Decriminalized Abortion
- Performing or procuring an abortion outside legal parameters is considered a criminal offense.
- Penalties may be directed toward the doctor, the woman, or a third party aiding in the abortion.
- 25% of the global population lives in countries where abortion is penalized if performed outside legal parameters.
This page provides specific information on the penalties for illegal abortions in your region and toward whom the punitive action is directed.
⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion or not? Take the Abortion Test!
Is Abortion a Crime?
Abortion outside of the legal parameters is considered a crime in many countries, punishable by fines, removal of licensure, or imprisonment. The woman procuring the abortion, the abortion provider, and anyone providing support (by supplying funds, transportation, or equipment) may incriminate themselves through the act.
Many governments penalize self-induced abortions, even if completed within the legal time frame for a termination.
- 🚫 Could I force a miscarriage? – Take the self-evaluation
While abortion is regulated in all Western nations, laws are not always enforced.
Find your region below to determine whether abortion is penalized in your area.
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Maximum prison times for abortion providers and anyone abetting* an abortion in the United States:
Alabama 1 year. $1,000 Arizona 5 years, specific ban on self-managed abortions Arkansas 10 years, prosecution of self-managed abortion Delaware Specific ban on self-managed abortion Georgia 10 years Iowa other penalties Idaho 5 years, specific ban on self-managed abortions Indiana Prosecution of self-managed abortion Kentucky 5 years, prosecution of self-managed abortion Louisiana 10 years Massachusetts Prosecution of self-managed abortion Michigan 15 years Missouri 15 years Mississippi 10 years Nevada Specific ban on self-managed abortions New York Specific ban on self-managed abortions North Carolina 3 years, specific ban on self-managed abortions North Dakota 5 years Ohio 1 year Oklahoma 5 years, specific ban on self-managed abortions Pennsylvania Prosecution of self-managed abortion South Carolina 2 years, specific laws against illegally acquiring the abortion pill. South Dakota 2 years Tennessee 15 years, prosecution of self-managed abortion Texas life and $10,000, prosecution of self-managed abortion Utah 15 years, prosecution of self-managed abortion Wisconsin 15 years Wyoming 14 years * A person aiding in abortion by providing finances, travel assistance, or abortion instruments can be sued in these states. This often includes companies providing abortion assistance to their employees.
Recent US cases of women prosecuted for illegal abortions: Between 2006 and 2020, 1254 women faced arrests or interventions for illegal abortions in the US, e.g., California 2021, one year in prison, Tennessee 2017, 13 months in prison.
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Maximum prison times for abortion providers, pregnant women, and anyone abetting an abortion in GB and Ireland:
Great Britain Woman: up to life prison sentence (1868 Offences Against the Person Act, Attempts to Procure Abortion, Section 58)
- Abortion provider: up to life prison sentence (Offences Against the Person Act, Section 58)
Recent case: June 2023 — Two years in prison
Northern Ireland None for the woman
- Abortion provider or anyone aiding in the abortion: up to level 5 fine (Abortion Regulations 2020 No. 345 Part 6 Reg. 11)
Republic of Ireland - Abortion provider: fines or imprisonment up to 14 years (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018-23/5)
- Person aiding in abortion: fined or imprisonment for up to 14 years (Act 2018-23/5)
- Woman: none
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Maximum prison times for abortion providers, pregnant women, and anyone abetting an abortion in Australia:
Australian Capital Territory None
New South Wales None
Northern Territory None
Queensland - Abortion provider: up to 14 years in prison (criminal code S224)
- Woman: up to 7 years in prison (criminal code S225)
- Person aiding in abortion: 3 years in prison (criminal code S226)
South Australia None Tasmania None Victoria None Western Australia - Abortion provider: Up to $50,000 (Health Act 1911, sections 334 and 335)
- Non-medical practitioner performing abortion: up to 5 years in prison (criminal code S199)
- Woman: none
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Maximum prison times for abortion providers, pregnant women, and anyone abetting an abortion in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa:
Canada None
New Zealand -
Non-medical practitioner performing abortions or aiding in abortions: up to 5 years in prison (Crimes Act 183 and 186)
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Woman: none
South Africa No known cases.
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Maximum prison times for abortion providers, pregnant women, and anyone abetting an abortion in Austria, Cambodia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and Thailand:
Austria Cambodia -
Abortion provider:
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Five years in prison if a doctor injures a woman in illegal abortion
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Ten years in prison if the woman dies during an illegal abortion
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- Woman: None
Germany Italy See our Italian page. Mexico None The Netherlands - Abortion provider: up to 3 years in prison (Criminal Code 82a)
- Woman: Up to 3 years in prison (Criminal Code 82a)
Portugal See our Portuguese page. Switzerland See our Swiss page. Thailand - Woman: Up to 6 months imprisonment and monetary fines of up to TBH 10,000
- Abortion provider: Up to 5 years in prison and TBH 100,000, unless the abortion was for the mother’s health.
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For more in-depth information, check out the following:
Where Do I Go from Here?
Our page has hopefully provided you with some helpful information on abortion regulations. Perhaps you find yourself at a crossroads right now. Your questions probably go beyond legalities. You might be wondering whether to have an abortion or not.
As you consider which path to take, feel free to use our judgment-free resources. We aim to support you in discerning a way forward according to your values and convictions. You've got this!
📝What are your pros and cons? Take the Abortion Pros & Cons Test!
💡 Struggling with a specific decision? Take the Solutions Finder Test
💪 Do you have what it takes? Take the Strengths Finder Test
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Disclaimer: Due to the constantly shifting political landscape, abortion laws are subject to frequent changes. While profemina aims to provide you with up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the veracity of the data provided in this article.