Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Slovenia |
Gestational limit: 10
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slovenia |
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 impairmentNot 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. 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.
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RapeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. 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.
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IncestNot 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 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.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents: |
Mental healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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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.
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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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OtherRisk to woman’s future motherhood Additional notesNo gestational limit specified |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slovenia |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
Authorisation for abortions after 10 weeks of gestation is provided by a Commission of First Instance, which consists of a social worker and two doctors, one of whom must be a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics (Article 20). The Commission of First Instance also considers cases of women with pregnancies of less than 10 weeks where medical contraindications to abortion were found by the health care institution to which they have applied for pregnancy termination (Article 24). Commissions of Second Instance are mandated to review negative decisions by Commissions of First Instance at the woman’s request (Article 25). 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 notesAuthorisation for abortions after 10 weeks of gestation is provided by a Commission of First Instance, which consists of a social worker and two doctors, one of whom must be a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics (Article 20). The Commission of First Instance also considers cases of women with pregnancies of less than 10 weeks where medical contraindications to abortion were found by the health care institution to which they have applied for pregnancy termination (Article 24). Commissions of Second Instance are mandated to review negative decisions by Commissions of First Instance at the woman’s request (Article 25). |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Restrictions on the range of providers or facilities that are authorized to provide abortion reduce the availability of services and their equitable geographic distribution. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.4.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNOT APPLICABLE 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 APPLICABLE WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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Parental consent required for minorsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Spousal consentNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by a spouse may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers, one example of which is the requirement for mandatory ultrasound prior to abortion, that hinder access to and timely provision of safe abortion care should be removed. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 7 - Recommendation.
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Compulsory counsellingNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Many women have made a decision to have an abortion before seeking care, and this decision should be respected without subjecting a woman to mandatory counselling. Provision of counselling to women who desire it should be voluntary, confidential, non-directive and by a trained person. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.1.8.1.
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Compulsory waiting periodNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should consider eliminating waiting periods that are not medically required, and expanding services to serve all eligible women promptly. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.6.
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Mandatory HIV screening testNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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.
Additional notesThe law states that “Whoever affects the selection of gender of the future child by using a fertilisation method with medical assistance, unless in order to avoid severe hereditary disease connected to gender, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years. Related documents: |
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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Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusYes List of restrictionsInsemination of an ovum with a spermatazoon specifically selected to determine the child's sex shall not be permitted unless it is intended to prevent a severe genetically inherited disease 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slovenia |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
Additional notesInstructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. |
Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Combination mifepristone-misoprostolNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Misoprostol onlyNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or 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, indications not specified 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 providedSee note Related documents:Primary health-care centresNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesYes Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Other (if applicable)Other health-care institutions that are specifically authorized by the Republic Committee for Health and Social protection See note Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. 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 notesInstructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Related documents: |
National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
Additional notesInstructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. |
Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The facilities and skills required to manage most abortion complications are similar to those needed to care for women who have had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Safe Abortion Guidelines § 2.2.6.
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Contraception included in post-abortion 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.
Additional notesInstructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Related documents: |
Insurance to offset end user costsYes Related documents:Induced abortion for all womenYes Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo Abortion complicationsYes Private health coverageNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Financing of abortion services should take into account costs to the health system while ensuring that services are affordable and readily available to all women who need them. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6 - Recommendation. Abortion services should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans; women should never be denied or delayed because of the inability to pay. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.6.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:NurseNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Midwife/nurse-midwifeNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Doctor (specialty not specified)Not specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. 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.
Additional notesInstructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Related documents: |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Minimum number of bedsNot specified Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. Other (if applicable)Induced abortion is carried out in in general, specialty and clinical hospitals that have a gynaecological and obstetric or surgical department. Instructions for the implementation of the Law on Health Measures in Exercising Freedom of Choice in Childbearing exist but could not be reflected as they could not be translated. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slovenia |
Public sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesHealth workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. |
Private sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesHealth workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. |
Provider type not specifiedYes Related documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesHealth workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes Health workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesHealth workers can refuse to provide abortion services, but they have to notify the health institution of their objection. Health institution have to take health workers’ objection into account and have to provide patients provide the opportunity of a smooth exercise of their rights in the field of healthcare. Health worker shall not refuse to provide abortion services in the case of an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance. |
Public facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Private facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Facility type not specifiedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Neither Type of Facility PermittedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slovenia |
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CEDAW"The Committee notes that special programmes have been developed to promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. It acknowledges that mandatory education on sexual and reproductive health and rights in primary and secondary schools and awareness-raising activities have played an important role in decreasing the adolescent abortion and teenage pregnancy rates. The Committee is concerned, however, that cuts in the health budget and the new requirement for women to cover 20 per cent of the cost of sexual and reproductive health-care services have negative consequences for women’s health, in particular among adolescent girls and women from disadvantaged and marginalized groups, such as women living in poverty, asylum- seeking and refugee women, Roma women and women who are victims of violence.
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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 |
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Slovenia |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesArticle 121 (1) Whoever performs or commences to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman with her consent or assists her in inducing the abortion in a manner not congruous with medical practice and methods of termination of pregnancy, specified by law, shall be sentenced to imprisonment between six months and five years. (2) Whoever performs or commences to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman without her consent shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one and not more than eight years. (3) Whoever affects the selection of gender of the future child by using a fertilisation method with medical assistance, unless in order to avoid severe hereditary disease connected to gender, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years. (6) If the act under preceding paragraphs results in severe bodily harm of the woman, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment between one and ten years. (7) If because of the act under paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of this Article the woman dies, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment between three and fifteen 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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PenaltiesArticle 121 (1) Whoever performs or commences to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman with her consent or assists her in inducing the abortion in a manner not congruous with medical practice and methods of termination of pregnancy, specified by law, shall be sentenced to imprisonment between six months and five years. (2) Whoever performs or commences to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman without her consent shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one and not more than eight years. (3) Whoever affects the selection of gender of the future child by using a fertilisation method with medical assistance, unless in order to avoid severe hereditary disease connected to gender, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years. (6) If the act under preceding paragraphs results in severe bodily harm of the woman, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment between one and ten years. (7) If because of the act under paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of this Article the woman dies, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment between three and fifteen 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 |
PenaltiesArticle 121 (…) (2) Whoever performs or commences to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman without her consent shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one and not more than eight 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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