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 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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| 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 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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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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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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Gestational limitNot 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. 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Additional notesA specific list of conditions exist in the Decree Implementing the Law on Abortion. 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. 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. 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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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 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 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 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 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. 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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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 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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Parental consent required for minorsYes 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.
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 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.
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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 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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No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo 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. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo 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. 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 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 aspirationNot specified Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes Misoprostol onlyYes 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)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or distributionYes, with prescription only 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 storesYes, with prescription only 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)Catchment medical facility of institutional care 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 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 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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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 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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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 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:NurseNo Midwife/nurse-midwifeNo Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends 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)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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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. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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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. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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