Country or Region | |
---|---|
Colombia |
No
Read more On requestNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6.
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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 |
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Colombia |
Economic or social reasonsNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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Foetal impairmentNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
Additional notesAbortion is permitted when there is serious malformation of the fetus that makes its life unfeasible. |
RapeYes Gestational limit appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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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IncestYes Gestational limit appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo |
Mental healthYes Gestational limit appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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 appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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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HealthYes Gestational limit appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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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LifeYes Gestational limit appliesNo WHO GuidanceThe 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.
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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OtherThe pregnancy is the result of a criminal act of unwanted artificial insemination or unwanted implantation of a fertilized ovum. When there is serious malformation of the fetus that makes its life unfeasible. Additional notesThe decision to perform the legal abortion, should be taken in each case with a weight of: (i) the grounds in question, (ii) medical criteria supported in particular physical and mental condition pregnant women and, in any case, (iii) the desire of it. And like all medical intervention should be preceded by an appropriate informed consent to perform the procedure and its risks and benefits. (Judicial decision, source 6). Judges lack the competence to define the gestational age, and they cannot deny access to a legal abortion based on this point (Judicial decision, source 9).
Although it is not referenced in the source list of the questionnaire, this judgment T-532 set down by the Colombian Constitutional Court in 2014, requires that the legislature take steps to develop a legal framework that guarantees women and girls rights to access safe and legal abortion services in accordance with the decision C355 of 2006. The decision can be accessed: http://www.corteconstitucional.gov.co/relatoria/2014/t-532-14.htm Related documents: |
Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
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Colombia |
Authorization of health professional(s)No WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by hospital authorities may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
Additional notesAlthough a health professional has to "certify" the indication (e.g. health risk) the woman is the one entitled to decide whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy. The setting up of Commissions and boards to decide on access to legal and safe abortion is prohibited, as it is considered an unacceptable obstacle which could delay a woman or girl’s access to safe abortion services to which they are entitled by law. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Restrictions on the range of providers or facilities that are authorized to provide abortion reduce the availability of services and their equitable geographic distribution. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.4.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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Police report required in case of rapeYes Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
Additional notesWhen the woman is under 14 years old, the police report is not required. Related documents: |
Parental consent required for minorsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by a spouse may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers, one example of which is the requirement for mandatory ultrasound prior to abortion, that hinder access to and timely provision of safe abortion care should be removed. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 7 - Recommendation.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Many women have made a decision to have an abortion before seeking care, and this decision should be respected without subjecting a woman to mandatory counselling. Provision of counselling to women who desire it should be voluntary, confidential, non-directive and by a trained person. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.1.8.1.
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Compulsory waiting periodNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should consider eliminating waiting periods that are not medically required, and expanding services to serve all eligible women promptly. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.6.
Additional notesHealth care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. Related documents: |
Mandatory HIV screening testNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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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. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. 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, p 10 - Recommendation.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should refrain from limiting access to means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, including censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.7.
Additional notes“When a public official makes public pronouncements on sexual and reproductive health issues such as voluntary termination of pregnancy, he should not issue erroneous or unfounded information as this violates the right to reproductive information.” |
![]() Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe 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. 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
Additional notesIn a 2022, the Constitutional Court asked the government to "formulate and implement a comprehensive public policy -including the legislative and administrative measures that are required, according to the case. This policy must contain, at a minimum, (i) clear disclosure of the options available to pregnant women during and after pregnancy, (ii) the elimination of any obstacle to the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights recognized in this judgment, (iii) the existence of pregnancy prevention and planning instruments, (iv) the development of educational programs on sexual and reproductive education for all people, (v) accompaniment measures for pregnant mothers that include adoption options, among others, and (vi) measures that guarantee the rights of those born in circumstances of pregnant women who wished to abort. Related documents: |
![]() Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes (15 WEEKS) Dilatation and evacuationYes (Suggested for more than 15 WEEKS) Combination mifepristone-misoprostolThe 2014 Technical guidelines on comprehensive care for voluntary interruption of pregnancy at the first level refer to combination mifepristone and misoprostol but explain that Mifepristone is not yet available in Colombia. Misoprostol onlyYes (10 WEEKS) Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Pharmacy selling or distributionYes, with prescription only No information is provided as to where mifepristone must be dispensed. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
Chemists/pharmacists can help women avoid unintended pregnancy through provision of accurate contraceptive information, pregnancy tests, contraceptive methods and referral to safe abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.1.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesYes, with prescription only No information is provided as to where mifepristone must be dispensed. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
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Where can abortion services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsYes Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion services should be available at primary-care level, with referral systems in place for all required higher-level care. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6- Recommendation.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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![]() Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes The Technical Guidelines on comprehensive abortion care outline a number of specific requirements concerning infrastructure and equipment. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsYes Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The facilities and skills required to manage most abortion complications are similar to those needed to care for women who have had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Safe Abortion Guidelines § 2.2.6.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. All women should receive contraceptive information and be offered counselling for and methods of post-abortion contraception, including emergency contraception, before leaving the health-care facility. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.3.
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Insurance to offset end user costsYes Induced abortion for all womenNo data found Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo data found Abortion complicationsYes It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with. Private health coverageYes It is prohibited to deny women a legal abortion due to the type of social security or health coverage they are affiliated with. Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Financing of abortion services should take into account costs to the health system while ensuring that services are affordable and readily available to all women who need them. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6 - Recommendation. Abortion services should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans; women should never be denied or delayed because of the inability to pay. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.6.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:
NurseNo Midwife/nurse-midwifeNo Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Some guidelines specify that a general practitioner (médico generalista) can perform abortions up to 15 weeks of gestation when he/she is trained. Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Subject to gestational age and method, abortion care can be safely provided by any properly trained health-care provider, including specialist doctors, non-specialist doctors; associate and advanced associate clinicians; midwives; and nurses. Health Worker Roles in Safe Abortion Care, p 33- Recommendation.
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![]() Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityYes Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes Minimum number of bedsYes Other (if applicable)Minimum requirements for health service providers and for the provision of gynaecological health services, including periodic professional clinical and human rights training. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion facilities within both the public and private sectors should be available at all levels of the health system, with appropriate referral mechanisms between facilities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.
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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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
Public sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Private sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Provider type not specifiedYes Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health care institutions must respond to an abortion request and carry out the requested abortion within five days if medically possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesIn emergency situations, where there is imminent danger to the life of the woman and there is only one service provider, conscientious objection may not be invoked, and the service must be provided in compliance with the duty of protecting the woman's basic rights. Related documents: |
Public facilitiesNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Private facilitiesNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Facility type not specifiedNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Neither Type of Facility PermittedYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombia |
![]() Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 122. Abortion. A woman who causes her own abortion or permits another person performing it will be punished with imprisonment from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months. This same sanction will be applied to the person who, with the consent of the woman, carries out the action noted in the prior sentence. Article 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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![]() PenaltiesAbortion will only be punishable when it is carried out after the twenty-fourth (24) week of gestation. This time limit will not apply to the three conditions (when the health or life of the woman is at risk; severe fetal impairment; and when the pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest) in which Judgment C-355 of 2006 provided that abortion is not a crime. Article 124. Mitigating circumstances. The punishment indicated for the crime of abortion will be lowered by three fourths were the pregnancy is the result of a conduct constituting abusive, or non-consensual carnal or sexual access, or non-consensual artificial insemination or transfer of a fertilized ovum. Paragraph: In the events of the prior paragraph [article 124], when the abortion is carried out in extraordinary situations of abnormal motivation, the judicial officer may forego the punishment when it is unnecessary in the concrete case at hand. |
PenaltiesArticle 123. Abortion without consent. If a person who causes an abortion without the consent of the woman will be punished with imprisonment from sixty-four (64) to one-hundred-eighty (180) moths. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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