (page 236 ) Criminal Code Act Compilation Act, 1913 (page 123) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Australia - October 2019	Law Varies By Jurisdiction Read more On request Varies by jurisdiction Where policies or laws vary by jurisdiction, this is noted with an accompanying note and no interpretation is made. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Access to safe and legal abortion services is governed by each state or territory, rather than at the national level. The only nationwide applicable source that could be found was the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Mifepristone/Misoprostol combination. However, rules on accessing this medicine at the local level also vary. Gestational limits also vary from state to state, as do the grounds of access, and any additional restrictions. Related documents: Australia Mifepristone and Misoprostol registration Department of Health, 2012 (page 1)
Capital Territory (Australia - October 2019)	Gestational limit: No limit specified Read more On request Yes Related documents: Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) Gestational limit Weeks: No limit specified The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit. Capital Territory Health Act, 2016 (page 51) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Health Act 1993 refers only to who may perform an abortion and where it may take place. It does not restrict abortion by grounds or gestational limit.
New South Wales (Australia - October 2019)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 4) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, 2019 (page 6) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Northern Territory (Australia - October 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Northern Territory Criminal Code Act, 1974 (page 113) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Queensland (Australia - October 2019)	Gestational limit: 22 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) Gestational limit Weeks: 22 Queensland Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2018 (page 8) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
South Australia (Australia - October 2019)	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: South Australia Criminal Law Consolidation Act, 1935 South Australia Medical Termination of Pregnancy Regulations, 2011 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tasmania (Australia - October 2019)	Gestational limit: 16 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) Gestational limit Weeks: 16 Reproductive Health Access to Terminations Bill, 2013 (page 3) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Victoria (Australia - October 2019)	Gestational limit: 24 Read more On request Yes Related documents: Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) Gestational limit Weeks: 24 Victoria Abortion Law Reform Act, 2008 (page 5) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Western Australia (Australia - October 2019)	No Read more On request No Related documents: Western Australia Acts Amendment Abortion Act, 1998 (page 3 ) Western Australia Health Act, 1911 (page 236 ) Criminal Code Act Compilation Act, 1913 (page 123) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Cook Islands	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Crimes Act 1969 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Fiji	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Crimes Decree 2009 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Kiribati	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code 1965 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Marshall Islands	No data Read more On request No data found see note WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands states in Section 51: "Every person who shall unlawfully cause the miscarriage or premature delivery of a woman, with the intent to do so, shall be guilty of abortion and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned for a period of not more than five years. " In 1970, the Trial Division of the High Court, Yap District, considered the case of a woman charged with having unlawfully caused her own abortion. The court held that the section of the Trust Territory Code pertaining to abortion was so vague and indefinite that its attempted enforcement in the case in question constituted a denial of due process to the defendant and it was therefore invalid. More generally, the court found that under the abortion section of this Code the persons liable are determinable by inference only and such indefiniteness and vagueness constitutes a denial of due process. It stated that criminal punishment was due only in cases where the intent to cause an abortion was present, precluding punishment for abortion by accident. The court found that abortion statutes by their terms are applicable to the person causing the abortion and do not apply, without specific provision to the pregnant woman who is the victim of the act. Unless the abortion statute expressly makes the woman responsible, it is generally held, although the statute reads any "person," that she is not liable to any criminal prosecution, whether she solicits the act or performs it upon herself. No law replacing Section 51 of the Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands could be found. A reference to the 1973 United States Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade in a 2004 judgment by the Supreme Court of the Marshall Islands unrelated to abortion (source 6) suggests that this judgment may be relevant to the regulation of abortion in the Marshall Islands. Related documents: Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (page 210 ) Trust Territory v Christina Tarkong [No.128] 1970 (page 1 ) Momotaro et al v Chief Electoral Officer [2004] MHSC 1; 2 MILR 237 (22 June 2004) (page 4)
Micronesia (Federated States Of)	No data Read more On request No data found see note WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands states in Section 51: "Every person who shall unlawfully cause the miscarriage or premature delivery of a woman, with the intent to do so, shall be guilty of abortion and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned for a period of not more than five years. " In 1970, the Trial Division of the High Court, Yap District, considered the case of a woman charged with having unlawfully caused her own abortion. The court held that the section of the Trust Territory Code pertaining to abortion was so vague and indefinite that its attempted enforcement in the case in question constituted a denial of due process to the defendant and it was therefore invalid. More generally, the court found that under the abortion section of this Code the persons liable are determinable by inference only and such indefiniteness and vagueness constitutes a denial of due process. It stated that criminal punishment was due only in cases where the intent to cause an abortion was present, precluding punishment for abortion by accident. The court found that abortion statutes by their terms are applicable to the person causing the abortion and do not apply, without specific provision to the pregnant woman who is the victim of the act. Unless the abortion statute expressly makes the woman responsible, it is generally held, although the statute reads any "person," that she is not liable to any criminal prosecution, whether she solicits the act or performs it upon herself. No law replacing Section 51 of the Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands could be found. Related documents: Code of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Title 11 Crimes and punishments (page 210) https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/documents/countries/
Nauru	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Crimes Act 2016 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
New Zealand	Gestational limit: 20 weeks Read more On request Yes Related documents: Abortion Legislation Act, 2020 Contraception Sterilisation and Abortion Act, 1977 (page 8) Gestational limit Weeks: 20 weeks After 20 weeks a health practitioner can provide abortion services if it is considered clinically appropriate in the circumstances, after consulting with one other practitioner and having regard to all relevant legal, professional, and ethical standards to which the qualified health practitioner is subject, as well as the woman’s: physical health; and mental health; and overall well-being; and the gestational age of the fetus. Contraception Sterilisation and Abortion Act, 1977 Abortion Legislation Act, 2020 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes There are no legal restrictions on abortion up to 20 weeks as abortion services form part of medically required health services provision and are regulated as such. After 20 weeks a health practitioner can provide abortion services if it is considered clinically appropriate in the circumstances, after consulting with one other practitioner and having regard to all relevant legal, professional, and ethical standards to which the qualified health practitioner is subject, as well as the woman’s: physical health; and mental health; and overall well-being; and the gestational age of the fetus.
New Zealand - November 2018	No Read more On request No Related documents: Crimes Act 1961 (page 131) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Niue	No data Read more On request No data found see note WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The relevant sections 166 to 168 of the Niue Act 1966 have been repealed. Nothing could be found that replaced those provisions.
Palau	No Read more On request No Related documents: Penal Code (page 82) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Papua New Guinea	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Code 1974 Manual of Standard Managements in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Doctors, H.E.O.s and Nurses in Papua New Guinea, 7th Edition 2016 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Samoa	No Read more On request No Related documents: Crimes Act, 2013 (page 52) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Solomon Islands	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code 1963 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tonga	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Criminal Offences Act 1998 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Tuvalu	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code (2008 Revised Edition) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)
Vanuatu	Not Specified Read more On request Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)

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Legal Ground and Gestational Limit

Country	Economic or social reasons	Foetal impairment	Rape	Incest	Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman	Mental health	Physical health	Health	Life	Other
Africa

Algeria	Economic or social reasons No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Foetal impairment No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Rape No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Incest No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7)	Mental health Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health, 2018 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Therapeutic abortions can be performed to preserve woman's health when the pregnancy threatens the life or physiological and mental equilibrium of the pregnant woman.	Physical health Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health, 2018 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Therapeutic abortions can be performed to preserve woman's health when the pregnancy threatens the life or physiological and mental equilibrium of the pregnant woman.	Health No Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) Additional notes Therapeutic abortions can be performed to preserve woman's health when the pregnancy threatens the life or physiological and mental equilibrium of the pregnant woman.	Life Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 126 ) Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health, 2018 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Other Therapeutic abortions can be performed to preserve woman's health when the pregnancy threatens the life or physiological and mental equilibrium of the pregnant woman. Related documents: Law on Health, 2018 (page 7) Additional notes No gestational limit is specified.
Algeria - May 2017	Economic or social reasons No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Foetal impairment No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Rape No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Incest No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman No Related documents: Penal Code (page 399)	Mental health Yes Related documents: Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 (page 9 ) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Law 85-05 on the Protection and Promotion of Public Health states: "Abortion for therapeutic purposes is considered an indispensable measure to save the life of the mother in danger, or to preserve her physiological and mental equilibrium which is seriously threatened.	Physical health Yes Related documents: Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 (page 9 ) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Law 85-05 on the Protection and Promotion of Public Health states: Abortion for therapeutic purposes is considered an indispensable measure to save the life of the mother in danger, or to preserve her physiological and mental equilibrium which is seriously threatened."	Health No Related documents: Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 (page 9) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Life Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 400) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Penal Code Law on Health Protection and Promotion, 1985 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Other
Angola	Economic or social reasons No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Foetal impairment Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 24 Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Rape No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) Additional notes Rape and incest are not specifically mentioned in the Penal Code in the section on abortion. However, the Penal Code permits abortion in case of pregnancy as result of crime against freedom and sexual self-determination. The gestational age limit for an abortion on this ground is 16 weeks.	Incest No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) Additional notes Rape and incest are not specifically mentioned in the Penal Code in the section on abortion. However, the Penal Code permits abortion in case of pregnancy as result of crime against freedom and sexual self-determination. The gestational age limit for an abortion on this ground is 16 weeks.	Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58)	Mental health Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 16 Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Physical health Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) Gestational limit Weeks: 16 Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Health No Related documents: Penal Code (page 58) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Life Yes Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) Gestational limit No limit specified WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Other Sexual assault. Pregnancy which is the result of crime against freedom and sexual self-determination. There are strong reasons to believe that the foetus is unfeasible. Related documents: Penal Code (page 58 ) Angola Constitution 2010 (page 7 ) International Human Rights Conventions (page 1) Additional notes Rape and incest are not specifically mentioned in the Penal Code in the section on abortion. However, the Penal Code permits abortion in case of pregnancy as result of crime against freedom and sexual self-determination. The gestational age limit for an abortion on this ground is 16 weeks. There is no gestational limit for abortion when there is strong reason to believe that the foetus is "unfeasible".
Benin	Economic or social reasons No Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Benin Penal Code 2018 (page 121) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Foetal impairment Yes Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13) Gestational limit Not specified When 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. Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Mental health is not explicitly stated as a ground on which abortion is permitted. But the 2011 Guidelines and Standards on Medicalised Abortion state that, in accordance with the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, situations of rape, incest or a diagnosis of fetal malformation must be interpreted explicitly under the rubric of "mental health" as these cases highlight the psychological distress of the concerned woman.	Rape Yes Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13) Gestational limit Not specified When 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. Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Mental health is not explicitly stated as a ground on which abortion is permitted. But the 2011 Guidelines and Standards on Medicalised Abortion state that, in accordance with the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, situations of rape, incest or a diagnosis of fetal malformation must be interpreted explicitly under the rubric of "mental health" as these cases highlight the psychological distress of the concerned woman.	Incest Yes Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13) Gestational limit Not specified When 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. Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Mental health is not explicitly stated as a ground on which abortion is permitted. But the 2011 Guidelines and Standards on Medicalised Abortion state that, in accordance with the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, situations of rape, incest or a diagnosis of fetal malformation must be interpreted explicitly under the rubric of "mental health" as these cases highlight the psychological distress of the concerned woman. Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2003 (page 18 ) Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13)	Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman No Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Benin Penal Code 2018 (page 121) Additional notes When the voluntary termination of pregnancy is envisaged for a pregnant adult under guardianship, the legal representative refers either directly to a doctor or to a social assistant who, on where applicable, refers her to a competent health structure. The consent of the adult under guardianship is obtained beforehand.	Mental health Mental health is not explicitly stated as a ground on which abortion is permitted. But the 2011 Guidelines and Standards on Medicalised Abortion state that, in accordance with the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, situations of rape, incest or a diagnosis of fetal malformation must be interpreted explicitly under the rubric of "mental health" as these cases highlight the psychological distress of the concerned woman. WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) Related documents: Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13 ) Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1)	Physical health No Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1 ) Benin Penal Code 2018 (page 121) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102)	Health Yes Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1) Gestational limit Not specified When 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. Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Life Yes Related documents: Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 (page 1) Gestational limit Not specified When 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. Sexual and Reproductive Health Law 2021 WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 102) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf.	Other
Benin - May 2017	Economic or social reasons No Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2003 (page 18 ) Law on the Child 2015 (page 73) WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5. Source document: WHO Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103)	Foetal impairment Yes Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2003 (page 18 ) Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards (page 13 ) Gestational limit applies Not specified When 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. Related documents: Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2003 Medicalised Abortion Guidelines and Standards WHO Guidance The following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) 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 Safe Abortion Guidance (page 103) Additional notes Mental health is not explicitly stated as a ground on which abortion is permitted. But the 2011 Guidelines and Standards on Medicalised Abortion state that, in accordance with the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, situations of rape, incest or a diagnosis of fetal malformation must be interpreted explicitly under the rubric of "mental health" as these cases highlight the psychological distress of the concerned w

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