Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Angola |
No
Read more WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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Foetal impairmentConflict between sources WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Angolan constitution stipulates that international treaties become binding following their formal publication and entry in force. The Maputo Protocol, authorizing abortion “where the continued pregnancy endangers the life of the mother or the foetus” was ratified by the Republic of Angola. The more recent Angolan Penal Code, however, does not mention foetal impairment as a ground for abortion. It stipulates that abortion can be performed in cases where foetal non-viability is attested, and indicates that penalties for abortion can be mitigated in cases where there are strong reasons to predict that the unborn child will suffer from incurable serious illness or malformation and the abortion is undertaken within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Related documents: |
RapeNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesRape 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. |
IncestNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesRape 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. |
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Mental healthYes Gestational limit
Not specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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.
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Physical healthYes Gestational limit
Not specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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LifeYes Gestational limit
Not specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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.
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OtherSexual assault. Pregnancy which is the result of crime against freedom and sexual self-determination. There are strong reasons to believe that the foetus is unviable. Related documents:Additional notesRape 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". |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
This authorization is in addition to the provider. Additional authorization requires that a certification by a medical report, written and signed, before the interruption can be carried by the provider.
When the pregnancy is the result of a crime against sexual freedom and self-determination, exclusion from criminal liability can only be verified upon the presentation of a certificate from the Public Prosecutor's Office on the pendency of the corresponding case, accompanied by an examination of the corpus delicti and a medical report issued by the competent health authority, attesting that the pregnancy resulted from a violation of the woman's sexual freedom or self-determination.
Authorization is not required in case of an emergency. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesThe 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. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. To establish an enabling environment, there is a need for abortion care to be integrated into the health system across all levels (including primary, secondary and tertiary) – and supported in the community – to allow for expansion of health worker roles, including self-management approaches. To ensure both access to abortion and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), abortion must be centred within primary health care (PHC), which itself is fully integrated within the health system, facilitating referral pathways for higher-level care when needed. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.1.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
Additional notesWhen the pregnancy is the result of a crime against sexual freedom and self-determination, exclusion from criminal liability can only be verified upon the presentation of a certificate from the Public Prosecutor's Office on the pendency of the corresponding case, accompanied by an examination of the corpus delicti and a medical report issued by the competent health authority, attesting that the pregnancy resulted from a violation of the woman's sexual freedom or self-determination. |
Can another adult consent in place of a parent?Yes In the absence of a parent, consent can be provided by any relative in the collateral line, respectively and successively.
In the event that the pregnant woman is under 16 years of age or suffers from mental incapacity, and consent cannot be obtained under the terms required by the law and if it is urgent to interrupt the pregnancy, the doctor may decide in conscience, given the concrete situation before him, also resorting, whenever possible, to obtain it, opinion of another doctor. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Spousal consentNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The right to refuse information, including the right to refuse viewing ultrasound images, must be respected. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against the use of ultrasound scanning as a prerequisite for providing abortion services for both medical and surgical abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.5.
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Compulsory counsellingNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality.
Additional notesBefore proceeding with the termination of pregnancy, the doctor must warn the pregnant woman of the respective implications, seeking to clarify and advise her so that her decision can be taken with greater awareness and responsibility. Related documents: |
Waiting period
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mandatory waiting periods delay access to abortion, sometimes to the extent that women’s access to abortion or choice of abortion method is restricted. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against mandatory waiting periods for abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.1.
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Mandatory HIV screening testNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicYes Related documents:List of restrictionsArticle 159 (Propaganda favorable to termination of pregnancy) 1- It is punished with imprisonment for up to 1 year or with a fine of up to 120 days, whoever, through publicity means or in public meetings, with the aim of obtaining an advantage: a) Offer its own services or those of others, with a view to terminating the pregnancy; b) Advertise procedures, means or objects suitable for terminating a pregnancy. 2- The prohibition of the previous number does not cover activities aimed at making known and promoting the procedures, objects and means referred to therein, through informative or scientific articles or other medical or pharmaceutical publications, namely prospectuses related to medicines or surgical instruments. , nor the explanations given by those who want to sell them, to doctors or qualified personnel, namely nurses from health establishments authorized to interrupt a pregnancy.
Article 160 (Circulation of means for termination of pregnancy) Whoever receives or transmits, for any reason, means intended for the termination of pregnancy, with the intention of promoting the practice of the facts provided for in articles 156 and 157, is punished with imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to 120 days. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited.
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Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines § 4.2.1.4.
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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
No data
National guidelines for induced abortionNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNo data found Dilatation and evacuationNo data found Combination mifepristone-misoprostolNo data found Misoprostol onlyNo data found Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)No Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Related documents:Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNo data foundWhere 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. It is possible that the national list of essential medicines may provide pertinent information on the dispensing of Misoprostol, but this could not be ascertained due to the fact that the text could not be translated. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Where can abortion services be providedRelated documents:Primary health-care centresNot specified Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)Official health facility WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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No data
National guidelines for post-abortion careNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNo data found Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNo data found Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNo data found Private health-care centres or clinicsNo data found NGO health-care centres or clinicsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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No data
Contraception included in post-abortion careNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4.
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No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:NurseNot specified Midwife/nurse-midwifeNot specified Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Other (if applicable)Provider acting under the direction/supervision of a physician. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against regulation on who can provide and manage abortion that is inconsistent with WHO guidance. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.8.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)Termination of pregnancy must always be carried out in accordance with the state of medical knowledge and experience. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There is no single recommended approach to providing abortion services. The choice of specific health worker(s) (from among the recommended options) or management by the individual themself, and the location of service provision (from among recommended options) will depend on the values and preferences of the woman, girl or other pregnant person, available resources, and the national and local context. A plurality of service-delivery approaches can co-exist within any given context. Given that service-delivery approaches can be diverse, it is important to ensure that for the individual seeking care, the range of service-delivery options taken together will provide access to scientifically accurate, understandable information at all stages; access to quality-assured medicines (including those for pain management); back-up referral support if desired or needed; linkages to an appropriate choice of contraceptive services for those who want post-abortion contraception. Best Practice Statement 49 on service delivery. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
Public sector providersNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesThe Medical Ethics Code states that no doctor can be required to perform medical procedures against his or her will and that a doctor has the right to refuse the act of practice of their profession, such as practice conflicts with the provisions of this code. This is not specific to abortion care, nor is abortion mentioned in the Code. Related documents: |
Private sector providersNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesThe Medical Ethics Code states that no doctor can be required to perform medical procedures against his or her will and that a doctor has the right to refuse the act of practice of their profession, such as practice conflicts with the provisions of this code. This is not specific to abortion care, nor is abortion mentioned in the Code. Related documents: |
Provider type not specifiedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesThe Medical Ethics Code states that no doctor can be required to perform medical procedures against his or her will and that a doctor has the right to refuse the act of practice of their profession, such as practice conflicts with the provisions of this code. This is not specific to abortion care, nor is abortion mentioned in the Code. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesThe Medical Ethics Code states that no doctor can be required to perform medical procedures against his or her will and that a doctor has the right to refuse the act of practice of their profession, such as practice conflicts with the provisions of this code. This is not specific to abortion care, nor is abortion mentioned in the Code. Related documents: |
Public facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Private facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Facility type not specifiedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Neither Type of Facility PermittedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
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CEDAW“The Committee welcomes the continuing “municipalization” of health services, which is aimed at increasing access to basic health care, as well as recent and projected increases in the budget allocated to the sector. It is concerned, however, about: (a) The criminalization of abortion in certain cases, subjecting both the woman having an abortion and any person assisting her to criminal liability; (b) Barriers to access to abortion in the limited cases in which abortion is not criminalized, such as that of the pregnancy gravely endangering the pregnant woman’s physical or psychological integrity or life, the fetus being certified to be non-viable and the pregnancy resulting from rape or incest; (c) The persistently high rate of maternal mortality, which may be attributed to, inter alia, unsafe abortion, the fact that 22.8 per cent of deliveries occur at home and the high incidence of malaria, which is reportedly the cause of 25 per cent of maternal deaths; […] The Committee recommends that the State party, in line with general recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health and targets of 3.1 and 3.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals: (a) Amend the Penal Code to decriminalize abortion in all cases and to legalize it, at a minimum, in cases of rape, incest, severe fetal impairment and risk to the health or life of the pregnant woman; (b) Remove all barriers to access to abortion in the limited cases in which it is not criminalized and guarantee access to high-quality post-abortion care, in particular in cases in which complications arise from unsafe abortion, and provide data on all forms of abortion in its next periodic report; […]”
“While welcoming the adoption of the 2009 Executive plan for primary health care, the 2007-2013 Investment Plan for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality and the 2012-2014 National Strategy on HIV/AIDS, the Committee is concerned about: (…) (d) The criminalization of abortion (art. 144 of the Penal Code) except if pregnancy is harmful to the mother’s life, although the delegation indicated that, in practice, abortion is allowed in cases of rape and risks for the development of the child; (…) In line with its general recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health, the Committee calls on the State party to: (…) (g) Consider removing punitive legislative provisions imposed on women who undergo abortion, in line with the Committee’s general recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health, and broadening the conditions under which abortion can be legally available, including when pregnancy is harmful to the mother’s health and in instances of rape and incest;”
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CRC“With reference to its general comments No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health and development in the context of the Convention and No. 20 (2016) on the implementation of the rights of the child during adolescence, and recalling its previous recommendations (see CRC/C/AGO/CO/2-4, para. 52), the Committee recommends that the State party: (…) (c) Decriminalize abortion in all circumstances on the occasion of the revision of the Penal Code, and ensure access to safe abortion and post-abortion care services for adolescent girls and also that their views are always heard and given due consideration as a part of the decision-making process; (…)”
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HRC“The Committee is concerned about the criminalization in the newly adopted Penal Code of the voluntary termination of pregnancy in all but a few circumstances, with penalties ranging from two to eight years of imprisonment. It expresses concern at the cumbersome procedures required to access legal abortion, which lead to women seeking unsafe clandestine abortions that put their lives and health at risk. It is concerned about the stigma associated with seeking information about safe abortion services and about the prevalence of unsafe clandestine abortions, which often lead to maternal mortality. It is also concerned about the high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the State party, notably on account of limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptives, and to age-appropriate information and education (arts. 3, 6, 7, 17 and 26). [….] The State party should review its laws so as to ensure that they do not regulate pregnancy or abortion in a manner that runs contrary to its duty to ensure that women and girls do not have to undertake unsafe abortions, and should remove any existing barriers that compel women to resort to clandestine abortions that may endanger their lives and health. It should, in particular: (a) Ensure that criminal sanctions are not applied against women undergoing abortion or against medical service providers who assist them in doing so; (b) Ensure effective access to quality prenatal and post-abortion health care for women and girls throughout the territory of the State party; (c) Ensure access for all persons, especially young persons, to quality and evidence-based information and education about sexual and reproductive health and to a wide range of affordable contraceptive methods.”
“The Committee is concerned at article 358 of its Penal Code which criminalizes abortion, except in some restrictive circumstances, including when the mother’s life is in danger, which forces pregnant women to seek clandestine abortion services that endanger their health and lives (arts. 3 and 6). The Committee recommends that the State party review its legislation on abortion and provide for exceptions to the general prohibition of abortion for therapeutic reasons and in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. The State party should ensure that reproductive health services are accessible for all women and adolescents. Furthermore, the State party should increase education and awareness-raising programmes, both formal (at schools and colleges) and informal (in the mass media), on the importance of using contraceptives and the right to reproductive health.”
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Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
| Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angola |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesArticle 156 (Interruption of Pregnancy) (4) A pregnant woman who, for her own reasons, interrupts her pregnancy or, in any way, participates in the interruption or consents to a third party interrupting it, outside the cases provided for in paragraph 1 of article 158, is punished with imprisonment up to 5 years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesArticle 156 (Interruption of Pregnancy) (3) Whoever, with the consent of the pregnant woman, interrupts the pregnancy or helps to interrupt it outside the cases provided for in paragraph 1 of article 158 is punished with imprisonment from 1 to 5 years. Article 157 (Interruption of aggravated pregnancy) (2) The aggravation also applies to the agent who habitually engages in the practice of the facts described in paragraph 3 of the previous article. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesArticle 156 (Interruption of Pregnancy) (3) Whoever, with the consent of the pregnant woman, interrupts the pregnancy or helps to interrupt it outside the cases provided for in paragraph 1 of article 158 is punished with imprisonment from 1 to 5 years. Article 157 (Interruption of aggravated pregnancy) (2) The aggravation also applies to the agent who habitually engages in the practice of the facts described in paragraph 3 of the previous article. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesArticle 156 (Interruption of pregnancy) (1)Whoever interrupts a woman's pregnancy without her consent is punished with imprisonment from 2 to 8 years. (2)The same penalty incurs who, knowing that the woman is pregnant, exerts acts of force or violence against her and, in this way, interrupts the pregnancy, even if this is not her purpose. (5) For the purposes of this article, the consent of a pregnant woman under 16 years of age or a woman with a mental disorder or when consent is obtained by fraud, threat, violence or coercion is irrelevant. Article 157 (Interruption of aggravated pregnancy) (1) The penalties provided for in numbers 1 and 2 of the previous article are increased by one third in their limits, if, as a result of the termination of pregnancy or of the means employed, it results in serious harm to the physical integrity or the death of the woman. (2) The aggravation also applies to the agent who habitually engages in the practice of the facts described in paragraph 3 of the previous article. Article 158 (Exemption of liability and special mitigation of penalty) 6- The penalty established in paragraph 1 of article 156 is especially mitigated when: a) The interruption is indicated to avoid danger of serious and lasting harm or injury to the physical or psychological integrity of the pregnant woman and the interruption is carried out in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy; b) There are strong reasons to predict that the unborn child will suffer from a serious illness or incurable malformation and the interruption is carried out within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. |
PenaltiesArticle 156 (Interruption of Pregnancy) (1) Whoever interrupts a woman's pregnancy without her consent is punished with imprisonment from 2 to 8 years. (2)The same penalty incurs who, knowing that the woman is pregnant, exerts acts of force or violence against her and, in this way, interrupts the pregnancy, even if this is not her purpose. (5) For the purposes of this article, the consent of a pregnant woman under 16 years of age or a woman with a mental disorder or when consent is obtained by fraud, threat, violence or coercion is irrelevant. Article 157 (Interruption of aggravated pregnancy) (1) The penalties provided for in numbers 1 and 2 of the previous article are increased by one third in their limits, if, as a result of the termination of pregnancy or of the means employed, it results in serious harm to the physical integrity or the death of the woman. Article 158 (Exemption of liability and special mitigation of penalty) (6) The penalty established in paragraph 1 of article 156 is especially mitigated when: a) The interruption is indicated to avoid danger of serious and lasting harm or injury to the physical or psychological integrity of the pregnant woman and the interruption is carried out in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy; b) There are strong reasons to predict that the unborn child will suffer from a serious illness or incurable malformation and the interruption is carried out within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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