Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Honduras |
No
Read more WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
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 notesThe 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
Foetal impairmentWHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative.
The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf. The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
RapeWHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf. The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
IncestWHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf. The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
Additional notesThe 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. 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 notesThe 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. 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 notesThe 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
HealthWHO 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 notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf. The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
LifeWHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf. The 2021 constitutional amendment prohibits abortions and states that the fetus’ “life” should be respected “from conception”. As per the amendment, this article can only be amended by a three-quarters majority of all the members of the National Congress. Related documents: |
Other
|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
Authorization of health professional(s)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf Related documents: |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot 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. 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 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 that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Police report required in case of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Parental consent required for minorsNot 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. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Spousal consentNot 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government 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. 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.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf |
Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNo data found Dilatation and evacuationNo data found Combination mifepristone-misoprostolNo data found Misoprostol onlyNo data found Other (where provided)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)No Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Related documents:Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNo 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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No data
Where can abortion services be providedNo data found Primary health-care centresNo data found Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNo data found Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNo data found Private health-care centres or clinicsNo data found NGO health-care centres or clinicsNo data found 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. 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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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government 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. 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 centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes 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 careYes 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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No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found 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. 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 servicesNurseNo data found Midwife/nurse-midwifeNo data found Doctor (specialty not specified)The Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf 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.
Additional notesThe Penal Code makes no exceptions to the general prohibition on the performance of abortions. However, the Norms for Maternal and Neonatal Care states "Therapeutic abortion: It is the interruption of a pregnancy to preserve the woman's health or save the woman's life. It is practiced when one of the following situations exists: when the woman's health is at risk; when the woman's life is at risk; when the product has congenital malformations that are incompatible with life, and when the pregnancy has been the result of a non-consensual relationship or a non-consensual fertilization. It defines abortion as abortion the "interruption of a pregnancy after implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium before the fetus has reached viability (before 22 weeks of gestational age, fetal weight of 500g and fetal length of 25cm.)"The Code of Medical Ethics of the Honduran Medical Association also sets out the exceptional grounds and circumstances abortions in which abortion for therapeutic purposes can be performed, namely when the life or health of the woman is in danger and all other options have been exhausted, and there are at least two other doctors who provide their written agreement with the conclusion that her life and health are in danger and that this is the only option left. This requires the consent of the woman and her husband/legal representative. The Code of Ethics can be accessed at: http://www.bvs.hn/RMH/pdf/1943/pdf/A13-5-1943-4.pdf Related documents: |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNo data found Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNo data found Minimum number of bedsNo data found 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
No data
Public sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends 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.
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No data
Private sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends 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.
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No data
Provider type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends 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.
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No data
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends 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.
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No data
Public facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where 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
Private facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where 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
Facility type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where 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
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
CAT“The Committee is concerned about the restrictions on access to abortion, especially for rape victims, set out in the State party’s criminal legislation, which permits the voluntary termination of pregnancy only when the mother’s life is at risk. [….] The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that women, especially victims of rape, who voluntarily decide to terminate their pregnancy have access to safe, legal abortions.”
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CEDAW“The Committee is concerned about the high rate of teenage pregnancy and its implications for the health and education of girls. The Committee is concerned that efforts to provide sex education in schools, developed by the Ministry of Education, are being impeded by conservative government actors. The Committee is also concerned that abortion is criminalized in all circumstances, including when a pregnancy threatens a woman’s life or health and when it is a result of rape or incest. The Committee is concerned about the high HIV/AIDS infection rates in women and the fact that HIV/AIDS programmes and policies are not specifically targeted at women, with the exception of prostitutes and pregnant women, and do not address the needs of women of ethnic minorities. The Committee urges the State party to step up the provision of family-planning information and services to women and girls, in particular regarding reproductive health and affordable contraceptive methods, and to widely implement sex education targeted at girls and boys, with special attention to the prevention of teenage pregnancy. The Committee calls on the State party to guarantee that its public policies and decisions are in accordance with its Constitution, which establishes it as a secular State. The Committee recommends that the State party consider reviewing the law relating to abortion with a view to identifying circumstances under which abortion could be permitted, such as therapeutic abortions and abortions in cases of pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, and removing punitive provisions imposed on women who undergo abortion, in line with the Committee’s general recommendation 24, on women and health, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Committee also urges the State party to provide women with access to quality services for the management of complications arising from unsafe abortions and to reduce women’s maternal mortality rates. The Committee recommends that the State party include a gender perspective in its HIV/AIDS programmes and policies and ensure that such programmes and policies address the needs of women from ethnic minorities.”
“The Committee [….] is further concerned about :a. The criminalization of abortion without exceptions resulting in a high number of women and girls seeking unsafe abortion and increasing maternal mortality; [….] c. The lack of studies to evaluate the impact of the criminalization of abortion and the prohibition of the prescription, sale and use of emergency contraception, including in cases of rape and incest; [….] Taking into account its statement on sexual and reproductive health and rights, adopted at its fifty-seventh session, in February 2014, the Committee notes that unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. As such, the Committee recommends that the State party: a. Look into positive experiences and practices of countries in the region, including from those countries with similar cultural and religious visions, and around the world which have reviewed their restrictive interpretation of therapeutic abortion, and accepted circumstances under which abortion must be decriminalized, namely, at least in cases of rape or incest, threats to the life and/or health of the woman, and severe foetal impairment; b. Conduct an assessment on the impact on the physical and mental health of women and girls of the total criminalization of abortion and the ban on emergency contraception, as well as the free or paid distribution and commercialization of emergency contraception medicines, particularly on women and girls who are victims of sexual abuse, with a view to lifting the ban and criminalization; c. Ensure that women, especially women living in poverty and rural women, have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, covering family planning, the prevention of early pregnancies and of sexually transmitted infections and emergency post-abortion care;[…]”
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CRC“[…] The Committee is also deeply concerned that girls can in no circumstances have access to abortion services, including in cases of rape or incest and when their health or life are in danger, a situation which places them at grave risk of resorting to clandestine abortion at the risk of their life and can lead them to being criminalized. [….] In the light of its general comment No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health in the context of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: [….] (d) Decriminalize abortions in all circumstances and review its legislation with a view to ensuring children’s access to safe abortion and post-abortion care services. The views of the child should always be heard and respected in abortion decisions.”
“The Committee welcomes the 2002 National Programme for the Integral Care of Adolescents. However, it is concerned at the following: (a) High rate of teenage pregnancies and the still insufficient reproductive health services; (b) Much higher risk of maternal mortality to which pregnant girls are exposed, inter alia since girls often recur to clandestine forms of abortion; (...) The Committee recommends that the State party, taking into account the Committee’s general comment No. 4 on adolescent health and development in the context of the Convention (CRC/GC/2003/4): (a) Ensure access to reproductive health services to all adolescents and carefully address the issues of teenage pregnancy, clandestine abortions and substance abuse; (....)”
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HRC“The Committee expresses its concern at the unduly restrictive legislation on abortion, particularly in cases where the life of the mother is endangered (article 6 of the Covenant). The State party should amend its legislation so as to help women avoid unwanted pregnancies and ensure that women need not resort to clandestine abortions, which could endanger their lives. The State party should also amend its legislation on abortion in order to bring it into line with the Covenant.”
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SR VAW“(…) The Supreme Court subsequently declared the ban on emergency contraception constitutional, upholding the view that emergency contraception was a method of abortion and therefore violated article 126 of the Criminal Code of Honduras, which criminalizes abortion without exception. The Article 132 of the Code provides for a sentence of four to six years’ imprisonment for anyone who causes an abortion through acts of violence, even if unintentionally, while knowing the victim’s state of pregnancy. The absolute prohibition of abortion implies that women and girls are condemned to continue pregnancies and to face revictimization by society. It has also led women and girls who are impregnated as a result of rape or incest to resort to unsafe and clandestine abortion services and practices, sometimes with fatal consequences.“
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WG-DWLP"In addition to the entrenched patriarchal culture, family life and women’s reproductive health are highly conditioned by a conservative society, influenced by the Church. The experts learned from various interlocutors that both Catholic and evangelical churches have significant influence over political decision-making bodies and public opinion, including in the discussion of the decriminalization of abortion in three circumstances and lifting the prohibition on emergency contraception. These policies should be premised on human rights standards and not on any particular religious doctrine. The Working Group joins other international human rights expert mechanisms in reiterating that freedom of religion or belief should never be used to justify discrimination against women (see A/HRC/38/46). According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Honduras has the second The Working Group echoes the concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Further, the criminalization of abortion and the obligation of medical professionals to report cases of women whose injuries appear related to unsafe abortions have led to women being incarcerated. These denunciations by medical professionals may dissuade women suffering from a miscarriage or complications from abortion to seek the necessary medical attention, thereby putting their lives in danger. The Working Group regrets that recent efforts to amend the Criminal Code with a view to decriminalizing abortion have failed, and recalls that criminalizing women for abortion is against international human rights standards. The Working Group reiterates that criminalizing the termination of pregnancy is one of the most damaging ways of instrumentalizing and politicizing women’s bodies and lives, subjecting them to risks to their lives or health and depriving them of autonomy in decision-making. The Working Group also regrets the detrimental influence of With regard to the legal framework, the Working Group recommends that the State: With regard to access to health, the Working Group recommends that the State:
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honduras |
Penalties deconstructedNo legal grounds specified; penalties for all abortions |
PenaltiesARTICLE 128. A woman who produces her own abortion or consents to another person to do so shall be punished with imprisonment of three (3) to six (6) years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesCHAPTER II ABORTION ARTICLE 126. Abortion is the death of a human being at any time during pregnancy or during childbirth. Whoever intentionally causes an abortion will be punished: 1. With three (3) to six (6) years of imprisonment if the woman consented; 2. With six (6) to eight (8) years of imprisonment if the person works without the consent of the mother and without employing violence or intimidation; 3. With eight (8) to ten (10) years imprisonment if the person employs violence, intimidation or deception. ARTICLE 127. The penalties indicated in the previous article and the fine of fifteen thousand (L.15,000.00) to thirty thousand (L.30,000.00) Lempiras shall be imposed on the physician who, abusing their profession, causes or cooperates in abortion. The same sanctions will apply to medical practitioners, paramedics, nurses, midwives or midwives who commit or participate in the provision of an abortion. ARTICLE 128. A woman who produces her own abortion or consents to another person to do so shall be punished with imprisonment of three (3) to six (6) years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesCHAPTER II ABORTION ARTICLE 126. Abortion is the death of a human being at any time during pregnancy or during childbirth. Whoever intentionally causes an abortion will be punished: 1. With three (3) to six (6) years of imprisonment if the woman consented; 2. With six (6) to eight (8) years of imprisonment if the person works without the consent of the mother and without employing violence or intimidation; 3. With eight (8) to ten (10) years imprisonment if the person employs violence, intimidation or deception. ARTICLE 127. The penalties indicated in the previous article and the fine of fifteen thousand (L.15,000.00) to thirty thousand (L.30,000.00) Lempiras shall be imposed on the physician who, abusing their profession, causes or cooperates in abortion. The same sanctions will apply to medical practitioners, paramedics, nurses, midwives or midwives who commit or participate in the provision of an abortion. ARTICLE 128. A woman who produces her own abortion or consents to another person to do so shall be punished with imprisonment of three (3) to six (6) years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesNone found |
PenaltiesARTICLE 126. Abortion is the death of a human being at any time during pregnancy or during childbirth. Whoever intentionally causes an abortion will be punished: 1. With three (3) to six (6) years of imprisonment if the woman consented; 2. With six (6) to eight (8) years of imprisonment if the person works without the consent of the mother and without employing violence or intimidation; 3. With eight (8) to ten (10) years imprisonment if the person employs violence, intimidation or deception. 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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