Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Ghana |
No
Read more WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
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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Gestational limit
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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Gestational limit
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 limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo Related documents: |
Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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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.
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Gestational limit
The Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols do not provide particular gestational limits for specific abortion access grounds. However, they state: Medical practice defines abortion as ''the loss of pregnancy before the foetus is viable (in Ghana abortion before 28 weeks of gestation)''. They define second trimester abortion as “any procedure from 13 through 28 complete." The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. ted weeks of pregnancy.” 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.
Additional notesThe CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. |
Additional notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols do not provide particular gestational limits for specific abortion access grounds. However, they state: Medical practice defines abortion as ''the loss of pregnancy before the foetus is viable (in Ghana abortion before 28 weeks of gestation)''. They define second trimester abortion as “any procedure from 13 through 28 completed weeks of pregnancy.” |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
Authorization of health professional(s)Not specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions 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 notesThe CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyYes 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. 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. 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 rapeNo 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 minorsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Spousal consentNo 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. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers, one example of which is the requirement for mandatory ultrasound prior to abortion, that hinder access to and timely provision of safe abortion care should be removed. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 7 - Recommendation.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Many women have made a decision to have an abortion before seeking care, and this decision should be respected without subjecting a woman to mandatory counselling. Provision of counselling to women who desire it should be voluntary, confidential, non-directive and by a trained person. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.1.8.1.
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Compulsory waiting 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. 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. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement, p 10 - Recommendation.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo 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.
Additional notesThe CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients): "A practitioner who procures, assists, encourages, incites, solicits or attempts to perform an illegal abortion is liable to prosecution without prejudice to disciplinary sanctions.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. |
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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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government 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 aspirationYes (12 (since LMP) WEEKS) Dilatation and evacuationYes (28 (since LMP) WEEKS) Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (28 (since LMP) WEEKS) Misoprostol onlyYes (28 (since LMP) WEEKS) Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Pharmacy selling or distributionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
Chemists/pharmacists can help women avoid unintended pregnancy through provision of accurate contraceptive information, pregnancy tests, contraceptive methods and referral to safe abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.1.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. 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 facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)In a place approved for the purpose by legislative instrument made by the Secretary WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion services should be available at primary-care level, with referral systems in place for all required higher-level care. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6- Recommendation.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government 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 facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)Community level’ health institutions WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The facilities and skills required to manage most abortion complications are similar to those needed to care for women who have had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Safe Abortion Guidelines § 2.2.6.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. All women should receive contraceptive information and be offered counselling for and methods of post-abortion contraception, including emergency contraception, before leaving the health-care facility. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.3.
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Insurance to offset end user costsNot 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:Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Financing of abortion services should take into account costs to the health system while ensuring that services are affordable and readily available to all women who need them. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6 - Recommendation. Abortion services should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans; women should never be denied or delayed because of the inability to pay. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.6.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesNurseNot specified Midwife/nurse-midwifeYes Midwives may provide medical abortions. Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." However, in Section V which deals with practitioners' duties towards patients, the Code states in Article 141: "A therapeutic abortion may be performed if the intervention is the only means to save the life of the mother. When the safety of the mother that is seriously threatened requires a termination of pregnancy or the utilization of a therapeutic intervention that is capable of interrupting the pregnancy, the practitioner must consult at least two other doctors chosen for their competence, who, after review of the case, should jointly make a decision. A copy of the report of the consultation should be given to the patient and a copy kept by each of the two consultants. Also a memorandum of the decision that does not mention the name of the patient must be sent by registered mail to the Council. If there is a therapeutic indication for the termination of pregnancy, the practitioner must yield to any refusal by the patient who is duly informed. This rule does not apply in the case of emergency and when the patient is incapable of giving consent." The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Other (if applicable)Community Health Officer and Medical Assistants trained in midwifery may provide medical abortions. 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)Facilities must be registered under the Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Act, 1958 (No. 9) or approved for the purpose by legislative instrument made by the Secretary. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
Public sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes The Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. 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 notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Related documents: |
Private sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes The Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. 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 notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Related documents: |
Provider type not specifiedYes Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes The Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. 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 notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes The Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. 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 notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Standards and Protocols state: “No provider has the right to refuse to perform an abortion procedure that is needed to preserve a woman’s health or life. No provider may refuse if a client is below 18 years of age…. A service provider has the duty to provide compassionate and non-judgmental counselling and factually correct information to the client about her rights to the service and or refer her to an accessible provider.”
The CEDEAO/ECOWAS Harmonised Code of Ethics and Practice (2013) (which has no indication of being an official government document) states in Article 21 in Section I (general duties of practitioners): "Voluntary interruption of pregnancy cannot be practiced unless otherwise provided for by law. However, the practitioner is always free to refuse to perform such an act, but he should inform the person concerned of the condition and month of pregnancy as provided for by law." In addition, Article 141 in Section V (practitioners' duties towards patients) states: “If the practitioner considers that his conviction does not allow him to advise or perform an abortion, he may withdraw while ensuring the continuity of care by a qualified colleague.” The Code of Ethics is accessible at: http://www.medecins.ci/documents/Code-Harmonise-CEDEAO.pdf. Related documents: |
Public facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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. 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. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
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CEDAW“The Committee appreciates the inclusion of gender perspectives in Ghana’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, as well as the adoption of the Reproductive Health Policy and the Strategic Plan for Abortion Care. (…) The Committee expresses concern about the lack of access of women to adequate health-care services, including prenatal and post-natal. The Committee is concerned that women may lack access to health-care services owing to, among other reasons, cultural beliefs and limited education that inhibit women’s decision-making with regard to the number of children and access to services. It is further concerned that negative attitudes of health workers may be an impediment to women’s access to health-care services. The Committee is also concerned about the high rate of teenage pregnancy, which presents a significant obstacle to girls’ educational opportunities and economic empowerment. The Committee is alarmed at the high maternal mortality rate, particularly the number of deaths resulting from unsafe abortions, and inadequate family planning services, especially in the rural areas, low rates of contraceptive use and lack of sex education.(....) The Committee urges the State party to undertake appropriate measures to improve women’s access to health care and health-related services and information, including for women who live in rural areas. It urges the State party to raise community awareness with regard to negative cultural beliefs and the importance of giving women a choice in relation to access to health-care services, number of children, and use of contraception, as well as ensure that health workers adopt a client-friendly attitude. It calls upon the State party to improve the availability of sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning information and services, as well as antenatal, post-natal and obstetric services to reduce maternal mortality and to set targets and benchmarks to achieve the Millennium Development Goal to reduce maternal mortality. It also recommends the adoption of measures to increase knowledge of and access to affordable contraceptive methods, so that women and men can make informed choices about the number and spacing of children, as well as access to safe abortion in accordance with domestic legislation.(...).”
“The Committee notes the measures taken by the State party as a result of the Health Sector Gender Policy of 2009 as well as the revised National HIV and AIDS, STI Policy published in February 2013. It also notes with appreciation the adoption of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846) as well as projects aimed at promoting the National Health Insurance Scheme. The Committee nonetheless remains concerned about (…) (d) The general lack of awareness about the conditions under which abortion is legally available and the stigma attached to it, resulting in numerous women resorting to unsafe abortion; (…) In line with its General Recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health, the Committee calls upon the State party to: (…) Adopt strategies to eliminate abortion-related stigma, raise awareness among women and girls about the conditions under which abortion is legally available, and ensure that safe abortion is affordable for all women under such conditions;”
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CRC“[…]The Committee reiterates its concern (para. 51) about the high incidence of adolescent pregnancies, the inadequate reproductive health and mental health services for adolescents, as well as the high numbers of illegal and unsafe abortions of adolescents. […] Review its legislation on abortion, notably with a view to guaranteeing the best interests of pregnant teenagers and preventing teenage girls resorting to clandestine abortions at the risk of their lives;”
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HRC“The Committee is concerned that, despite the legally available exceptions to the prohibition of abortion, safe abortion remains largely inaccessible due to the stigma associated with voluntary termination of pregnancy in the society, its relatively high cost and the fact that it is not covered by the national health insurance scheme. The Committee is concerned by the percentage of unsafe abortion-related maternal deaths (arts. 3, 6, 7 and 17). […] The State party should increase its efforts to reduce maternal mortality resulting from unsafe abortions by adapting its regulations on pregnancy and abortion to ensure that women do not have to undertake unsafe abortions. It should also ensure that voluntary termination of pregnancy is available to individuals regardless of their means, for example by considering incorporation of abortion into the national health insurance scheme. It should further implement awareness-raising policies to combat stigmatization of women and girls who seek abortion, and ensure access to contraception and adequate and affordable reproductive health services for all women and adolescents.”
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SR HEALTH"Unsafe abortions account for 12 per cent of maternal deaths;38 however, both family planning and abortion procedures are excluded from the NHIS. Although middle-class and wealthy women access abortion services in regulated abortion clinics, poor and marginalized women cannot afford the rates charged in such clinics and often undertake procedures in unsafe and unregulated environments, which leave them vulnerable to avoidable incidences of maternal morbidity and mortality.39 Extending the insurance scheme to include free or heavily subsidized family-planning and abortion services will assist in eliminating the inequality of access to quality services. The number of qualified abortion providers must be increased, particularly in rural areas, and there must be better regulation in order to ensure that the procedure is only carried out by qualified service providers."
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ghana |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesSection 58—Abortion or Miscarriage (of the Criminal Code) (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section— (a) any woman who with intent to cause abortion or miscarriage administers to herself or consents to be administered to her any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; or (b) any person who— (i) administers to a woman any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or any other means whatsoever with the intent to cause abortion or miscarriage, whether or not that the woman is pregnant or has given her consent; (ii) induces a woman to cause or consent to causing abortion or miscarriage; (iii) aids and abets a woman to cause abortion or miscarriage; (iv) attempts to cause abortion or miscarriage; or (v) supplies or procures any poison, drug, instrument or other thing knowing that it is intended to be used or employed to cause abortion or miscarriage, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesSection 58—Abortion or Miscarriage (of the Criminal Code) (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section— (a) any woman who with intent to cause abortion or miscarriage administers to herself or consents to be administered to her any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; or (b) any person who— (i) administers to a woman any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or any other means whatsoever with the intent to cause abortion or miscarriage, whether or not that the woman is pregnant or has given her consent; (ii) induces a woman to cause or consent to causing abortion or miscarriage; (iii) aids and abets a woman to cause abortion or miscarriage; (iv) attempts to cause abortion or miscarriage; or (v) supplies or procures any poison, drug, instrument or other thing knowing that it is intended to be used or employed to cause abortion or miscarriage, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesSection 58—Abortion or Miscarriage (of the Criminal Code) (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section— (a) any woman who with intent to cause abortion or miscarriage administers to herself or consents to be administered to her any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; or (b) any person who— (i) administers to a woman any poison, drug or other noxious thing or uses any instrument or any other means whatsoever with the intent to cause abortion or miscarriage, whether or not that the woman is pregnant or has given her consent; (ii) induces a woman to cause or consent to causing abortion or miscarriage; (iii) aids and abets a woman to cause abortion or miscarriage; (iv) attempts to cause abortion or miscarriage; or (v) supplies or procures any poison, drug, instrument or other thing knowing that it is intended to be used or employed to cause abortion or miscarriage, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
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Source document: 
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