What Countries Allow Abortion?

Abortion is permitted in most developed countries. The legality of abortion, however, varies considerably from country to country. In some countries, abortion is only legal in certain situations, such as when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s life or health. In other countries, abortion is broadly legal but may be subject to certain restrictions—such as requiring approval from a doctor or obtaining consent from the pregnant woman’s spouse—or there may be limits on how late into pregnancy it is permitted. In some countries, abortion is completely illegal with limited exceptions: in cases where the woman’s life is at risk or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. Women who have illegal abortions often experience serious health risks because the procedures are performed in unsafe conditions. Additionally, women who have illegal abortions may face criminal charges if they seek medical help for related complications. Access to safe and legal abortion is an important element of women’s reproductive rights, according to a statement made by the Center for Reproductive Rights, an international human rights organization. Abortion should be a decision made between a woman and her doctor, without interference from governments or other third parties that may oppose abortion on religious grounds, according to the same statement. Countries that criminalize abortion often have higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity as well as higher rates of unsafe abortion; however, some countries allow for abortions under certain circumstances such as in cases where the mother’s life is at risk or when fetal defects are discovered during pregnancy.