Title: A global review of laws on induced abortion, 1985-1997.

POPLINE Document Number: 133610

Author(s):

Rahman A
Katzive L
Henshaw SK

Source citation:

International Family Planning Perspectives, 1998 Jun;24(2):56-64.

Abstract:

This article provides a brief summary of abortion laws in 152 nations and dependent territories with populations of at least a million and documents changes in these laws since 1985. Classification of abortion laws according to level of restrictiveness (to save the mother's life, to preserve the mother's physical health, to safeguard her mental health, on socioeconomic grounds, and without restriction as to reason) reveals that 41% of the world's population lives in the 49 countries that allow abortion without restriction as to reason. The article then reviews the prevalence of other legal restrictions, such as gestational age, third-party authorization, type of medical facility and personnel, mandatory counseling requirements, restrictions on information, and fees. The review of trends since 1985 shows that 19 countries have reduced restrictions on abortion, and only one country has increased restrictions. This review provides regional summaries and also notes important changes in individual countries. The final section of the article covers factors that affect abortion availability, such as varying interpretations of laws, enforcement, the attitude of medical staff, and responses to the efforts of anti-abortion groups. It is concluded that most of the world's women live in countries where abortion is legal under many circumstances and that the global trend toward liberalizing abortion laws has continued and has enhanced the availability of safe abortion services.

Keywords:

Global
Summary Report
Legislation
Abortion
Abortion Law
Changes
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Social Change