Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Read more On requestYes Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
Economic or social reasonsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5.
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Foetal impairmentYes 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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RapeYes 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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IncestYes 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 womanYes Gestational limit
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Mental healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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Physical healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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HealthYes Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe Regulation on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy lists specific diseases or pathological conditions in the Annex entitling access to abortion after 12 weeks of gestation and before the end of week 21. |
LifeYes Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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OtherThe social indications are: the pregnant women is aged under 18 or over 40; the pregnancy occurred through rape, incest or human trafficking; divorce during pregnancy; husband's death during pregnancy, imprisonment or parental rights of one or both spouses; the pregnant woman is in a migration process; the pregnant woman has five or more children; the pregnant woman is taking care of a child under 2 years, one or more family members with a disability that requires care, according to the conclusion of Medical Council of Vitality, the pregnant woman is associated with at least two of the following circumstances: lack of domicile, lack of financial means, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, domestic violence, loitering. Additional notesThe gestational limit for abortion in the case of the listed diseases and conditions is the end of week 21. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
Abortions after 12 weeks of gestation need to be approved by a Medical Advisory Board of a public health care facility. The Board is composed of a specialist obstetrician gynecologist, the medical director of the public medical institution, the institution’s lawyer and its obstetrics chief and a specialist in internal medicine WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by hospital authorities may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
Additional notesAbortions after 12 weeks of gestation need to be approved by a Medical Advisory Board of a public health care facility. The Board is composed of a specialist obstetrician gynecologist, the medical director of the public medical institution, the institution’s lawyer and its obstetrics chief and a specialist in internal medicine |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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 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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Parental consent required for minorsYes Can another adult consent in place of a parent?Yes Pregnant women under the age of 16 require the consent of their legal representative unless the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant woman. If it is impossible to obtain the consent of the representative and when medical services are required to preserve a minor’s life and her health, her voluntary consent is sufficient. In this situation, the decision is taken by the advisory service providers in the best interest of the minor, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. Age where consent not needed
Pregnant women under the age of 16 require the consent of their legal representative unless the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant woman. If it is impossible to obtain the consent of the representative and when medical services are required to preserve a minor’s life and her health, her voluntary consent is sufficient. In this situation, the decision is taken by the advisory service providers in the best interest of the minor, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
Additional notesPregnant women under the age of 16 require the consent of their legal representative unless the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant woman. If it is impossible to obtain the consent of the representative and when medical services are required to preserve a minor’s life and her health, her voluntary consent is sufficient. In this situation, the decision is taken by the advisory service providers in the best interest of the minor, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. |
Spousal consentNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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 counsellingNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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 testsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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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No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should refrain from limiting access to means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, including censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.7.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes (12 WEEKS) Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (21 WEEKS) Guidance is provided on the use of mifepristone-misoprostol for gestational ages up to 9 weeks and between 13 and 21 weeks. Misoprostol onlyYes (13-21 WEEKS) Other (where provided)Dilation and Curettage (12 WEEKS) Dilation and curettage is specified but not recommended. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or 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 Related documents: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 providedPrimary health-care centresYes Abortion during the first nine weeks without associated pathology is performed in the Territorial Medical Associations, Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (30). Abortion by manual or electric vacuum aspiration during the first 10 weeks without associated pathology is performed in the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (31). Abortion in weeks 10 to 12 can also be performed in the gynaecological and obstetric ward of specialised hospitals (32). Abortion during the first 12 weeks with associated pathology (major risk to the patient) and in patients aged under 16 (regardless of the presence or not of associated pathology) is performed only in health care facility that provide specialized care (gynecology or obstetrics wards) (33). After 12 weeks, abortion is to be provided in medical institutions offering specialised hospital care (40).
Abortion can be carried out in private health care facilities before 12 weeks of gestation. After 12 weeks abortion can only be carried out in public health care facilities. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Abortion during the first nine weeks without associated pathology is performed in the Territorial Medical Associations, Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (30). Abortion by manual or electric vacuum aspiration during the first 10 weeks without associated pathology is performed in the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (31). Abortion in weeks 10 to 12 can also be performed in the gynaecological and obstetric ward of specialised hospitals (32). Abortion during the first 12 weeks with associated pathology (major risk to the patient) and in patients aged under 16 (regardless of the presence or not of associated pathology) is performed only in health care facility that provide specialized care (gynecology or obstetrics wards) (33). After 12 weeks, abortion is to be provided in medical institutions offering specialised hospital care (40).
Abortion can be carried out in private health care facilities before 12 weeks of gestation. After 12 weeks abortion can only be carried out in public health care facilities. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsYes Abortion during the first nine weeks without associated pathology is performed in the Territorial Medical Associations, Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (30). Abortion by manual or electric vacuum aspiration during the first 10 weeks without associated pathology is performed in the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (31). Abortion in weeks 10 to 12 can also be performed in the gynaecological and obstetric ward of specialised hospitals (32). Abortion during the first 12 weeks with associated pathology (major risk to the patient) and in patients aged under 16 (regardless of the presence or not of associated pathology) is performed only in health care facility that provide specialized care (gynecology or obstetrics wards) (33). After 12 weeks, abortion is to be provided in medical institutions offering specialised hospital care (40).
Abortion can be carried out in private health care facilities before 12 weeks of gestation. After 12 weeks abortion can only be carried out in public health care facilities. NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics 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.
Additional notesAbortion during the first nine weeks without associated pathology is performed in the Territorial Medical Associations, Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (30). Abortion by manual or electric vacuum aspiration during the first 10 weeks without associated pathology is performed in the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (31). Abortion in weeks 10 to 12 can also be performed in the gynaecological and obstetric ward of specialised hospitals (32). Abortion during the first 12 weeks with associated pathology (major risk to the patient) and in patients aged under 16 (regardless of the presence or not of associated pathology) is performed only in health care facility that provide specialized care (gynecology or obstetrics wards) (33). After 12 weeks, abortion is to be provided in medical institutions offering specialised hospital care (40).
Abortion can be carried out in private health care facilities before 12 weeks of gestation. After 12 weeks abortion can only be carried out in public health care facilities. |
National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes 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)Women's Health Centers, consultative sections of Perinatal Care Centres and the Reproductive Health section of the National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics 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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Induced abortion for all womenYes Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo Abortion complicationsNot specified Private health coverageNo data found 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 servicesNurseNo Midwife/nurse-midwifeNo Doctor (specialty not specified)No Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes Other (if applicable)Residents in obstetrics and gynecology can perform voluntary interruption of pregnancy under the supervision of those responsible for their training. 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/GYNYes Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion facilities within both the public and private sectors should be available at all levels of the health system, with appropriate referral mechanisms between facilities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
No data
Public sector providersNo data found 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.
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No data
Private sector providersNo data found 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.
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No data
Provider type not specifiedNo data found 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.
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No data
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNo data found 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.
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No data
Public facilitiesNo data found 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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No data
Private facilitiesNo data found 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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No data
Facility type not specifiedNo data found 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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No data
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo data found 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
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CEDAW“The Committee expresses its concern about the health situation of women, especially women’s reproductive health. While appreciating recent declines in the maternal mortality rate, it notes that this indicator is still high compared to other countries in the region, in particular for rural women. It is also concerned about the high abortion rates and the use of abortion as a means of fertility control, and especially about the situation of unsafe abortion, which increases the risk of maternal mortality. (...) The Committee recommends that increased efforts be focused on improving women’s reproductive health. In particular, it calls upon the Government to improve the availability, acceptability and use of modern means of birth control to eliminate the use of abortion as a method of family planning. It encourages the State party to provide sex education systematically in schools, including vocational training schools. The Committee urges the State party to undertake appropriate measures to ensure women’s access to safe abortion, in accordance with domestic legislation.(...).”
“The Committee is concerned about the high rate of abortion and the low use, availability, affordability and accessibility of modern forms of contraception, in particular in the Transnistrian region and rural areas, which indicate that abortion is used as a method of birth control. The Committee is particularly concerned about reports of practices of coercive sterilization, affecting in particular women with disabilities, women in rural areas and Roma women. The Committee notes with concern that the current Ministry of Health regulation on sterilization specifies mental disability as an indicator for sterilization. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of educational programmes on sexual and reproductive health and rights in schools and about the lack of sex-disaggregated data. The Committee is further concerned at the limited access of older women to affordable health care. The Committee urges the State party: (a) To ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of modern methods of contraception for girls and women; (b) To expand the availability of medically safe modern methods of abortion, including in the Transnistrian region and rural areas; (c) To raise awareness of the importance of using contraceptives for family planning and consider including abortion and contraceptives in the basic insurance package; (…)”
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CESCR“The Committee is concerned about the continuing high level of infant and maternal mortality. It is also concerned that the number of abortions remains high (15.6 per 1,000 women of fertile age in 2002), notwithstanding the ongoing programmes in the area of reproductive health. (…) The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality by increasing health coverage for women and children. The Committee calls upon the State party to strengthen efforts to promote awareness of sexual and reproductive health, safe contraceptive methods and the health risk of using abortion as a method of birth control, and to report on the results of such measures in its next periodic report.”
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CRC“The Committee, while welcoming the national programme to combat HIV/AIDS with the support of international organizations, notes with deep concern the increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS among adolescents and the large number of teenage pregnancies and abortions. It further notes that the health services provided are not tailored to the needs of adolescents, thus reducing their willingness to avail themselves of primary health services.”
“The Committee welcomes the adoption of the National Reproductive Health Strategy (2005) to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and the establishment of the Network of Healthcare Services for Adolescents (2005). The Committee is concerned at the absence of an effective adolescent health promotion strategy and programme and a comprehensive child and adolescent mental health policy. Furthermore, the Committee notes with concern the increase in alcohol consumption and drug abuse among adolescents, the high rates of teenage pregnancies and abortions as well as the rates of suicide.”
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HRC“The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of significant progress in the implementation of many of the Committee’s previous recommendations, particularly those relating to (…) reliance on abortion as a method of contraception (…) The Committee is concerned that, despite the National Strategy for Health (2005-2015), the use of abortion as a contraceptive measure is widespread. It notes, in this respect, that the law on compulsory medical insurance, which provides for the inclusion of contraceptives in the Basic Benefits Package, has not been implemented. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that, although abortion is not prohibited by law, there have been instances where women have been prosecuted for murder or infanticide after having had an abortion and that no after-abortion healthcare is provided to them in prison. (arts. 3, 9 and 10) The State party should: (a) Take steps to eliminate the use of abortion as a method of contraception by, inter alia, ensuring the provision of affordable contraception and introducing reproductive and sexual health education in school curricula and for the broader public; (b) Consistently apply the law so that women who undergo abortions are not prosecuted for murder or infanticide; (c) Release any women currently serving sentences on such charges; and (d) Provide appropriate health care in prison facilities to women who have undergone abortions.”
“The Committee is concerned that the delegation was unable to respond to the question of whether the practice of relying on abortion as a means of contraception is a cause of the high level of maternal mortality in the State party. The State party should undertake a careful assessment of the issue of abortion and maternal mortality and take the necessary measures to reduce the high maternal death rate.”
“[….]the Committee expresses concern at: [….] (b) Reports of serious abuse and ill-treatment committed by caregivers, health professionals and staff of psychoneurological residential institutions and psychiatric hospitals, including rape, forced contraceptive measures, forced abortions, neglect, restraint and seclusion, noting in particular the gravity of the situation in Balti neuropsychiatric institution, Cocieri neuropsychiatric institution and Orhei institution for boys and young men with disabilities; (c) The legislation in the State party that allows non-consensual termination of a pregnancy on the grounds of psychosocial or intellectual impairment (arts. 3, 7, 9 and 16). [….]The State party should take urgent action to: […] (e) Ensure that women with disabilities are able to enjoy their right to sexual and reproductive health, including by repealing legislation that allows for the non-consensual termination of pregnancy.”
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of Moldova |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesArticle 159. Illegal Abortion (1) Interrupting a pregnancy by any means committed: a) outside medical institutions or specially authorized medical offices; b) by a person without special higher medical education; c) in case of a pregnancy that exceeds 12 weeks without medical indications issued by the Ministry of Health; d) if there are medical contraindications for such operations; e) in insanitary conditions; shall be punished by a fine in the amount of 200 to 500 conventional units or by the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or to practice certain activities for up to 3 years or by imprisonment for up to 2 years. 66 (2) The same action: [Letter a) excluded by Law No. 277-XVI dated 18.12.2008, in force as of 24.05.2009] b) that cause by imprudence serious or less serious bodily injury or damage to health; c) that cause by imprudence the death of the victim; shall be punished by imprisonment for 1 to 6 years with (or without) the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or to practice certain activities for up to 5 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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