Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Gestational limit: 12
Read more On requestYes 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.
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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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Economic or social reasonsNot 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. 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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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.
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 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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Gestational limitNot applicable 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.
Additional notesConception among relatives in the direct generation or with siblings is listed among conditions for abortion. |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNot 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: |
Mental healthNot 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. 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.
Additional notesA specific list of conditions exist in the Decree Implementing the Law on Abortion. Related documents: |
Physical healthNot 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. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Additional notesA specific list of conditions exist in the Decree Implementing the Law on Abortion. Related documents: |
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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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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OtherBelow 15 years old Above 40 years old Intrauterine contraceptive failure 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
Abortions at gestational ages of more than 12 weeks need to be authorised. The law sets out a process by which the woman can request a review of a negative decision. 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 notesAbortions at gestational ages of more than 12 weeks need to be authorised. The law sets out a process by which the woman can request a review of a negative decision. |
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 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 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 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 rapeNot 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. 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 rapeNot 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. 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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Parental consent required for minorsYes 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.
Additional notesIf an abortion has been performed on a woman between 16 and 18 years of age, the health establishment is required to notify her legal representative. |
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 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 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 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 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 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 periodNot 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. 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.
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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 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 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 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. Related documents: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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No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo data found 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.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found 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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OtherExcept in certain circumstances, a woman may not have an abortion if she has had one in the last six months.
A physician may deny a woman access to an abortion if the physician believes it is against her health interest.
Women are required to pay for abortions on request.
Abortions on women only temporarily staying in Czech Republic are restricted. Reimbursement for artificial termination of pregnancy for foreign women is governed by a special regulation. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
No data
National guidelines for induced abortionNo data found 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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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNot specified Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes Misoprostol onlyYes 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 Related documents:Pharmacy selling or distributionYes, with prescription only 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 Related documents:Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesYes, with prescription only 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 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)Catchment medical facility of institutional care 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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No data
National guidelines for post-abortion careNo data found 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 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)
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 careNot 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. 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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Induced abortion for all womenYes Women are required to pay for abortion on request. With certain exceptions women temporarily staying in the Czech Republic pay for abortion services. Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo Abortion complicationsNot specified Private health coverageNot specified 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 Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes Other (if applicable)
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 facilityNot specified Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Public sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes 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 notesHealth workers may not refuse to provide services if they are unable to ensure referral and the refusal would endanger the patient's life or pose a serious threat to her health. |
Private sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes 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 notesHealth workers may not refuse to provide services if they are unable to ensure referral and the refusal would endanger the patient's life or pose a serious threat to her health. |
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes 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 notesHealth workers may not refuse to provide services if they are unable to ensure referral and the refusal would endanger the patient's life or pose a serious threat to her health. |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes 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 notesHealth workers may not refuse to provide services if they are unable to ensure referral and the refusal would endanger the patient's life or pose a serious threat to her health. |
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
 |
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CRC“While welcoming the State party’s National Action Plan of Child Accident Prevention 2007-2017, the Committee notes with concern the high rates of teenage pregnancies and abortions as well as the high rates of suicide, which constitute the second-highest cause of death amongst 15 to 19 year olds. Furthermore, while welcoming the State party’s legislative prohibition on the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to persons under the age of 18, the Committee is concerned that there is neither a regular systemic review of the effective observance of this prohibition nor an effective enforcement of it, resulting in a continued increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption amongst children.”
“The Committee reiterates the concerns expressed by the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.76, paras. 21 and 41) at tobacco smoking, drug abuse and alcohol consumption, as well as at the decreasing but still high number of teenage pregnancies and abortions.”
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesSection 4 Crimes against woman´s pregnancy § 159 Unauthorised abortion without pregnant woman´s consent A person who interrupts woman´s pregnancy without her consent, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act through force, threat of force or threat of other severe prejudice, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, he commits such act repeatedly, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from eight to sixteen years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 160 Unauthorised abortion with pregnant woman´s consent A person who with the pregnant woman´s consent interrupts her pregnancy in manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to five years or prohibition of activity. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he acquires substantial benefit for himself or another by such act, he regularly commits such act, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by under subprovision (1). An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 161 Assistance to a pregnant woman to abortion A person who assists a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to one year. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 162 Induce of a pregnant woman to abortion A person who induces a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to two years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 163 Common provision A pregnant woman who interrupts her pregnancy herself, or who asks or asks another person to interrupt it, shall not be liable to punishment for such act, not even under the provisions on instigators and assistants. 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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PenaltiesSection 4 Crimes against woman´s pregnancy § 159 Unauthorised abortion without pregnant woman´s consent A person who interrupts woman´s pregnancy without her consent, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act through force, threat of force or threat of other severe prejudice, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, he commits such act repeatedly, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from eight to sixteen years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 160 Unauthorised abortion with pregnant woman´s consent A person who with the pregnant woman´s consent interrupts her pregnancy in manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to five years or prohibition of activity. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he acquires substantial benefit for himself or another by such act, he regularly commits such act, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by under subprovision (1). An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 161 Assistance to a pregnant woman to abortion A person who assists a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to one year. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 162 Induce of a pregnant woman to abortion A person who induces a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to two years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 163 Common provision A pregnant woman who interrupts her pregnancy herself, or who asks or asks another person to interrupt it, shall not be liable to punishment for such act, not even under the provisions on instigators and assistants. 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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PenaltiesNone found |
PenaltiesSection 4 Crimes against woman´s pregnancy § 159 Unauthorised abortion without pregnant woman´s consent A person who interrupts woman´s pregnancy without her consent, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act through force, threat of force or threat of other severe prejudice, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, he commits such act repeatedly, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from eight to sixteen years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 160 Unauthorised abortion with pregnant woman´s consent A person who with the pregnant woman´s consent interrupts her pregnancy in manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to five years or prohibition of activity. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from two to eight years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he acquires substantial benefit for himself or another by such act, he regularly commits such act, he causes severe injury to health by such act. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from three to ten years, if he causes severe injury to health of at least two persons or death by under subprovision (1). An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from five to twelve years, if he causes death of at least two persons by act under subprovision (1). Preparation is punishable. § 161 Assistance to a pregnant woman to abortion A person who assists a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to one year. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 162 Induce of a pregnant woman to abortion A person who induces a pregnant woman to: interrupt her pregnancy by herself, or ask or allow someone else to interrupt her pregnancy in a manner other than that admissible under the Abortion Act, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to two years. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from six months to five years, if: he commits act under subprovision (1) against woman younger than 18 years, he commits such act by misuse of pregnant woman´s distress or dependence, or he contributes with such act to severe injury to pregnant woman´s health. An offender shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of from one to six years, if he contributes with act under subprovision (1) to pregnant woman´s death. § 163 Common provision A pregnant woman who interrupts her pregnancy herself, or who asks or asks another person to interrupt it, shall not be liable to punishment for such act, not even under the provisions on instigators and assistants. 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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