Can I Get an Abortion Exception for Rape?
- In the UK, rape exemptions are made, which extend the gestational limit or provide government funding for an abortion.
- Pregnancy is a common fear after rape, but only about 5% of sexual assaults result in pregnancy.
- Any sexual violence involving penetration constitutes rape.
You can find more information on abortion exemptions for rape here.
➡️ Are you pregnant as a result of sexual violence? Support and options
⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion? Take the Abortion Test
What Constitutes Rape?
There are two kinds of rape: forcible rape and statutory rape. Abortion exemptions usually only apply in cases of forcible rape.
Forcible Rape:
Forcible rape includes any sexual violence involving intercourse. This includes: forced penetration by a stranger, acquaintance or (ex)partner using threats or violence
- Forced penetration by a stranger, acquaintance or (ex)partner using threats or violence
- Being drugged to prevent resistance
- The sexual abuse of a child by a family member or friend
Statutory Rape:
If partners engage in sexual intercourse, but the woman is under the age of consent, it is considered statutory rape. If the woman conceives, abortion exemptions usually do not apply. In the UK, the age of consent is 16.
What Are the Exemptions for Rape Victims?
The laws in the UK make accommodations for pregnant rape victims by legalising abortions in cases of rape, extending gestational limits for abortion and covering abortion expenses.
Extension of Gestational Limits
In the UK, abortion in the case of rape is possible up until 24 weeks gestation. In Northern Ireland, where the usual legal limit is 12 weeks, exemptions may be made up to 24 weeks in the event that the pregnancy was a result of rape.
Rape Exemption Requirements
In order to qualify for exemptions in the case of rape, the woman usually must fulfil requirements such as reporting or providing evidence of the sexual violence she has experienced. This ranges from receiving an affidavit from a doctor to laying charges at the police or undergoing a rape kit examination.
This often requires the victim to seek medical attention or police jurisdiction within days of the event, which takes a lot of courage.
When You Have Experienced Sexual Violence
Rape is one of the most traumatic and devastating intrusions imaginable into a woman’s physical body, as well as her very being. From the outside, it would be impossible to grasp the full scope of pain inflicted.
You might ask yourself how to go on. You fear that you might be pregnant or just found out about the pregnancy. Are you wondering what the best course of action would be for you? Are you wondering about what a rape examination entails?
- 🙌 Go to Pregnant from Rape for resources on where to go for immediate support or safety.
For more information, go to:
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Disclaimer:
Our goal at Profemina is to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Since abortion regulations are varied and constantly changing, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content we provide.