Abortion Criteria
- Abortions are legal for 59% of the world’s population. Five percent of women of reproductive age live in regions where abortion is prohibited altogether; 22% live in areas where abortion is only permitted to save the woman’s life.
- Abortion regulations usually permit abortions under certain stipulations, including staying within gestational limits or qualifying for an exception.
- The government sets abortion criteria with the woman's well-being and the effect of pregnancy terminations in mind.
- This page provides an overview of abortion parameters and the reason they are given. Reading this article will help you discern which criteria apply to your region.
⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion? Take the Abortion Test!
When Is Abortion Legal? - Abortion Parameters
Governments that do not ban abortion set legal parameters under which it is permitted. These include
1. Indicators
Most legislators list indicators that allow for abortion within specific gestational limits. These may include socio-economic reasons, the mother’s health, fetal defects, conception through rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother.
- For more information, go to Until When Can I Get an Abortion.
- For gestational limits of late-term abortions by indicators, go to Late-Term Abortion.
2. Specialized Training
Abortion laws often specify who is permitted to perform abortions. In most countries, abortions must be performed by medical staff. In many of these countries, abortions may only be performed by medical doctors.
- For more information, go to Abortion Near Me.
3. Location
Internationally, home abortions are more heavily restricted than in-clinic abortions. DIY abortions are often completely banned, and the abortion pill is strictly regulated.
For more information on these topics, go to
- DIY Abortions
- The Abortion Pill
- Tele-Abortions
- Over-the-Counter Abortion Pill
- Traveling to Get an Abortion
- Abortion Near Me
4. Confidentiality
Most abortions can stay confidential. No one has to know. Legal exceptions in some regions may include parental consent for minors or spousal consent for married couples.
For more information, go to
Some countries have specific laws on how medical records on abortions are handled. Usually, abortions are only added to a woman’s medical records upon her request.
- For more information, go to Secret Abortion.
5. Informed Consent
Some regions require the woman to take part in pre-abortion counseling to ensure her informed consent. Advice during this mandated counseling session may include information about the abortion procedure, fetal development, abortion alternatives, and abortion-pill reversal. A waiting period of 1 to 5 days may be required after receiving abortion counseling.
- For more information, go to Wait Time for an Abortion.
Abortion coercion is a criminal offense in most countries. This means that forcing someone to have an abortion is punishable by law.
- For more information, go to Abortion Coercion.
6. Medical Requirements
A blood test or an ultrasound may be required by law before procuring an abortion. The ultrasound reveals the gestational age, ensuring the pregnancy is within the legal time limit. It would also show if you have an ectopic pregnancy, thereby preventing serious risks. Proceeding with an abortion without ascertaining whether it can be performed safely could severely impact the woman’s health.
- For more information, go to Ultrasound Requirement
Why Have Abortion Parameters?
Legal parameters for abortions are usually given with the woman's well-being in mind. The risk of a late-term abortion is weighed against the trauma of the abortion indicator. Therefore, socio-economic reasons and general health concerns are commonly accepted as abortion indicators in early pregnancy only. Conversely, If your life is in danger by continuing the pregnancy, abortion is always permitted.
- For more information, go to When is an Abortion Performed to Save the Life of the Mother?
Where Do I Go from Here?
You may be considering abortion for one of the reasons listed above. Perhaps you are still in school, an unstable relationship, or a financially difficult situation. You may be feeling pressure, fear, or disbelief...
You are not alone! We would love to walk alongside you as you navigate this time of uncertainty. Take advantage of our judgment-free resources to find the path that is right for you:
- ⚖️ “Abortion: Yes or no?” Take the Abortion Test
- ⛑ Where do I go from here? — Quick Answers Quiz
- 💡 Struggling with a specific decision? Take the Solutions 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.