Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
No
Read more On requestNo 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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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
Economic or social reasonsNo 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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Foetal impairmentYes Gestational limit
Both the National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care and the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. 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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RapeYes Gestational limit
Both the National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care and the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. 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 notesAbortion is not permitted in case of “rape within a marriage.” |
IncestYes Gestational limit
Both the National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care and the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. 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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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo Additional notesIn the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care it states that rape, incest and "intercourse with a mentally handicapped woman" are all understood to be grounds for access to abortion under unlawful intercourse. |
Mental 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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Physical healthYes Gestational limit
Both the National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care and the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. 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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LifeYes Gestational limit
Both the National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care and the National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. 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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OtherSexual intercourse in contravention of section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act [Chapter 9:21] which prohibits extra-marital sexual intercourse or immoral or indecent acts committed with an intellectually handicapped person. Additionally, the 2014 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care state that "In Zimbabwe termination of pregnancy may be permitted for HIV positive women if they choose to do so." Additional notesThe National Guidelines for Post-Abortion Care define abortion as termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation or less than 500g foetal weight. Related documents: |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Related documents:Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
To terminate pregnancy on the grounds of threat to life or physical health, or malformation of the foetus, the hospital superintendent can only permit a medical practitioner of the institution to provide abortion if a second medical practitioner certifies. Otherwise, two medical practitioners who are not of the same medical partnership or involved in the same medical practice should certify. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesIn order to terminate pregnancy on the grounds of threat to life or physical health, or malformation of the foetus, the hospital superintendent can only permit a medical practitioner of the institution to provide abortion if a second medical practitioner certifies. Otherwise, two medical practitioners who are not of the same medical partnership or involved in the same medical practice should certify. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions 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.
Additional notesThe Minister has discretion to issue an instrument declaring a hospital, clinic or institution to be a designated institution for purposes of the Act. Related documents: |
Judicial authorization for minorsNo 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. 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 notesAccording to the 2014 National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care “Under Zimbabwean Law, a minor, defined as any woman under the age of 16, who is pregnant, is deemed to be an ‘emancipated minor’ who can give consent for procedures associated with pregnancy and its complications, such as Caesarean Section or procedures for treating incomplete abortion. This means that parental consent may not always be required. If however a parent or guardian is involved in the health care of the minor, the health worker has an obligation to ask the minor whether consent should be sought from the adult present or parent. In the absence of the minor’s biological parents, any responsible adult who is acting as a guardian can sign the consent on behalf of the minor. In the absence of any guardian or parent, or if the patient is too ill to give consent or unconscious, the consultant in charge of her medical care or the most senior medical practitioner available in the institution, can sign consent for any surgical procedure on behalf of the minor.” |
Judicial authorization in cases of rapeYes 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.
Additional notesTo access abortion on the ground of rape, the woman is required to have a certificate from the magistrate. To issue the certificate, the Magistrate ought to be satisfied that the woman launched a complaint with the authorities, and after examining documents submitted to him by the authorities, and after interrogating the woman concerned or any other person the magistrate considers necessary, he is of the opinion that on a balance of probabilities, there is a reasonable possibility that the pregnancy was a result of unlawful intercourse. |
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 minorsNo 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. 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 notesAccording to the 2014 National Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care “Under Zimbabwean Law, a minor, defined as any woman under the age of 16, who is pregnant, is deemed to be an ‘emancipated minor’ who can give consent for procedures associated with pregnancy and its complications, such as Caesarean Section or procedures for treating incomplete abortion. This means that parental consent may not always be required. If however a parent or guardian is involved in the health care of the minor, the health worker has an obligation to ask the minor whether consent should be sought from the adult present or parent. In the absence of the minor’s biological parents, any responsible adult who is acting as a guardian can sign the consent on behalf of the minor. In the absence of any guardian or parent, or if the patient is too ill to give consent or unconscious, the consultant in charge of her medical care or the most senior medical practitioner available in the institution, can sign consent for any surgical procedure on behalf of the minor.” |
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 counsellingNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality.
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Compulsory waiting periodNot 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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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
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 (14 WEEKS) Dilatation and evacuationYes (13 WEEKS) Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (24 WEEKS) Misoprostol onlyOther (where provided)Dilatation and curettage Dilation and curettage are permitted in the first trimester and early second trimester with or without prior use of misoprostol. According to the Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care 2014, dilation and curettage methods are also used for incomplete abortion beyond 13 weeks, no limit 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. 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 distributionYes, with prescription only WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesYes, with prescription only 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 centresNot specified Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)Tertiary level of health care delivery system: general, provincial and central hospitals WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4.
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No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:NurseYes The Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care 2014 state that “Manual Vacuum aspiration, as part of CAC may be performed by adequately trained medical doctors and nurses who acquired the skill from a program of training approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Private medical practitioners and nurse/midwives may practice if they hold a recognized certificate of competence or are under the supervision of a registered Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.” Midwife/nurse-midwifeYes The Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care 2014 state that “Manual Vacuum aspiration, as part of CAC may be performed by adequately trained medical doctors and nurses who acquired the skill from a program of training approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Private medical practitioners and nurse/midwives may practice if they hold a recognized certificate of competence or are under the supervision of a registered Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.” Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes The Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care 2014 state that “Manual Vacuum aspiration, as part of CAC may be performed by adequately trained medical doctors and nurses who acquired the skill from a program of training approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Private medical practitioners and nurse/midwives may practice if they hold a recognized certificate of competence or are under the supervision of a registered Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.” Other (if applicable)The Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care 2014 state that “Manual Vacuum aspiration, as part of CAC may be performed by adequately trained medical doctors and nurses who acquired the skill from a program of training approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Private medical practitioners and nurse/midwives may practice if they hold a recognized certificate of competence or are under the supervision of a registered Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.” 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)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
Public sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNot 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 access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Private sector providersRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNot 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 access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNot 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 access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerNot 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 access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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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 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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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 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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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 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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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 were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
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CEDAW“[....] The Committee is further concerned that the restrictive abortion law and the lengthy procedures for authorizing abortions according to the exceptions allowed by law lead women to seek illegal abortions which are often unsafe. The Committee is also concerned at women’s limited access to quality reproductive and sexual health services, especially in rural and remote areas. The Committee is further concerned that the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a health challenge in the State party, despite reports of a significant fall in the rates of infection.The Committee urges the State party to: (…) (e) Provide women with access to quality services for the management of complications arising from unsafe abortions so as to reduce maternal mortality rate, as well as consider reviewing the law relating to abortion with a view to removing punitive provisions imposed on women who undergo abortion for unwanted pregnancies, in line with the Committee’s general recommendations No. 24 on women and health, and review the procedures for the exceptions that are allowed by law.”
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CRC“While welcoming the efforts of the State party to improve adolescent health, the Committee is nonetheless extremely concerned about: [….] (c) The restrictive abortion law and the lengthy procedures for authorizing abortions, which result in illegal and unsafe abortions; [….] In the light of its general comment No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health and development in the context of the Convention, the Committee urges the State party to: [….] (c) Take urgent measures to reduce maternal deaths relating to teenage abortions and ensure children’s access to safe abortion and post-abortion care services, in law and in practice; (d) Ensure the alignment of legislation with the Constitution to prevent discrimination against adolescents on the basis of marital status, particularly with regard to their access to reproductive health services without the consent of a parent or a guardian.”
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zimbabwe |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
PenaltiesCRIMINAL LAW (CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT 60 Unlawful termination of pregnancy (1) Any person who (a) intentionally terminates a pregnancy; or (b) terminates a pregnancy by conduct which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of terminating the pregnancy; shall be guilty of unlawful termination of pregnancy and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both. Termination of Pregnancy Act 3 Prohibition of termination of pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act (1) No person may terminate a pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 5 Conditions under which pregnancy may be terminated (5) A superintendent of a designated institution who— (a) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) without being satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (2); or (b) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) on a certificate referred to in subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (6) Any person who— (a) issues a certificate for the purposes of subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; or (b) makes any allegation or statement for the purposes of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (4) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 7. Emergencies (2) Where a medical practitioner has acted in terms of subsection (1), he shall within forty-eight hours prepare and submit a report in the prescribed form on the matter to the Secretary. (3) Any person who contravenes subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 8. Information to be forwarded to the Secretary (1) A superintendent shall, within fourteen days of the receipt of such documents, submit to the Secretary any certificates referred to in subsection (2) of section five. (2) The Secretary may at any time in writing or through any person designated by him require a superintendent or a medical practitioner who may have knowledge of the termination of a pregnancy to provide any information in regard to that termination of pregnancy which he may specify, whether or not this Act has been complied with. (3) Any person who is required to provide information in terms of subsection (2) shall comply with such requirement, whether or not the information tends to incriminate him in an offence. (4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 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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PenaltiesCRIMINAL LAW (CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT 60 Unlawful termination of pregnancy (1) Any person who (a) intentionally terminates a pregnancy; or (b) terminates a pregnancy by conduct which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of terminating the pregnancy; shall be guilty of unlawful termination of pregnancy and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both. Termination of Pregnancy Act 3 Prohibition of termination of pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act (1) No person may terminate a pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 5 Conditions under which pregnancy may be terminated (5) A superintendent of a designated institution who— (a) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) without being satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (2); or (b) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) on a certificate referred to in subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (6) Any person who— (a) issues a certificate for the purposes of subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; or (b) makes any allegation or statement for the purposes of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (4) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 7. Emergencies (2) Where a medical practitioner has acted in terms of subsection (1), he shall within forty-eight hours prepare and submit a report in the prescribed form on the matter to the Secretary. (3) Any person who contravenes subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 8. Information to be forwarded to the Secretary (1) A superintendent shall, within fourteen days of the receipt of such documents, submit to the Secretary any certificates referred to in subsection (2) of section five. (2) The Secretary may at any time in writing or through any person designated by him require a superintendent or a medical practitioner who may have knowledge of the termination of a pregnancy to provide any information in regard to that termination of pregnancy which he may specify, whether or not this Act has been complied with. (3) Any person who is required to provide information in terms of subsection (2) shall comply with such requirement, whether or not the information tends to incriminate him in an offence. (4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 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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PenaltiesCRIMINAL LAW (CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT 60 Unlawful termination of pregnancy (1) Any person who (a) intentionally terminates a pregnancy; or (b) terminates a pregnancy by conduct which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of terminating the pregnancy; shall be guilty of unlawful termination of pregnancy and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both. Termination of Pregnancy Act 3 Prohibition of termination of pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act (1) No person may terminate a pregnancy otherwise than in accordance with this Act. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 5 Conditions under which pregnancy may be terminated (5) A superintendent of a designated institution who— (a) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) without being satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (2); or (b) gives the permission referred to in subsection (1) on a certificate referred to in subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (6) Any person who— (a) issues a certificate for the purposes of subsection (2) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; or (b) makes any allegation or statement for the purposes of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (4) which he knows to be false in a material particular or does not know or reasonably believe to be true; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 7. Emergencies (2) Where a medical practitioner has acted in terms of subsection (1), he shall within forty-eight hours prepare and submit a report in the prescribed form on the matter to the Secretary. (3) Any person who contravenes subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 8. Information to be forwarded to the Secretary (1) A superintendent shall, within fourteen days of the receipt of such documents, submit to the Secretary any certificates referred to in subsection (2) of section five. (2) The Secretary may at any time in writing or through any person designated by him require a superintendent or a medical practitioner who may have knowledge of the termination of a pregnancy to provide any information in regard to that termination of pregnancy which he may specify, whether or not this Act has been complied with. (3) Any person who is required to provide information in terms of subsection (2) shall comply with such requirement, whether or not the information tends to incriminate him in an offence. (4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. 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 |
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Source document: 
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