Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Gestational limit: 12
Read more On requestYes Not specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
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. 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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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesA registered medical professional may terminate a pregnancy where two registered medical professionals are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that there is a substantial risk that the condition of the fetus is such that— (a) the death of the fetus is likely before, during or shortly after birth; or (b) if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental impairment as to be seriously disabled. |
RapeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. 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. 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. |
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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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. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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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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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Related documents:Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
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.
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Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Restrictions on the range of providers or facilities that are authorized to provide abortion reduce the availability of services and their equitable geographic distribution. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.4.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. 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 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. 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. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement, p 10 - Recommendation.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should refrain from limiting access to means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, including censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.7.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNot specified Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes Misoprostol onlyNot specified 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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No data
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)No data found 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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No data
Country recognized approval (misoprostol)No data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
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Where can abortion services be providedRelated documents:Primary health-care centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)The woman’s home provided certain criteria are met. If the woman having a termination a) has a pregnancy not exceeding 10 weeks of gestation and if she has b) been prescribed Mifepristone and Misoprostol to be taken for the purposes of terminating the pregnancy and c) taken the first part of the medication at the authorised healthcare centre/location, she may take the second part of the treatment at home. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion services should be available at primary-care level, with referral systems in place for all required higher-level care. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6- Recommendation.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careNot 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. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNo data found Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNo data found Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNo data found Private health-care centres or clinicsNo data found NGO health-care centres or clinicsNo data found 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 careNot 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. All women should receive contraceptive information and be offered counselling for and methods of post-abortion contraception, including emergency contraception, before leaving the health-care facility. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.3.
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No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found 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:NurseYes Midwife/nurse-midwifeYes Doctor (specialty not specified)Not specified Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Other (if applicable)Registered medical practitioner WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Subject to gestational age and method, abortion care can be safely provided by any properly trained health-care provider, including specialist doctors, non-specialist doctors; associate and advanced associate clinicians; midwives; and nurses. Health Worker Roles in Safe Abortion Care, p 33- Recommendation.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Public sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Private sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Public facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Private facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Facility type not specifiedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Neither Type of Facility PermittedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
CAT“The Committee is concerned that abortion is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland in all cases except where necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman or girl or where there is a risk of real and serious long-term or permanent damage to her physical or mental health, and that the offence is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Committee notes that the law denies women and girls the possibility to terminate a pregnancy in several situations in which continuation of the pregnancy is likely to cause severe physical and mental anguish and distress, namely, in cases of fatal fetal abnormality, rape and incest. The Committee is also concerned about reports that doctors decline to provide services to women even when a pregnancy poses a risk to a woman or girl’s life or health due to uncertainty about when lawful terminations may be performed and fear of being subjected to criminal proceedings. While noting the State party’s view that the devolved government of Northern Ireland should take up the matter as well as its decision to allow women from Northern Ireland to have access to abortion services in England, the Committee remains concerned that there is an increased risk of harmful physical and mental health outcomes for women who are compelled to travel to other jurisdictions to receive such services and notes with concern reports that women and girls in Northern Ireland are not in fact provided with information about how to access services in England and face a risk of being denied necessary post-abortion care upon their return (arts. 2 and 16). [….] The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that all women and girls in the State party, including in Northern Ireland, have effective access to the means of terminating a pregnancy when not doing so is likely to result in severe pain and suffering, such as when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when the life or health of the pregnant person is at risk and in cases of fatal fetal impairment. The State party should also ensure that women and girls in Northern Ireland have effective access to post-abortion health care and that neither patients nor their doctors face criminal sanctions or other threats for seeking or providing such care. “
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CEDAW“The Committee welcomes the introduction, in June 2017, of a scheme to enable women from Northern Ireland to obtain access to abortion services in England with coverage by the National Health Service. The Committee deeply regrets, however, the continued failure of the State party to implement the Committee’s previous recommendations and the recommendations contained in the report of the Committee on the inquiry under article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention (CEDAW/C/OP.8/GBR/1), in which the Committee found that the State party was responsible for grave and systematic violations of women’s rights under the Convention in Northern Ireland, to ensure access for women to abortion services, including by decriminalizing abortion, on the grounds that abortion is a matter for the authorities in Northern Ireland to consider (CEDAW/C/OP.8/GBR/2 and CEDAW/C/GBR/Q/8/Add.1). [….] With reference to paragraph 8 of the present concluding observations, and noting article 33 of the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) of 1998, which provides that the Westminster Parliament shall legislate as necessary to ensure that the international obligations of the United Kingdom are met with respect to Northern Ireland, the Committee urges the State party to implement, without further delay, the recommendations contained in the report of the Committee on the inquiry under article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention (CEDAW/C/OP.8/GBR/1). “
“While acknowledging the consultation process on a revised set of guidelines on the limited circumstances for a lawful termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland issued by the Northern Ireland Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in 2012, the Committee regrets that a public consultation on the possible abolition of laws criminalizing abortion, as called for by the Committee in its previous concluding observations (ibid., paras. 288 and 289), has not been undertaken. The Committee is concerned that abortion continues to be illegal in Northern Ireland in all cases except where continuance of the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, thus making it necessary for women to seek abortions in other parts of the State party. Recalling its previous recommendation, the Committee reiterates that, in line with its general recommendation No. 24, on women and health, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the State party should expedite the amendment of the anti-abortion law in Northern Ireland with a view to decriminalizing abortion. The State party should also ensure that legal abortion covers not only cases of threats to the life of a pregnant woman but also other circumstances, such as threats to her health and in cases of rape, incest and serious malformation of the foetus.”
“Recalling its concluding observations of 1999, the Committee continues to be concerned at the high rate of teenage pregnancies, which is among the highest in Europe. The Committee notes that the Abortion Act (1967) does not extend to Northern Ireland, where, with limited exceptions, abortion continues to be illegal, with detrimental consequences for women’s health. The Committee urges the State party to continue its efforts to lower the rate of teenage pregnancies, including through improvements in the availability and affordability of sexual and reproductive health services, as well as family planning information and services. It recommends the adoption of measures to increase knowledge of, and access to, affordable contraceptive methods, and recommends that sex education be widely promoted and targeted at adolescent girls and boys. In line with its previous recommendation, the Committee reiterates its call to the State party to initiate a process of public consultation in Northern Ireland on the abortion law. In line with its general recommendation No. 24 on women and health and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Committee urges the State party to give consideration to amending the abortion law so as to remove punitive provisions imposed on women who undergo abortion. The Committee encourages the State party to monitor carefully the delivery of health services in order that it may respond in a gender-sensitive manner to all health concerns of women and in this regard invites the State party to utilize the Committee’s general recommendation No. 24 as a framework for action to ensure that all health policies and programmes integrate a gender perspective.”
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CESCR“The Committee is concerned that termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland is still criminalized in all circumstances except when the life of the woman is in danger, which could lead to unsafe abortions and disproportionately affects women from low- income families who cannot travel to other parts of the United Kingdom (art. 12). [….] The Committee recommends that the State party amend the legislation on termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland to make it compatible with other fundamental rights, such as women’s rights to health, life and dignity. In this respect, the Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general comment No. 22 (2016) on the right to sexual and reproductive health.”
“The Committee is concerned that the 1967 Abortion Act is not applicable in Northern Ireland. The Committee calls upon the State party to amend the abortion law of Northern Ireland to bring it in line with the 1967 Abortion Act with a view to preventing clandestine and unsafe abortions in cases of rape, incest or foetal abnormality.”
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CRC“The Committee notes with appreciation the steady decrease in teenage pregnancies in the State party during the period under review. However, the Committee is concerned that: [….] (c) In Northern Ireland, abortion is illegal in all cases, except where continuance of the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, and is sanctioned with life imprisonment. [….] With reference to its general comments No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health and development in the context of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and No. 15 (2013), the Committee recommends that the State party: [….] (c) Decriminalize abortion in Northern Ireland in all circumstances and review its legislation with a view to ensuring girls’ access to safe abortion and post- abortion care services. The views of the child should always be heard and respected in abortion decisions.”
“The Committee notes that the Caribbean Overseas Territories, including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as Bermuda, took part in the Caribbean Youth Summit on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, held in Barbados in 1998. The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the insufficient programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, including teenage pregnancy, abortion, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), drug abuse, violence and mental illnesses. The Committee is particularly concerned at the high incidence of teenage pregnancy, particularly in the Territories in the Caribbean.”
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CRPD""" The Committee is concerned by the regulations being adopted regarding mental health care. It is also concerned at the lack of information on forced sterilization and forced abortion.
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SR VAW“(…) In Northern Ireland, a concern raised by interviewees is the restrictive abortion law, under which termination of pregnancy is illegal unless it is necessary to preserve the life or health of women, but is not allowed in cases of rape or incest, or malformation of the foetus. The Special Rapporteur was informed of a 16-week public consultation launched by the Northern Ireland Government on a revised set of guidelines for the lawful termination of pregnancy. However, no public consultation regarding the abolition of the law criminalizing abortion has been undertaken (see A/63/38, paras. 288 and 289).”
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom England, Wales and Scotland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesNone found |
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Jersey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Penalties deconstructedNo official source data found on the existence of penalties for abortion |
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Penalties |
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Isle of Man (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesAbortion Reform Act 2019 14 Offence of procuring termination of a pregnancy (1) A person who, by any means, intentionally procures the termination of a woman’s pregnancy, otherwise than in accordance with this Part, commits an offence. But this subsection — (a) is subject to subsection (2); and (b) does not apply if the conduct constitutes an offence under subsection 11(3). Maximum penalty (on information) — a fine or 14 years’ custody. (2) A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (1) if the person proves that the act which caused the termination was done in good faith and for the purpose only of — (a) saving the woman’s life; or (b) avoiding grave permanent injury to the woman’s health. (3) For the sake of clarity, nothing in subsection (1) obliges a relevant professional or pharmacist treating a woman to notify a constable that the woman has taken a relevant product with a view to terminating her pregnancy. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
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Guernsey (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
PenaltiesGuernsey Abortion Act 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3- (a) any pregnant woman who, with intent to procure her own miscarriage- (i) unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; and (b) any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not- (i) unlawfully administers to her or causes to be taken by her any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. Supplying or procuring poisons or instruments to cause abortion. 2. Subject to the provisions of section 3, any person who unlawfully supplies or procures any poison or other noxious thing, or any instrument or thing whatsoever, knowing that the same is intended to be unlawfully used or employed with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three 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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PenaltiesGuernsey Abortion Act 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3- (a) any pregnant woman who, with intent to procure her own miscarriage- (i) unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; and (b) any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not- (i) unlawfully administers to her or causes to be taken by her any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. Supplying or procuring poisons or instruments to cause abortion. 2. Subject to the provisions of section 3, any person who unlawfully supplies or procures any poison or other noxious thing, or any instrument or thing whatsoever, knowing that the same is intended to be unlawfully used or employed with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three 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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PenaltiesGuernsey Abortion Act 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3- (a) any pregnant woman who, with intent to procure her own miscarriage- (i) unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; and (b) any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not- (i) unlawfully administers to her or causes to be taken by her any poison or other noxious thing; or (ii) unlawfully uses any instrument or other means whatsoever; shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. Supplying or procuring poisons or instruments to cause abortion. 2. Subject to the provisions of section 3, any person who unlawfully supplies or procures any poison or other noxious thing, or any instrument or thing whatsoever, knowing that the same is intended to be unlawfully used or employed with intent to procure the miscarriage of any woman, whether she is pregnant or not, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
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Northern Ireland (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesThe Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 PART 6 Unlawful terminations Offence to terminate a pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with these Regulations 11.—(1) A person who, by any means, intentionally terminates or procures the termination of the pregnancy of a woman otherwise than in accordance with regulations 3 to 8 of these Regulations commits an offence. (2) But paragraph (1) does not apply— (a) to the woman herself; or (b) where the act which caused the termination was done in good faith for the purpose only of saving the woman’s life or preventing grave permanent injury to the woman’s physical or mental health. (3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. (4) Proceedings in respect of an offence under paragraph (1) may be brought only by, or with the consent of, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. 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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PenaltiesThe Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 PART 6 Unlawful terminations Offence to terminate a pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with these Regulations 11.—(1) A person who, by any means, intentionally terminates or procures the termination of the pregnancy of a woman otherwise than in accordance with regulations 3 to 8 of these Regulations commits an offence. (2) But paragraph (1) does not apply— (a) to the woman herself; or (b) where the act which caused the termination was done in good faith for the purpose only of saving the woman’s life or preventing grave permanent injury to the woman’s physical or mental health. (3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. (4) Proceedings in respect of an offence under paragraph (1) may be brought only by, or with the consent of, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
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