Abortion Laws Worldwide That You Should Know

Absorption is considered a controversial subject in several countries, especially on ethical, religious, moral, and political backgrounds. Many countries believe absorption is women’s right. Religion and culture play a role to determine abortion laws around the world. Abortion laws differ from country to country and have been changing over time. Countries that permit absorption is depending on the reasons including 12 weeks for abortion on request, up to 24 weeks for financial, rape, social, or incest reasons, and threats to the woman’s health or life. Abortion rates are equal in countries where the procedure is legal or illegal due to the scarcity of modern contraceptives in countries where abortion is illegal, according to the Wolrd health organization. Read to find more about the legalization of abortion in the largest countries. Take our latest legalization of abortion trivia questions to expand your knowledge.

History

Absorption was against the law in almost every country in the world in the 9th century. The Imperial countries of Europe including France, Britain, Spain, Italy, and Portugal established their laws banning abortion of their colonies.

Abortion laws by country

Where is abortion illegal? The laws of abortion are diverse and vary from country to country. At present, twenty-six countries legalized absorption, except if the pregnancy is a result of incest or rape. Abortion law is established in 37 countries to save a mother’s life. In other countries, the law is made to preserve a mother’s health and life. Abortion takes place in every country. In Latin America, the three countries restricted the access to absorption completely in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Dominican Republic. In Europe, The Vatican City has determined that country’s people are not permitted to receive abortions, like the anti-abortion countries in Latin America. In Europe, the country of Malta also banned abortions, except for one reason. In Malta, abortion can be practiced only to save the mother’s life.

Abortion is either banned altogether in many parts of Africa or is legal if a woman’s life is in danger.

Which country was the first to legalize abortion? In 1920, The Soviet Union under Lenin was the first country in the world to make abortion legal.

Here is a list of larger countries that established abortion laws and global abortion policies.

The United States

When did abortions become illegal in the US? Officially, abortion laws did not pass or written in the books in the United States until 1821. The United States was one of the first countries to liberalize its abortion laws in the 1970s. At present, abortion is legal in the country. Every state has at least one abortion center. At the same time, individual states have the right to regulate and restrict abortion or even create trigger laws. States including Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia not compelled pre-Roe abortion bans in their laws.

Brazil

Latin American has banned abortion but not completely. In Brazil, women are not allowed to choose what is right for their bodies. Abortion is only allowed if a woman is raped. Additionally, if a woman’s life is at risk, she can pursue the procedure.

Canada

In Canada, abortion is not illegal. It was banned till 1988. The government of a North American country changed the laws and made them illegal. This law is applicable if the procedure is performed in hospitals.

Russia

Russia, also known as the largest country in the world, ranks at the top when it comes to abortions. The country is known for having the highest number of abortions performed each year. There are no restrictions for the pregnancy that is less than 12 weeks in length till 2003. Now, the country has extended the period when it made abortion legal even up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

China

In the 1950s, China has liberalized its abortion law and promoted the one-child policy. The country restricts abortion for non-medical purposes.