Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Thailand |
Gestational limit: 20
Read more Gestational limit
When a woman’s pregnancy is over 12 weeks but less than 20 weeks, she needs to be examined by a counselor and issued a document, confirming that she has been examined and has received a consultation on alternatives to pregnancy, to proceed with the termination of pregnancy. The counselor takes action to coordinate with relevant agencies for women to proceed with termination of pregnancy. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thailand |
Economic or social reasonsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe 2021 Amendment states that abortions are not punishable if a woman confirms to a medical practitioner that she is pregnant due an offence listed under the “Offences against Sex” chapter of the Penal Code. |
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo Related documents: |
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Physical healthYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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HealthNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Declaration of Patients' Rights and Responsibilities suggest that "patients whose lives are at risk, are entitled to urgent assistance from the health professional immediately as necessary, regardless of whether the patient requests assistance or not." It is not specified whether this applies to pregnancy termination. Related documents: |
Other |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
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Thailand |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. To establish an enabling environment, there is a need for abortion care to be integrated into the health system across all levels (including primary, secondary and tertiary) – and supported in the community – to allow for expansion of health worker roles, including self-management approaches. To ensure both access to abortion and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), abortion must be centred within primary health care (PHC), which itself is fully integrated within the health system, facilitating referral pathways for higher-level care when needed. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.1.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Police report required in case of rapeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Parental consent required for minorsNot 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 were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights also exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
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 were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The right to refuse information, including the right to refuse viewing ultrasound images, must be respected. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against the use of ultrasound scanning as a prerequisite for providing abortion services for both medical and surgical abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.5.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality.
Additional notesWomen who are pregnant for more than 12 weeks but less than 20 weeks have to go through a counseling to proceed with termination of pregnancy. |
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 were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mandatory waiting periods delay access to abortion, sometimes to the extent that women’s access to abortion or choice of abortion method is restricted. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against mandatory waiting periods for abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.1.
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Mandatory HIV screening testNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement.
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No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines § 4.2.1.4.
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OtherBetween 12 weeks and 20 weeks, an examination and alternative counselling from medical practitioners is required. These should be in line with the rules and procedures prescribed by the Minister of Public Health, and instructions of the Medical Council and related agencies as required by the law on the prevention and resolution of pregnancy problems in adolescence. Related documents: |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thailand |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes Dilatation and evacuationYes Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes Misoprostol onlyYes Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or 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 were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Where can abortion services be providedRelated documents:Primary health-care centresYes The limit of 12 weeks gestational period applies to clinics outside hospitals. There is no gestational limit set for abortions done in hospitals. Therefore, the gestational limit is specific to the site where the abortion is conducted. Termination of pregnancy pursuant to Criminal Code Articles 305(1) and (2) must be performed in the following medical premises: (1) A government hospital or government agency that provides overnight admission service to patients, or a medical infirmary that has beds for patients for overnight stay in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, these medical premises are allowed to perform appropriate therapeutic termination of pregnancy. (2) A medical clinic in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, is allowed to perform therapeutic termination of pregnancy where the gestational age is not over twelve weeks. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes The limit of 12 weeks gestational period applies to clinics outside hospitals. There is no gestational limit set for abortions done in hospitals. Therefore, the gestational limit is specific to the site where the abortion is conducted. Termination of pregnancy pursuant to Criminal Code Articles 305(1) and (2) must be performed in the following medical premises: (1) A government hospital or government agency that provides overnight admission service to patients, or a medical infirmary that has beds for patients for overnight stay in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, these medical premises are allowed to perform appropriate therapeutic termination of pregnancy. (2) A medical clinic in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, is allowed to perform therapeutic termination of pregnancy where the gestational age is not over twelve weeks. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNo data found The Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNo data found The Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNo data found The Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. Private health-care centres or clinicsNo data found The Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. NGO health-care centres or clinicsNo data found The Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4.
Additional notesThe Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion Care 2015 is relevant to these issues but could not be reflected here due to inability to translate the text. Related documents: |
No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:NurseNot specified Midwife/nurse-midwifeNot specified Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Other (if applicable)The physician who performs the therapeutic termination of pregnancy according to this regulation shall be the medical practitioner under the law. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against regulation on who can provide and manage abortion that is inconsistent with WHO guidance. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.8.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)The therapeutic termination of pregnancy must be performed in the following medical premises(1) A government hospital or government agency that provides overnight admission service to patients, or a medical infirmary that has beds for patients for overnight stay in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, these medical premises are allowed to perform appropriate therapeutic termination of pregnancy.(2) A medical clinic in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, is allowed to perform therapeutic termination of pregnancy where the gestational age is not over twelve weeks The limit of 12 weeks gestational period applies to clinics outside hospitals. There is no gestational limit set for abortions done in hospitals. Therefore, the gestational limit is specific to the site where the abortion is conducted. Termination of pregnancy pursuant to Criminal Code Articles 305(1) and (2) must be performed in the following medical premises: (1) A government hospital or government agency that provides overnight admission service to patients, or a medical infirmary that has beds for patients for overnight stay in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, these medical premises are allowed to perform appropriate therapeutic termination of pregnancy. (2) A medical clinic in accordance with the Medical Premise Act, is allowed to perform therapeutic termination of pregnancy where the gestational age is not over twelve weeks. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There is no single recommended approach to providing abortion services. The choice of specific health worker(s) (from among the recommended options) or management by the individual themself, and the location of service provision (from among recommended options) will depend on the values and preferences of the woman, girl or other pregnant person, available resources, and the national and local context. A plurality of service-delivery approaches can co-exist within any given context. Given that service-delivery approaches can be diverse, it is important to ensure that for the individual seeking care, the range of service-delivery options taken together will provide access to scientifically accurate, understandable information at all stages; access to quality-assured medicines (including those for pain management); back-up referral support if desired or needed; linkages to an appropriate choice of contraceptive services for those who want post-abortion contraception. Best Practice Statement 49 on service delivery. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thailand |
Public sector providersNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Private sector providersNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Provider type not specifiedNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Public facilitiesNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Private facilitiesNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Facility type not specifiedNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesA Declaration on Patients’ Rights exists but could not be reflected here due to language limitations. Related documents: |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thailand |
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CEDAW“The Committee is concerned about the lack or insufficient use of contraceptives, which leads to unsafe abortions. It is also concerned that women continue to bear the primary responsibility for family planning, as exemplified by the low rates of condom use and male sterilization compared to female methods of contraception. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen the implementation of programmes and policies aimed at providing effective access for women to contraceptives and health-care information and services with the aim of avoiding the need for women to resort to illegal abortions. The Committee urges the State party to implement programmes of sexual and reproductive health education for women, men and adolescents in order to foster responsible sexual behaviour, and to increase its efforts to promote male contraception.”
"The Committee commends the measures taken by the State party to improve women’s access to healthcare services, such as the universal health coverage scheme, which have led to longer life expectancy, reduced rates of HIV infection, and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Nevertheless, it remains concerned about reports of high rates of maternal mortality in the Southern Border Provinces and among ethnic minority groups, as well as of women with disabilities being subjected to forced sterilization and abortion. [...] The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen measures to reduce maternal mortality, particularly among ethnic minority groups and in the Southern Border Provinces, including by ensuring the availability and accessibility of adequate sexual and reproductive health services, such as antenatal, delivery and postnatal services. It also recommends that the State party take specific measures to protect women with disabilities from forced sterilization and abortion and ensure that the right to free, prior and informed consent to such intervention is upheld, and that supported decision-making mechanisms are provided."
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CESCR"The Committee is concerned that the rate of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions is relatively high and adolescents have limited access to sexual and reproductive health education and services (art. 12).
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CRC“(...) Furthermore, the Committee is seriously concerned that teenage pregnancy is a growing problem, which also leads to increasing numbers of illegal abortions. The Committee recommends that the State party (a) Take all necessary measures to educate children, adolescents and their families from different communities about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; (b) Extend essential health and social services to the most marginalized children and families and combat vigorously any forms of stigmatization and discrimination; (c) Intensify its efforts to raise awareness of the negative consequences of early pregnancy and abortions. (d) Strengthen its adolescent reproductive health programmes, including life skills education; (e) Ensure comprehensive health services, confidential counselling and support for pregnant girls and accelerate the adoption of the Draft Reproductive Health Act.”
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CRPD"The Committee is concerned that persons with disabilities, including women, girls and boys with disabilities, continue to be subjected to involuntary medical treatment, including forced sterilization and abortion.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thailand |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesSection 301. Any woman who causes herself to miscarriage or allows another person to perform a miscarriage, and where beyond twelve weeks, shall be liable to imprisonment for not more than six months or a fine not exceeding ten thousand baht or both. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesSection 302. Whoever procures abortion for a woman with her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five years or fine not exceeding ten thousand baht, or both. If such act causes other grievous bodily harm to the woman also, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or fine not exceeding fourteen thousand baht, or both. If such act causes death to the woman, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine not exceeding twenty thousand baht. Section 303. Whoever procures abortion for a woman without her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or fine not exceeding fourteen thousand baht, or both. If such act causes other grievous bodily harm to the woman also, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years and fine of two thousand to twenty thousand baht. If such act causes death to the woman, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of five to twenty years and fine of ten thousand to forty thousand baht. Section 304. Whoever attempts to commit the offence according to Section 301 or 302, first paragraph, shall not be punished. Section 305. If the commission of an offense under section 301 or section 302 is of a medical practitioner and in accordance with the criteria of the Medical Council in the following cases: no offense (1) it is necessary to act. This is because if the woman continues to become pregnant, there is a risk of harm for the physical or mental health of the woman. (2) it is necessary to act. This is done because there are substantial risks or medical reasons. It should be believed that if the baby is born there will be abnormalities to the extent of serious disability. (3) a woman confirms to a medical practitioner that she is pregnant due to an offense about sex(. (4) a woman whose gestational age is not more than twelve weeks confirms the termination of the pregnancy. (5) a woman whose gestational age exceeds twelve weeks; but not more than twenty weeks insist on termination of pregnancy. After the examination and acceptance alternative counseling from medical practitioners and other practitioners in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed by the Minister of Public Health in accordance with the instructions of the Medical Council and related agencies under the law on prevention and resolution of pregnancy problems in adolescence. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesSection 302. Whoever procures abortion for a woman with her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five years or fine not exceeding ten thousand baht, or both. If such act causes other grievous bodily harm to the woman also, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or fine not exceeding fourteen thousand baht, or both. If such act causes death to the woman, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine not exceeding twenty thousand baht. Section 303. Whoever procures abortion for a woman without her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or fine not exceeding fourteen thousand baht, or both. If such act causes other grievous bodily harm to the woman also, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years and fine of two thousand to twenty thousand baht. If such act causes death to the woman, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of five to twenty years and fine of ten thousand to forty thousand baht. Section 304. Whoever attempts to commit the offence according to Section 301 or 302, first paragraph, shall not be punished. Section 305. If the commission of an offense under section 301 or section 302 is of a medical practitioner and in accordance with the criteria of the Medical Council in the following cases: no offense (1) it is necessary to act. This is because if the woman continues to become pregnant, there is a risk of harm for the physical or mental health of the woman. (2) it is necessary to act. This is done because there are substantial risks or medical reasons. It should be believed that if the baby is born there will be abnormalities to the extent of serious disability. (3) a woman confirms to a medical practitioner that she is pregnant due to an offense about sex(. (4) a woman whose gestational age is not more than twelve weeks confirms the termination of the pregnancy. (5) a woman whose gestational age exceeds twelve weeks; but not more than twenty weeks insist on termination of pregnancy. After the examination and acceptance alternative counseling from medical practitioners and other practitioners in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed by the Minister of Public Health in accordance with the instructions of the Medical Council and related agencies under the law on prevention and resolution of pregnancy problems in adolescence. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesNone found |
PenaltiesSection 303. Whoever procures abortion for a woman without her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or fine not exceeding fourteen thousand baht, or both. If such act causes other grievous bodily harm to the woman also, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years and fine of two thousand to twenty thousand baht. If such act causes death to the woman, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of five to twenty years and fine of ten thousand to forty thousand baht. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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