Overview
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus.[nb 1] An abortion that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion"; these occur in approximately 30% to 40% of pregnancies.[2][3] When deliberate steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called an induced abortion, or less frequently "induced miscarriage".
Resources
Law and Policy Guide
Center for Reproductive Rights - International and regional human rights norms, global medical standards, and comparative laws and policies on the following topics:
Legal Grounds for Abortion
Life Exceptions
Health Exceptions
Broad Social or Economic Grounds
On Request
Rape and Incest Exceptions
Fetal Viability and Impairments
Other
Gestational Limits
Accessibility, Acceptability, Availability and Quality Framework
Right to Information
Informed Consent
Medical Abortion
Adolescents
Third Party Authorization
Criminality
Conscientious Objection
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World Map of Laws
Explanation of Categories of Abortion Laws
Category 1. Prohibited Altogether
The laws of the countries in this category do not permit abortion under any circumstances, including when the woman’s life or health is at risk. 24 countries globally fall within this category. 91 million (6%) women of reproductive age live in countries that prohibit abortion altogether.
Category II. To Save a Woman’s Life
The laws of the countries in this category permit abortion when the woman’s life is at risk. 41 countries fall within this category. 358 million (22%) women of reproductive age live in countries that allow abortion to save the life of the woman.
Category III. To Preserve Health
The laws of countries in this category permit abortion on the basis of health or therapeutic grounds. 48 countries fall within this category 186 million (12%) of women of reproductive age live in countries that allow abortion on health grounds.
Category IV. Broad Social or Economic Grounds
These laws are generally interpreted liberally to permit abortion under a broad range of circumstances. These countries often consider a woman’s actual or reasonably foreseeable environment and her social or economic circumstances in considering the potential impact of pregnancy and childbearing. 13 countries fall within this category. 386 million (24%) of women of reproductive age live in countries that allow abortion on broad social or economic grounds.
Category V. On Request (Gestational Limits Vary)
576 million (36%) women of reproductive age live in countries that allow abortion on request. 75 countries globally fall within this category. The most common gestational limit for countries in this category is 12 weeks. Gestational limits are calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, which is considered to occur two weeks prior to conception. Where laws specify that gestational age limits are calculated from the date of conception, these limits have been extended by two weeks.