Abortion Worldwide

The legal regulations and statistics on abortion vary significantly from country to country and across continents. While some states aim to promote unrestricted access to abortion, others make every effort to reduce the number of abortions through legal measures and support services. Below, you will find a summary of the key information on this topic.

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Facts and Figures on Abortion in Europe

Abortion Rate:

5.4 abortions per 1,000 women

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, there were 106,218 abortions out of 693,019 live births

Abortions in Germany by Number of Previous Live Births from 2017 to 2023

The statistics show the number of abortions in Germany based on the number of previous live births from 2017 to 2023. In 2023, 9,932 women, who had already given birth to three children, chose to have an abortion.

Reasons for Abortion:

Medical indication: 3,996
Criminal indication: 35
Following the counseling regulation:102,187

Historical Development of Abortion in Germany:

1871 – German Empire: Introduction of §218 in the Reich Criminal Code, which banned abortion under all circumstances and classified it as a criminal act (a homicide).
1926/'27 – Weimar Republic: During the Weimar Republic, a reduction in punishment was decided, changing abortion from a crime to a misdemeanor. Additionally, the Reich Court confirmed the permissibility of abortion for medical reasons, restricted to doctors and based on the principle of weighing interests.
1933-'45 – Nazi Regime: In the Nazi era, abortion laws were strictly aligned with racial and population policies. Abortion was no longer considered a "homicide," but an "attack on race and heredity." Abortion was permitted for “life unworthy of life” according to Nazi ideology, particularly for people deemed "genetically ill" or "racially inferior." Anyone offering unrestricted abortions faced the death penalty starting in 1943.
Following Germany's division, abortion laws developed differently in the two German republics:

Development in the GDR (German Democratic Republic):

1950 – "Mother Protection Act:" This law provided for a narrow medical indication as well as an indication limited to hereditary diseases for abortion. Additionally, there was an increased focus on the rise in contraception through the "pill."
1972 – Introduction of the "Deadline Solution:" With growing women's rights movements and the influence of socialist neighboring countries, abortion laws were significantly relaxed. According to §§153-155 of the GDR Penal Code, women could have an abortion up to the 12th week without needing to provide a reason. After the 12th week, abortion was allowed for medical or other "serious" circumstances.

Development in the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany):

1945 - 1949: In the immediate post-war period, §218 was initially not a subject of public interest or other movements. Many doctors practiced a relatively liberal application of the "social-medical" indication for abortion and likely continued this practice in the following decades, which were shaped by conservative family policies.
1953 – Constitutionally Compliant Adjustment of §218: The death penalty for abortion, imposed in 1943, was abolished.
June 1971 – "We Have Aborted:" The 'self-accusation campaign' initiated by journalist and committed radical feminist Alice Schwarzer made national headlines. In the Stern article, 374 women, some of whom were prominent, publicly acknowledged having had an abortion. This article brought the debate about §218 into the public spotlight for the first time.
July 1971 – "Action 218:" After the publication of the Stern article, the German "women’s movement" gained significant momentum. In July, a protest letter with 86,000 expressions of solidarity and 2,345 additional 'self-reports' was sent to the Federal Minister of Justice, Gerhard Jahn (SPD).
September 1971 – Announcement of Reform: Justice Minister Jahn rejected the proposed deadline solution (abortion without penalty up to the 12th week of pregnancy) but announced a reform with the so-called indication solution: abortion should be allowed in cases of 'medical-social,' 'ethical,' or 'eugenic' indications. Specifically, this meant: in cases of life-threatening situations for the mother, after rape, or in the case of fetal impairment.
April 1974 – Adoption of the Deadline Solution: With the votes of the SPD and FDP, the Bundestag passed the deadline solution.
July 1974 – Constitutional Complaint: The CDU/CSU faction filed a constitutional complaint against the deadline solution, which was accepted by the Federal Constitutional Court in February 1975. The law was declared unconstitutional and did not come into effect.
February 1976 – Adoption of the Indication Solution: Again, with the votes of the FDP and SPD, the Bundestag passed the indication solution. An abortion was no longer subject to criminal prosecution if there was a medical, criminological, embryopathic, or social indication.
1995 – Creation of the Current Abortion Penal Law: After the reunification of Germany in 1989/90 and the subsequent inclusion of the GDR under the Basic Law, the abortion regulations were revised. The current abortion law represents a compromise, combining a deadline model with mandatory counseling up to the 12th week of pregnancy (§218a para. 1 StGB) and an extended medical and criminological indication (§218a para. 2 and 3 StGB). Thus, abortion remains illegal in Germany but is exempt from prosecution under certain circumstances, meaning it is not subject to criminal prosecution.
Spring 2019 – Reform of §219a StGB: This reform relaxed the so-called advertising ban for abortions. Doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities were now allowed to publicly state that they perform abortions. However, further details, such as information about the medical method, remained prohibited on paper.
June 24, 2022 – Abolition of §219a StGB: After a lengthy debate and the previous 'reform,' the German Bundestag decided to abolish the so-called advertising ban for abortions. Doctors and hospitals are now allowed to publicly 'inform in a factual and professional manner about the performance of an abortion.' The two preceding opposition motions, one from the CDU/CSU faction and one from the AfD faction, were rejected. In the decisive vote, the SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, FDP, and Die Linke voted for the abolition, while the CDU/CSU and AfD voted against.

Legal Situation:

An abortion is allowed without penalty within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Mandatory counseling at a recognized counseling center, followed by a three-day reflection period.
An abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy is only allowed without penalty if the life or physical health of the pregnant person is at risk.
For minors, the doctor decides whether they are "capable of consenting," meaning whether they have the necessary maturity to make the decision on their own.

Number of Abortions in Germany from 1996 to 2023

In 2022, there was a notable increase in the number of abortions for the first time after a five-year decline. The most significant rise was observed in the age group of women aged 35 to 40.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

7.2 per 1,000 women
After a decline in 2010, the rate has steadily increased since 2017.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, there were 12,045 abortions out of 80,024 live births.

Number of Births in Switzerland from 2014 to 2024

In this statistic, only live births are counted, not stillbirths. The birth rate is well below the level of 2.1 children per woman, which would be necessary to maintain a stable population in the long term.

Historical Development of Abortion in Switzerland:

Since 2002, abortion has been legal under certain circumstances.
Similar legal regulations as in Germany.

Legal Situation:

Abortion is legal without penalty within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The pregnant woman must be in a "crisis situation" — this can be physical, mental, or financial.
The pregnant woman must provide a written statement confirming that she is in such a crisis situation.
Mandatory medical counseling.
Abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy is only permitted if there are serious health risks for the woman.

Quellen:

Abortion Statistics:

Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 abortions per year—these are estimates, as abortions are not officially recorded in Austria.
In 2023, 77,296 live births were registered.

Number of Births in Austria from 2014 to 2024

The statistics show that in 2023, the number of births decreased for the second consecutive year, reaching a low point for the period under review. The same applies to the derived birth rate. The data also includes births abroad by mothers with their primary residence in Austria starting from 2015.

Historical Development of Abortion in Austria:

Since 1975, abortion has been legal.
Abortion is illegal under § 96 of the Penal Code but is decriminalized under § 97 of the Penal Code under certain circumstances.

Legal Framework:

Abortion is decriminalized if performed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The procedure must be carried out by a doctor.
Mandatory medical counseling is required.
The pregnant woman does not need to provide any reasons.
Minors do not require parental consent.
After the three-month period, abortion is only allowed for medical reasons or in cases where the woman is under 14 years old.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

16.8 abortions per 1,000 women - as of 2023

Abortion Statistics:

243,600 abortions in 2023 – the highest number since 1990.
In 2023, approximately 677,800 live births were registered in France – the lowest number since 1945.

France: Population Development from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050 (Compared to the Previous Year)

Natural population growth is calculated by balancing births and deaths. The migration balance, i.e., the difference between immigration and emigration, is not factored into this calculation.

Historical Development of Abortion in France:

In France, there has been a continuous trend toward the liberalization of abortion laws over the years:
1975 – Loi Veil (Veil Law): The Veil Law legalized abortions within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (gestational weeks), on the condition that the woman undergoes counseling and observes a one-week waiting period.
2001 – Extension of the time limit: The legal limit for abortions was extended to 12 weeks. Furthermore, minors no longer needed parental consent; they only needed to be accompanied by an adult for the abortion.
2014: Women no longer need to be in a state of emergency to have a timely abortion. Additionally, abortions are now fully covered by the public health insurance.
2022: The abortion time limit was extended to 14 weeks.
2024: France will become the first country in the world to explicitly enshrine the "right to abortion" in its constitution. The newly added constitutional right guarantees the freedom to undergo an abortion and establishes that Parliament will determine the conditions under which this right can be exercised.

Legal Framework:

Before an abortion, two consultations with a doctor or midwife must take place, aimed at providing information, counseling, and aiding the decision-making process. There is no fixed timeline for these consultations; they can even be combined into one session.
For minors, an additional psychosocial consultation between the counseling sessions is mandatory.
Minors do not need parental consent but must be accompanied by an adult of their choice for the procedure.
Any associated costs are fully covered by health insurance.

Reasons for an Abortion After the 14th Week:

In the case of serious health risks for the mother.
When there is a high probability that the unborn child has a severe condition that is considered incurable at the time of diagnosis. This includes fatal diseases in the perinatal period or the first year of life, as well as conditions that could lead to severe, sometimes fatal disabilities in children.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

11.87 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

35,606 abortions compared to 168,000 live births (as of 2022).
The number of abortions rose by approximately 15% compared to the previous year.
The number of live births decreased by 11,000 compared to the previous year.

Netherlands: Population Development from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050 (Compared to the Previous Year)

Natural population growth is calculated by balancing births and deaths. The migration balance, i.e., the difference between immigration and emigration, is not factored into this calculation.

Historical Development of Abortion in the Netherlands:

1981 – Termination of Pregnancy Act: A law was passed allowing abortions under certain conditions:

Women must undergo counseling before the abortion, followed by a five-day waiting period.
Abortions are allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
Abortions can only be performed in accredited clinics.
After the 24th week, abortions are only permitted if the woman's life or health is seriously at risk, or if severe fetal abnormalities are present.

2005 – Groninger Protocol: This protocol provides guidelines for the "euthanasia" of newborns who "suffer unbearably and without hope of improvement." These guidelines were not passed as an independent law but are accepted and supported by Dutch authorities. In 2016, the government published more specific regulations. This practice has been subject to intense criticism in some scientific circles.
2022 – Abolition of the mandatory five-day waiting period: Women can now decide, in consultation with their doctor, when they are ready for an abortion.

Legal Framework:

Abortions are allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy without the need to provide any reasons.
Before an abortion, counseling with a doctor must take place.
The abortion must be performed in an accredited abortion clinic, and in cases of medical reasons, in a hospital.
Abortions in abortion clinics are funded by the state, and abortions in hospitals are covered by health insurance.

After the 24th week of pregnancy, abortions are allowed under the following conditions:

The unborn child must suffer from a condition so severe that medical experts consider medical treatment after birth to be hopeless. There must be no doubt about the diagnosis and prognosis.
It must be ensured that the unborn child suffers or is highly likely to suffer after birth, with no prospect of improvement.
The mother must explicitly request the abortion, citing the physical or emotional distress caused by the situation.
The doctor must provide comprehensive counseling to the parents regarding the diagnosis and prognosis. Both the doctor and the parents must be convinced that, given the child's situation, there is no "reasonable alternative solution."
At least one other independent doctor must examine the child and provide a written statement confirming compliance with the aforementioned due diligence criteria.
The pregnancy must be terminated with all necessary "care and diligence."

Newborn "euthanasia" is allowed under the following circumstances:

The child's suffering must, according to current medical opinion, be unbearable and without any prospect of improvement. There must be no doubt about the diagnosis and prognosis.
The points 4-6 mentioned above regarding late-term abortion must also be followed in the case of newborn "euthanasia."

Sources:

England, Scotland, and Wales

Abortion Rate:

England & Wales: 20.6 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age – as of 2022
Scotland: 16.1 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age

Abortion Statistics:

England & Wales: 252,122 abortions and 605,479 live births – the highest number of abortions since records began in 1967, and the lowest number of live births since 2002
Scotland: 16,584 abortions and 46,959 live births – same trend as in England and Wales: a rise in abortions and a decline in live births

Historical Development of Abortion in England & Wales:

1967 – Abortion Act: Abortions were legalized up to the 28th week of pregnancy under certain conditions.
1990 – Human Fertilization and Embryology Act: The legal limit for abortions was reduced to 24 weeks.

Legal Framework:

The abortion must be performed by an accredited doctor.
The abortion must be approved by two doctors in good faith* based on one or more of the reasons mentioned above. Both doctors must agree on at least one reason.
An abortion can be performed for socio-economic reasons up to the 24th week of pregnancy. This includes situations where there is a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman or any existing children, as well as financial difficulties.

Abortions after the 24th week of pregnancy are allowed if at least one of the following reasons applies:

The woman's life is at risk.
There is a significant risk that the child would be born with physical or mental deformities that would result in severe disabilities.
There is a risk of serious, permanent damage to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

*The condition that the medical assessment is made "in good faith" does not mean that the abortion is the "correct" course of action. It simply means that the doctor has acted honestly and not negligently when forming their opinion. What makes an abortion lawful is the doctor's belief that there are apparent reasons for the procedure, not the fact that these reasons truly exist.
Example: If two doctors in good faith believe that an abortion poses fewer risks to the physical or mental health of the woman than carrying the pregnancy to term, the abortion is lawful—even if it later turns out that it would have been safer to carry the pregnancy to term (e.g., if the abortion leads to death or serious injury). Additionally, the doctor is not required to verify financial hardship if the woman claims it as a reason.*

United Kingdom: Fertility Rate from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050

The fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman gives birth to during her reproductive years.

Northern Ireland

Abortion Rate:

5.52 per 1,000 women (as of 2022/'23)

Abortion Statistics:

2,168 abortions in the period 2022/'23.
In 2022, 20,908 live births were recorded.
Since decriminalization in October 2019, the number of abortions has steadily increased.

Historical development of abortion in Northern Ireland:

Unlike the other countries of Great Britain, the Abortion Act of 1967 was not adopted in Northern Ireland. Abortion was only permitted in limited medical emergencies.
2019 – Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act: The Northern Irish government was required by an intervention from the British Parliament to legalize and provide abortion services.
2020 – The Northern Irish government passed more detailed regulations regarding abortion.

Legal Situation:

An abortion is allowed up to the 12th week of pregnancy (11 weeks and 6 days) without giving a reason, provided a medical professional certifies that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks.
Between the 12th and 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is allowed if continuing the pregnancy would pose a greater risk to the physical or mental health of the woman than the abortion itself.
After the 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is permissible if one of the following conditions applies:

Continuing the pregnancy would endanger the woman's life.
There is a serious risk that continuing the pregnancy would result in severe, permanent physical or mental harm to the woman.
A diagnosis of severe fetal impairments or fatal abnormalities is made.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

5.49 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

65,528 estimated annual abortions.
In 2023, there were approximately 379,300 births in Italy. Since 2010, there has been a steady decline in births.

Due to declining birth rates, the Italian population is aging rapidly. According to estimates for 2024, the average age in Italy will be 46.6 years, which is 3.2 years higher than in 2010. This number is expected to continue rising in the coming years. Projections from 2019 suggested that the median age would increase to 50.8 years by 2030. After that, the average age of Italians could rise to 53.6 years by 2050.

Historical Development of Abortion in Italy:

1978 – Introduction of "Legge 194": The law legalized abortions under certain circumstances. Women were allowed to have an abortion within the first 90 days of pregnancy if their mental or physical health was at risk. After this period, abortion was only permitted if there was a serious health risk to the woman or if severe fetal abnormalities were detected.
2020 – Liberalization of Laws Regarding "Medical Abortion": The time limit for medical abortions was extended from seven to nine weeks. Additionally, the mandatory three-day hospital stay was eliminated. The so-called "medications" are also more easily accessible.
2024 – Inclusion of Pro-Life Representatives in Consultations: Under the new law, qualified representatives from the Pro-Life movement are allowed to participate in the mandatory counseling sessions before an abortion, as reported by 1000plus News. The current Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is known for her Pro-Life stance and has initiated several measures to support pregnant women in need.

For this study, a total of 1,000 Italians aged 16 to 74 were surveyed between 2014 and 2023. In 2022, the wording of the question was changed from "Allowed whenever a woman decides she wants one" or "Allowed under certain circumstances, such as when a woman has been raped" to "Legal in all cases" or "Legal in most cases."

Legal Situation:

An abortion is allowed within the first 90 days under the following conditions:

The continuation of the pregnancy would endanger the woman's mental or physical health.
The pregnant woman must visit a public family counseling center, an accredited social-medical institution, or a trusted doctor to request a voluntary abortion.
A neutral counseling session must take place, during which the circumstances leading the woman to consider an abortion are discussed. Additionally, assistance options to address these circumstances are offered.
A gynecological examination must be performed to confirm and accurately date the pregnancy.
After this consultation, a seven-day waiting period must be observed.

An abortion beyond the 90-day period is only allowed if the woman's life is seriously endangered or if fetal abnormalities or malformations have been diagnosed.
Furthermore, doctors in Italy have the right to refuse performing an abortion based on personal conviction. An exception is made if the woman's life is in acute danger. In 2019, 68.4% of gynecologists reportedly did not offer or perform abortions due to conscientious objection. According to various sources, the number of "Pro-Life doctors" continues to rise.

Sources:

Abortion rate:

Around 15 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44.

Abortion Statistics:

Around 34,600 abortions in the year 2024
In contrast, 91,807 births in the same year
This results in a ratio of around 376 abortions per 1,000 births

Historical Development of Abortion in Greece:

Until 1986, abortion was officially illegal in Greece, yet it was widespread. Many doctors performed abortions “under the table” in their practices. The government, in alignment with the Greek Orthodox Church, pursued a pronatalist policy, which was not supported by a large part of the population. Abortions were a common part of “family planning.”
In 1981, the social democratic party (PA.SO.K.) came to power. Among other things, its platform included the legalization of abortion.
In 1983, the Socialists established a National Health Service, which included a legal mandate requiring the service to provide the population with information about medical contraception methods. After initial enthusiasm for having a stronger influence on population birth control and replacing abortions with contraceptives, the government shifted its focus to other areas.
In 1986, the socialist government passed a new law legalizing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy (12th week of gestation) for any reason. With this, Greece (along with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Austria) represented the most liberal end of the abortion law spectrum in Europe. Additionally, abortions were to be covered by the national health system.
To this day, Greece continues to struggle with an ever-declining fertility rate and high abortion rates.

Current Legal Situation:

An abortion is legal under the following circumstances:
- Up to the 12th week of pregnancy without restrictions.
- Up to the 19th week of pregnancy in cases of rape, for minors, incest, or abuse of a defenseless woman.
- Up to the 24th week of pregnancy if there are serious indications of a fetal anomaly.
- Without a time limit if there is an unavoidable risk to the woman's life or a risk of severe and permanent physical or mental health damage, as confirmed by a specialist doctor.
The pregnant woman must have given her consent.
An abortion may only be performed by a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist in the presence of an anesthesiologist.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2021, there were approximately 2.7 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15–44 years) in Turkey.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2021, there were approximately 43,000 abortions.
In 2021, Turkey recorded the lowest fertility rate since records began, with 1.7 children per woman.
There were a total of 1,079,842 live births in 2021.
This results in approximately 40 abortions per 1,000 births.

Historical Development of Abortion in Turkey:

In 1858, during the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Penal Code (Article 193) was enacted, which prohibited abortion. According to this law, it was illegal to assist or force a pregnant woman to use drugs or other methods for abortion. Violations were punishable by imprisonment or forced labor.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, abortion did not seem to be viewed as a moral issue by the majority of the population. A British consular report from 1878 commented on the “alarming extent” to which Muslims resorted to abortion. Historians see the emerging sensitivity to abortion as a moral issue among the leading Ottoman elites as both an attempt by the government to integrate Western European discourses and legal systems, and as a pronatalist tendency aimed at preventing the decline of the Muslim population in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire.
1889 – Quote from an Ottoman newspaper: “Abortion may not be the most important reason for the population decline, but it is certainly the worst. Abortion is not a mistake or an offense. It is a terrible crime. We know that there are people who silence their conscience by pretending that ‘the product of abortion is not a real child, but only a blood clot.’ But they are wrong. A child is a creation of God from the moment of conception.”
In 1923, after a three-year war of independence, the Turkish Republic was recognized. The pronatalist policies of the Ottoman era were continued by the new government. Events preceding the Republic (World War I and the War of Independence) had led to a significant population decline in Turkey.
In 1930, a law was passed that made both contraception and abortion illegal. Legal incentives were also introduced to encourage the formation of larger families.
In the 1960s, the government’s attitude toward population growth changed. Rapid growth was now seen as an obstacle to the desired economic growth.
In 1965, the Population Planning Law was passed, which lifted the ban on contraceptives. Abortion remained illegal, but it continued to be widespread. A study conducted between 1986 and 1989 in a low-income area of Istanbul found, through in-depth interviews with women (N = 229), that abortion was widely practiced and that the women had a permissive attitude toward abortion. The officially recognized need by the government to reduce Turkey’s birth rate ultimately led to the debate on the legalization of abortion.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, the debate over the legalization of abortion took place. Opponents of legalization primarily came from political parties on the center-right to right-wing spectrum. A common argument from this group was that legalizing abortion would undermine the moral standards of society and weaken the foundations of Turkish family life. Another objection was that family planning should be carried out without resorting to abortion. Supporters of legalization came from the center to left-wing sectors of parliament. A frequent point raised was that abortions, regardless of the law, were already widely practiced in the country, but with serious health risks and consequences, and therefore it was necessary to legalize and regulate the practice. Estimates suggest that in 1982, around 200,000 voluntary illegal abortions were performed.
In 1983, abortion was legalized in Turkey under the conditions that remain in place today.

Current Legal Situation:

An abortion is legal without providing a reason up to the 10th week of pregnancy.
After the 10th week of pregnancy, up to (theoretically just before birth), abortion is allowed under the following conditions:
- If the pregnancy poses an immediate threat to the life of the mother.
- If a severe disability of the child and subsequent generations is expected.
- Furthermore, a report must be provided with the objective findings of a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a specialist from the relevant field.

Conditions for pregnancies resulting from a crime:
- In the case of rape or a comparable crime (sexual harassment, abuse, or sexual relations with a minor), abortion may be performed up to the 20th week of pregnancy. However, it must take place in a hospital with specialized doctors.
- If the perpetrator is the woman's husband, the pregnancy can still be terminated even if the victim does not file a report against the spouse or withdraws the complaint later. This means that the desire to terminate the pregnancy and the desire not to punish the spouse are independent of each other.
- If the pregnancy resulted from a crime related to artificial insemination, such as intentional or negligent fertilization using foreign genetic material.
- Although marriage between close relatives is prohibited in Turkey, consensual incestuous relationships between consenting adults are not considered a crime. Therefore, a pregnancy resulting from such a relationship does not fall into the above category.

Married women require the consent of their husband.
Minors require the consent of their legal guardians.
An abortion must be performed by a gynecologist and an obstetrician or a specially trained general practitioner. The former may perform the abortion in their practice, while the latter may only do so in an official treatment clinic.
An abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol is not permitted under any circumstances. Mifepristone is not approved for prescription in Turkey, and misoprostol is only approved for non-gynecological purposes.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

0.03 per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

161 legal abortions in 2022.
In 2020, there were 1,074 legal abortions.
It is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 illegal abortions are performed annually using abortion pills or by traveling abroad.

Poland: Development of the Average Age of Mothers at Birth, Broken Down by Number of Children, from 2012 to 2022 (in Years)

The average age for the entire European Union in 2022 is around 29.7 years. According to the source, when reporting the average age of women at the birth of the 'second, third, fourth, or more children,' the statistical population includes only women who meet the specific criterion for each birth number. This means that, for example, when reporting the 'age at the birth of the third child,' only women who have had exactly three children are included. As a result, the average age of women at the birth of the third child may be lower than that at the birth of the second child, as women who have already had two children may be older on average or may choose to have fewer children later in life.

Historical Development of Abortion in Poland:

1932 – Penal Code: Poland introduced its first Penal Code, which allowed abortions in cases where the life or health of the woman was at risk, and if the pregnancy resulted from a crime such as rape or incest. At the time, this regulation was considered one of the most liberal abortion laws in Europe.
1956 – Further liberalization under the communist government: Abortion was now also allowed for social reasons, leading to a significant increase in the number of abortions.
1993 – After the end of Polish communism: A new law allowed abortions only in cases where the life or health of the woman was at risk, for pregnancies resulting from crimes like rape or incest, and in cases of severe or incurable illness of the unborn child.
2020 – Constitutional Court ruling: The Polish Constitutional Court ruled that abortions due to severe and incurable fetal anomalies were unconstitutional. This decision led to widespread protests, as until then, 90% of all legal abortions were carried out for this reason.

Legal Situation:

Abortions are only allowed under at least one of the following two conditions:

The pregnancy threatens the life or health of the woman.
The pregnancy is the result of a crime such as rape or incest, provided this is determined within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2020: 9.5 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 39
In 2023: 10.64 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 39

Abortion Statistics:

In 2020: 64,895 abortions, compared to a total of 293,457 live births
In 2023: 45,186 abortions, compared to a total of 176,981 live births

Historical Development of Abortion in Ukraine:

From 1922 to 1991, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, so the laws of the USSR also applied in Ukraine. These varied in their strictness but were generally relatively liberal, as abortion was considered a “women’s right” and a means of “birth control.” This led to extremely high numbers and rates of abortion.
In 2004, a restriction came into effect that limited legal abortion to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
From 2012 to 2017, several legislative proposals were introduced to tighten abortion laws, but none were passed.
From 2022 to the present: The Russia-Ukraine war has affected the population in many areas of life. Fluctuations in abortion numbers can be partly explained by the fact that many women have fled Ukraine.

Legal Situation:

A legal abortion is permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without any special requirements.
An abortion is allowed up to the 22nd week of pregnancy under certain conditions:
- Medical reasons that endanger the mother’s life or would significantly impair the “quality of life” of the child (including mental illnesses).
- The pregnant woman is under 15 years old or over 45 years old.
- The pregnancy is the result of rape.
Pregnant individuals under the age of 14 require the consent of a legal guardian.
Anyone who performs an abortion without medical qualifications, carries out an illegal abortion that results in health consequences for the pregnant woman, or forces an abortion against the woman’s will is subject to criminal prosecution.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

25 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, an estimated 450,000 abortions were performed.
Since the early 2000s, Russia has seen a steady decline in abortion numbers.
The peak occurred in the 1990s, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with an abortion rate of 114 per 1,000 women and over 4 million abortions annually.
Until 2007, there were more abortions than live births in Russia. For years, two-thirds of all pregnancies ended in abortion—by 2012, this number had decreased to "only" one-third.
The current trend shows a decrease in abortions and an increase in live births.

Russia: Fertility Rate from 1950 to 2023 and Projections¹ until 2050

The fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman gives birth to during her reproductive years.

Historical Development of Abortion in Russia:

1920s – Early Soviet Union: Russia was one of the first countries in the world to legalize abortion. Among the reasons for this were the Bolsheviks' desire to break traditional social norms and integrate women into the workforce.
1936 – Stalin Era: Joseph Stalin introduced an abortion ban. Abortions were only allowed in certain medical emergencies. This was partly aimed at increasing the population.
1955 – Post-Stalin and the Thaw Period: After Stalin's death, abortion was legalized again under Nikita Khrushchev.
1970s and 1980s – Late Soviet Union: Abortions remained widespread. The Soviet Union recorded one of the highest abortion rates in the world, as abortions were often used as the primary method of birth control.
1990s – After the Collapse of the Soviet Union: Abortions remained legal and reached their peak.
2000s to present – Decline in Abortion Rates: The Russian government has attempted to reduce the high abortion rates through various measures. A pronatalist policy continues to be pursued.

Legal Situation:

An abortion is permitted up to the 12th week of pregnancy. This rule applies generally and does not require any specific justification.
An abortion up to the 22nd week of pregnancy may be performed under certain medical indications or if the pregnancy results from a crime such as rape.
Women who are considering an abortion must undergo mandatory counseling followed by a seven-day reflection period.
In recent years, there have been increased efforts to further restrict access to abortions. For example, in some regions of Russia, it has been mandated that abortions cannot be performed in private clinics. Access to "medications," such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol, is strictly controlled by the government.

Sources:

You can find more statistics on Statista.

Facts and Figures on Abortion in North America

Abortion Rate:

In 2023, there were approximately 15.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–44 years).

The graphic shows the development of the abortion rate since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. After three decades of decline, an increase has been observed again from 2017 to 2020.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, approximately 1,037,000 abortions were registered out of 3,591,328 live births.
Compared to 2020, there is an increase in abortion numbers by about 11%, which corresponds to an increase of around 107,000 abortions.
New York recorded the highest number of abortions in the USA in 2023. With 119,940 abortions, around 33% of the reported pregnancies in the state were terminated early.
Despite the recent introduction of abortion bans in some US states, a significant increase in the overall numbers can be observed. A possible reason for this is a rise in "abortion growth" in states with more liberal abortion laws.

The statistic shows the (estimated) change in the abortion rate in the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, by state. The footnote describes the proportion of data in the statistic that was replaced by estimates to account for missing values.

* Less than 10% of the data was estimated.
** 10-50% of the data was estimated.
*** 50% or more of the data was supplemented by imputation.

The higher the proportion of estimation, the greater the uncertainty about the accuracy of the data, as more missing values were replaced by estimated values.

Historical Development of Abortion in the USA:

The USA has a tumultuous history regarding the legal regulation of abortion:

In the 1960s, some states began to relax the existing abortion laws.
1973 – Roe v. Wade: In this landmark legal case, the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy includes a woman's right to have an abortion. This decision invalidated most of the existing state restrictions on abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2022 – Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: This legal case resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, allowing each U.S. state to enact its own abortion laws.

In phone interviews, Americans were asked the following question:

"Would you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?"

Current Legal Situation:

Due to the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, abortion laws in the USA vary significantly from state to state:

Alabama, South Dakota, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas: These U.S. states currently have the strictest abortion laws. Abortions are illegal in all cases, except when the life of the mother is at risk. There are no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Oregon, New-Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, Vermont, New Jersey:These states have no restrictions on abortions. Pregnant individuals do not need to observe waiting periods, do not need to provide reasons, and there is no time limit for performing an abortion. Additionally, abortion medications can be prescribed over the phone.

Additional Information: From 2014 to 2021, the wording of the approval was: "Allowed whenever a woman decides she wants one" or "Allowed in certain cases, such as rape."

Starting in 2022, the wording of the approval was: "Legal in all cases" or "Legal in most cases."

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In Canada, there are currently about 12.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

In recent years, medical abortions have become more accessible within primary health care settings (e.g., in doctors’ offices as well as community and public health clinics).

However, most of these abortions are not included in the data tables. As a result, the reported figures underestimate the actual extent of abortions carried out in Canada.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, there were 97,211 abortions in Canada compared to 351,679 live births (the lowest number since 2005).
Of these, 60.5% were surgical abortions and 39.5% were medical abortions.

Historical Development of Abortion in Canada:

In 1969, abortion was legalized under certain circumstances.
1988 – R. v. Morgentaler: This legal case led to the complete legalization of abortion in Canada. The decision was based on the argument that the existing abortion laws at the time violated a woman's rights to life, liberty, and security of the person as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Legal Situation:

There are no legal regulations regarding abortion in Canada.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in South America

Abortion Rate:

Between 2015 and 2019, the annual rate was approximately 28 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

During the same period, there were about 123,000 abortions per year.
Breakdown:
- Of around 537,000 pregnancies per year, approximately 351,000 were unintended. Of these unintended pregnancies, around 123,000 ended in abortion.

Historical Development of Abortion in Ecuador:

1837 – The first draft of the Penal Code prohibited any form of abortion. The law stated that abortions could not be performed for economic, social, or personal reasons. Abortions were also considered illegal regardless of the health condition of the unborn child. However, prosecution under this law was not particularly strict.
1938 – Abortion was legalized in certain exceptional cases: when the woman’s life is at risk or when a woman with a mental disability became pregnant as a result of rape.
2021 – A ruling by the Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion in cases of rape. As a result, Parliament was tasked with creating a clear legal framework.
2022 – Parliament passed new regulations allowing adult women in urban areas to have an abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy (12 weeks gestation) in cases of rape, and up to the 16th week for minors as well as adults in rural areas. The regulation was passed with 75 votes in favor, 41 against, and 14 abstentions.

Current Legal Status:

In Ecuador, abortion is currently legal under the following conditions:
- The continuation of the pregnancy would endanger the life of the mother.
- The pregnancy is the result of rape. In such cases, the following time limits apply:
  – Up to the 12th week of pregnancy for adult women in urban areas
  – Up to the 16th week for minors as well as for adults in rural areas

bortion pills such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol are approved by prescription.
The abortion must be carried out by a licensed physician.
It may only be performed with the pregnant woman’s consent. If she is unable to give consent, the approval of her husband, partner, a close relative, or her legal guardian is required.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

Between 2015 and 2019, the annual rate was approximately 32 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

During the same period, there were approximately 1,830,000 abortions per year.
Breakdown:
- Of around 5,520,000 pregnancies per year, about 3,810,000 were unwanted. Of these unwanted pregnancies, around 1,830,000 ended in an abortion.

A total of 2,500 Brazilians were surveyed through telephone interviews.

Blue bar = Support for abortion
Black bar = Opposition to abortion

The upper part of the statistics refers to the gender of the respondents, while the lower part refers to the respective age group.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Asia

Abortion Rate:

28 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2021)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, approximately 9,000,000 abortions were performed.
In the same year, an estimated 9,560,000 live births occurred.

Statistik: China: Anzahl der Geburten pro Jahr in China in den Jahren 2013 bis 2023 (in Millionen) | Statista

China's population shrank for the first time in 2023. Projections suggest that China's population will continue to decline in the coming years. The average age in China is also rising rapidly. Due to this demographic shift, China lost its position as the most populous country in the world to India in 2023.

Historical Development of Abortion in China:

Abortion policy in China is closely linked to the government's population strategies:

1950s: After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government initially promoted population growth.
1979 – Introduction of the One-Child Policy: To control population growth, the Communist Party implemented strict rules: couples were only allowed to have one child. Violations were punished with heavy fines, forced abortions, and sterilizations. In 1983, 14,371,843 abortions were recorded.
2015 – Two-Child Policy: Chinese couples were allowed to have two children. The reason for this change was the aging population and an increasing labor shortage. So far, the relaxation has not led to a significant rise in the birth rate. On the contrary, since 2018, a steady decline in birth numbers has been recorded.
2021 – Three-Child Policy: The child limit was raised to three children, and at the same time, measures were introduced to reduce non-medically necessary abortions. Birth numbers continue to decline.

Gender-Selective Abortion:

Another significant consequence of the One-Child Policy has been the mass abortions of girls.
Due to social and cultural preferences for male children, countless gender-selective abortions took place over the years, along with a higher mortality rate for female infants.
Despite the ban on prenatal gender determination in the 1980s, gender-selective abortions continued to be practiced nationwide.
In China, on average, 115 boys are born for every 100 girls – the normal gender distribution is 105 boys to 100 girls.
Of the 142.6 million women globally missing due to gender-selective abortion and early childhood neglect between 1970 and 2020, 51% are attributed to China.
In 2023, there were approximately 30 million more men than women in China.
The consequences of this unequal gender distribution include:
- The loss of reproductive potential from the missing girls will have a long-term impact on China's already declining fertility rate.
- An expected increase in human trafficking and forced prostitution in the coming decades.
- Experts predict an increase in violent and sexual crimes.
- The many single individuals (especially men) will lead to further tightening of the housing market.

Legal Situation:

For a long time, abortion in China was not subject to any legal regulations.
In 2018, some Chinese provinces restricted abortions. Since then, abortions after the 14th week of pregnancy are only allowed for medical reasons.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

5.3 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (as of 2023)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, a total of 126,734 abortions were performed in Japan, while there were 727,288 live births.
This corresponds to approximately 174.3 abortions per 1,000 live births.

Historical Development of Abortion in Japan:

In 1880, abortion was incorporated into the Japanese Penal Code.
In 1948, abortion was decriminalized with the enactment of the “Eugenic Protection Law.” The law consisted of two elements: the protection of the mother and eugenic selection. The number of abortions rose from 217 in 1946 to a peak of 1,170,143 in 1955.
In 1996, the element of eugenic selection was removed, and the law was renamed the “Maternal Health Act.”
In 2023, the Japanese government approved an oral abortion pill for the first time. Until then, abortions had only been performed surgically.

Current Legal Situation:

In Japan, abortion is included in the Penal Code but is not punishable under the following conditions:
- If continuing the pregnancy would seriously endanger the physical health of the pregnant person.
  If the pregnancy resulted from rape or another violent or threatening act.
  If continuing the pregnancy would endanger the economic well-being of the pregnant person.
  If the child would not be viable due to severe abnormalities.
For an abortion, both the signature of the pregnant person and that of their (marital) partner are required.
According to the law, an abortion may be performed up to the 22nd week of pregnancy. In practice, however, most abortions take place before the 10th week of pregnancy, as the costs are not covered by health insurance. Until the 12th week, abortions are carried out in specialized gynecological clinics; after that, hospitalization is required, which significantly increases the cost.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2021, South Korea had a rate of 21 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15-49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2021, South Korea recorded a rate of 21 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).
Abortion numbers:
Between 2015 and 2019, there were approximately 260,000 abortions annually.
Breakdown: Of the 756,000 pregnancies occurring annually in South Korea, around 427,000—representing 52%—were unintended.
Of these unintended pregnancies, about 260,000 ended in abortion. This means that 62% of unintended pregnancies were not carried to term.

Historical Development of Abortion in South Korea:

In 1953, abortion was included in South Korea's Penal Code, which prohibited abortion except when the pregnancy was the result of rape, incest, or serious medical indications.
From 1960 to 1980, the main goal of South Korea's population policy was to lower the total fertility rate in order to gain international assistance for economic development. Despite the official ban, abortions were widely practiced and encouraged by the government. The antinatalist efforts were effective: in 1960, the fertility rate was 6.0, in the 1970s it dropped to 4.5, in the 1980s further to 2.8, and in the 1990s to 1.6. In 2023, it reached its lowest point of 0.72.
From 1989 to 2009, an estimated 30 to 50 million abortions were performed annually. On average, only 5.6 abortion cases per year were prosecuted, indicating very limited enforcement of the then-existing "anti-abortion laws" by the government.
In 2005, South Korea's population policy dramatically changed after the country's fertility rate dropped to 1.08, the lowest rate worldwide at the time. As a countermeasure, the government passed the law to combat the low birth rate in an aging society, revived the enforcement of abortion penalties, and set up a master plan to prevent illegal abortions. However, the pronatalist efforts showed only moderate success. By 2010, the fertility rate was 1.23, but continued its downward trend in the following years.
In 2009, obstetricians and gynecologists founded the "Pro-Life Doctors' Association." They called for changes to deviant illegal practices, including widespread abortions. They implemented their demands by refusing to perform abortions and offering only lawful and legal medical services.
In 2012, the Constitutional Court ruled that the abortion ban was constitutional. The court's decision stated that the "right of the fetus to life is in the public interest," while "the woman's right to choose an abortion is in the individual's interest," and concluded that "the rights of women cannot outweigh the rights of the fetus."
In 2016, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced an amendment to the Medical Services Act. Surgical abortion was to be defined as an unethical medical practice, and criminal prosecution of doctors performing illegal abortions was to be intensified. These government efforts to further criminalize abortion and abortion providers sparked further public debate.
In 2017, the "Joint Action for Reproductive Justice" was founded. This group focused its efforts on directing the political and public discussion toward the constitutional situation regarding abortion. Ultimately, they filed a wide-ranging constitutional lawsuit aimed at decriminalizing abortion.
In 2019, based on the previous lawsuit and discussions, the South Korean Constitutional Court declared the existing abortion ban unconstitutional. As a result, the South Korean parliament was required to revise the abortion law by December 31, 2020.
In 2021, the National Assembly failed to meet the deadline set by the Constitutional Court's decision. The criminal provisions for abortion expired. Since January 1, 2021, abortion has been fully decriminalized in South Korea.
From 2021 to the present, no new law has been enacted to regulate abortion in South Korea. This has resulted in abortion neither being considered legal nor illegal. For five years, abortion in South Korea has been in a legal limbo, leading to significant societal and political disputes.
In recent years, the South Korean government has taken several steps to address the country's demographic crisis. Since socio-economic issues have particularly hindered couples from starting families, the government, in cooperation with businesses and companies, has attempted to address these issues and make it easier for couples to have children. In 2024, the fertility rate increased slightly for the first time in nine years, rising from 0.72 to 0.73.

South Korea: Fertility Rate from 1950 to 2023 and Projections Through 2050

Current Legal Situation:

Currently, there are no legal regulations regarding abortion in South Korea.
Only chemical abortion using Mifepristone or similar drugs is not permitted due to pharmaceutical regulations.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2019, the abortion rate in India was approximately 48 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15–49).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2019, there were around 16 million abortions in India.

Sex-selective Abortions in India:

Sex-selective abortions are widespread in India.
Despite corresponding legal prohibitions, India accounts for 32% of the approximately 142.6 million women missing between 1970 and 2020 due to sex-selective abortion or early childhood neglect.
Together with China, India is responsible for 90% of the annually 1.2–1.5 million missing female births (Bongaarts and Guilmoto, 2015; Chao et al., 2019; UNFPA, 2020).
The natural sex ratio is 105 boys to 100 girls. In India, it is 110 boys to 100 girls.
The main reason for sex-selective abortions is the culturally ingrained preference for sons.

Historical Development of Abortion in India:

1861 – Indian Penal Code: Abortions were criminally prosecuted unless continuing the pregnancy posed a life-threatening risk to the woman.
1971 – Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act: The conditions for a legal abortion were expanded to include the following:
- When there is a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman.
- In cases of fetal anomalies.
- In pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
- In case of contraceptive "failure" (initially only applicable to married couples).
2000s – Ban on Sex-selective Abortions: Regulations against sex-selective abortions were tightened. The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act of 1994 had already completely banned such abortions.
2021 – MTP Amendment Act: The current legal framework was adopted to improve access to "safe abortions."

Public Opinion on Abortion Laws in India (2020) – By Religion

Statistics on Public Opinion Regarding Abortion Laws in India in 2020, by Religion:

Blue bars: Illegal in all or most cases.
Black bars: Legal in all or most cases.

Additional Information:

Respondents were aged 18 or older. A total of 29,999 people were interviewed face-to-face between November 2019 and March 2020.
The religious distribution of respondents was as follows: 22,975 Hindus, 3,336 Muslims, 1,782 Sikhs, 1,011 Christians, 719 Buddhists, 109 Jains, and 67 respondents who either belonged to another religion or were unaffiliated.

Current Legal Situation:

Up to the 20th week, abortion is permitted on the recommendation of one doctor.
Up to the 24th week, abortion is permitted on the recommendation of two doctors and provided at least one of the following conditions is met:
- The pregnancy is the result of sexual abuse, rape, or incest.
- The pregnant person is a minor.
- There has been a change in the woman's marital status during the pregnancy (e.g., divorce, death of partner).
- The pregnant person has a physical disability classified as a “severe disability” under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- The woman is suffering from a mental illness.
- There is a significant risk of “fetal malformations” incompatible with life, or the child would suffer from severe “physical or mental abnormalities.”
- The pregnant person is living in a social institution or in a disaster or emergency situation declared by the government.
After the 24th week, abortion is only permitted with the approval of a medical board and only if the unborn child exhibits “significant abnormalities.”
The limit for “medical abortions” has been raised to 9 weeks.
Unmarried women are also permitted to have an abortion in cases of contraceptive “failure.”

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2019, there were about 8.4 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2019, there were approximately 17,498 abortions in Israel.

Historical Development of Abortion in Israel:

1977 – Abortions were legalized under certain circumstances.
2014 – The public health system introduced coverage for abortions for women under the age of 33.

Current Legal Situation:

Abortions are allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
The abortion must be approved by an abortion committee. The committee consists of a gynecologist, a psychiatrist, and a social worker. Approximately 99% of requests are approved by the abortion committees.
For women under 33 years old, the costs are covered by the state.

Permissible Reasons for Abortion in Israel:
- The woman is under 18 years old (no parental consent required) or over 40 years old.
- There is a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman.
- The pregnancy is the result of illegal circumstances (e.g., incest, rape).
- The woman is unmarried.
- The child is not the husband's in a married woman.
- There are signs of physical or mental abnormalities or defects in the fetus.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Australia

Abortion Rate:

Approximately 17.3 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2018).

Abortion Statistics:

Approximately 88,287 abortions in 2018.
Of these, 67,546 were surgical abortions and 20,741 were medical abortions using mifepristone/misoprostol.
In 2014–15, there were 75,514 surgical and 3,220 medical abortions.

Historical Development of Abortion in Australia:

1861 – All Australian states adhered to British provisions on abortion as regulated in the Offenses Against the Person Act. According to this law, abortions were only legal if performed to save the life of the mother.
1969 – R v Davidson: The case R v Davidson in the state of Victoria marked a turning point in the history of abortion law in Australia. The court ruled that abortions were also legal if carried out to protect the physical or mental health of the woman.
1970s – First Reforms: In 1971, South Australia became the first state to legalize abortion under certain conditions. Other states followed with similar reforms.
2000s – Increased Liberalization: Some states, such as Victoria, liberalized their laws to the extent that abortions were allowed up to the 24th week without restrictions, and after that under certain medical conditions. One by one, all other states and territories followed suit.

Legal Situation:

The regulations vary by state and territory.

The state of Tasmania has the strictest law, with a time limit of up to 16 weeks.
The state of Victoria has the most lenient law, with a time limit of up to 24 weeks.
In all states, once the time limit is exceeded, the opinion of a second doctor must be sought.
In some cases, not only licensed doctors but also nurses and pharmacists are allowed to perform an abortion.
'Medication abortions' can generally be performed up to the 9th week.
All states have established "safe zones" around abortion clinics. These vary from 50 to 150 meters and are intended to ensure "free and unimpeded access" to the clinics, particularly for pregnant women.

Opinion on the Legalization Status of Abortion in Australia 2021, by Reason

Response options in the online study:

*Abortion should be allowed whenever a woman desires.

*Abortion should be allowed in certain circumstances, such as in the case of rape.

*Abortion should only be allowed if the woman’s life is at risk.

*Abortion should not be allowed under any circumstances.

*I don’t know / I prefer not to comment.

*A total of 1,000 Australians aged 17-74 were surveyed.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Africa

Abortion Rate:

In the years 2010–2014, Africa had an average annual abortion rate of 34 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44. This meant that approximately 15% of all pregnancies ended in an abortion.

Breakdown of Abortion Rate by Region:
- East Africa: 34 per 1,000 women – 14% of all pregnancies.
- Central Africa: 35 per 1,000 women – 13% of all pregnancies.
- North Africa: 38 per 1,000 women – 23% of all pregnancies.
- Southern Africa: 34 per 1,000 women – 24% of all pregnancies.
- West Africa: 31 per 1,000 women – 12% of all pregnancies.

Abortion Statistics:

Between 2010 and 2014, there were an estimated 8.2 million abortions per year in Africa.

Current Legal Situation:

These countries allow abortion if the physical and sometimes also the mental health of the mother is at risk:
- Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Burundi.

In these countries, abortion is allowed up to a time limit (usually up to the 12th week of pregnancy):
- Tunisia, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique, South Africa.

These countries allow abortion for social or financial reasons:
- Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia.

In the following countries, abortion is allowed to save the life of the mother:
- Libya, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Gabon, South Sudan.

In these countries, abortion is completely banned:
- Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Congo, Madagascar.

Sources:

Complete Abortion Ban: In these countries, abortion is prohibited under all circumstances. Even if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is at risk, abortion is not allowed. Violations are prosecuted criminally.

1. El Salvador:

Individuals who perform an abortion with the consent of the pregnant woman, as well as the woman herself, can be sentenced to two to eight years in prison.
Individuals who perform an abortion against the will of the pregnant woman or who have coerced consent can be sentenced to four to ten years in prison.
Medical personnel performing an abortion can be sentenced to six to twelve years in prison. Additionally, they will be banned from practicing their profession for the same period.
Women who have had an abortion can also be charged with aggravated homicide, with a prison sentence of 30 to 50 years.
Center for Reproductive Rights: El Salvador’s Abortion Provisions
BBC: El Salvador's abortion ban: 'I was sent to prison for suffering a miscarriage'
The Guardian: ‘Historic moment’ as El Salvador abortion case fuels hopes for expanded access across Latin America

2. Nicaragua:

Individuals who perform an abortion with the consent of the pregnant woman, as well as the woman herself, can be sentenced to one to three years in prison.
Medical personnel performing an abortion can be banned from practicing their profession for two to five years.
Center for Reproductive Rights: Nicaraguas’s Abortion Provisions

3. Dominican Republic:

Up to two years in prison for women who undergo an abortion.
Up to 20 years in prison for medical personnel who perform an abortion.
Human Rights Watch: “It’s Your Decision, It’s Your Life”

4. Honduras:

Individuals involved in an abortion can be sentenced to three to six years in prison.
The Guardian: Honduras lawmakers seek to lock in ban on abortion for ever

5. Andorra:

Prison sentences of three months to four years for individuals involved in an abortion.
BOPA: Llei 9/2005, del 21 de febrer, qualificada del Codi penal (Penal Code, Qualified Law 9/2005, February 21)

6. Philippines:

Prison sentences of two to six years for individuals involved in an abortion.
Center for Reproductive Rights: Facts on Abortion in the Philippines: Criminalization and a General Ban on Abortion

Countries like the United States (certain states), Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Russia, and Poland are the only countries in the world that have significantly tightened their abortion laws in recent years.

Source:

Center for Reproductive Rights: The World’s Abortion Laws

Canada

Abortion legal since 1988.
No legally mandated time limit.
Funded through the public healthcare system.
No mandatory counseling or waiting periods.
Medlegal: The Current State of Abortion Rights in Canada

Netherlands

Abortion has been legal under certain conditions since 1984.
Abortion is allowed without specific grounds up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
After 24 weeks, abortion is allowed only if there are serious health concerns for the mother or child.
Funded by the public healthcare system.
Since 2022, the pregnant woman can decide the waiting period in consultation with her doctor.
Government of the Netherlands: What is the time limit for having an abortion in the Netherlands?

Sweden

Abortion has been legal since 1974.
Abortion is freely accessible until the 18th week of pregnancy, as long as there is no reason to believe the baby would be viable outside the mother.
After the 18th week, abortion is allowed only for serious medical reasons and with the approval of the National Health and Welfare Board (Socialstyrelsen).
Later abortions may also be approved for social reasons, such as if the woman is very young, living under difficult circumstances, or suffering from an addiction.
In 2018, 370 abortions were performed after the 18th week, accounting for 1% of all abortions nationwide.
rfsu: About Abortion

Iceland

Abortion has been legal since 1975.
Abortion is allowed without giving reasons until the 22nd week of pregnancy.
After the 22nd week, abortion is allowed only for serious health issues or life-threatening malformations of the fetus.
No mandatory waiting period or counseling required.
The costs of the procedure are covered by the public healthcare system.
Government of Iceland: Termination of Pregnancy Act, No. 43/2019

Some U.S. states also have very liberal abortion regulations and allow abortions without a time limit: Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington D.C.

Guttmacher: State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy

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