Abortion Worldwide

The legal regulations and statistics on abortion vary significantly from country to country and across continents. While some states aim to promote unrestricted access to abortion, others make every effort to reduce the number of abortions through legal measures and support services. Below, you will find a summary of the key information on this topic.

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Facts and Figures on Abortion in Europe

Abortion Rate:

5.4 abortions per 1,000 women

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, there were 106,218 abortions out of 693,019 live births

Abortions in Germany by Number of Previous Live Births, 2018–2024

The statistics show the number of abortions in Germany based on the number of previous live births from 2017 to 2023. In 2023, 9,932 women, who had already given birth to three children, chose to have an abortion.

Reasons for Abortion:

Medical indication: 3,996
Criminal indication: 35
According to the counseling regulation: 102,187

Historical Development of Abortion in Germany:

1871 – German Empire: Introduction of §218 in the Reich Criminal Code, which banned abortion under all circumstances and classified it as a criminal act (a homicide).
1926/'27 – Weimar Republic: During the Weimar Republic, a reduction in punishment was decided, changing abortion from a crime to a misdemeanor. Additionally, the Reich Court confirmed the permissibility of abortion for medical reasons, restricted to doctors and based on the principle of weighing interests.
1933-'45 – Nazi Regime: In the Nazi era, abortion laws were strictly aligned with racial and population policies. Abortion was no longer considered a "homicide," but an "attack on race and heredity." Abortion was permitted for “life unworthy of life” according to Nazi ideology, particularly for people deemed "genetically ill" or "racially inferior." Anyone offering unrestricted abortions faced the death penalty starting in 1943.
Following Germany's division, abortion laws developed differently in the two German republics:

Development in the GDR (German Democratic Republic):

1950 – "Mother Protection Act:" This law provided for a narrow medical indication as well as an indication limited to hereditary diseases for abortion. Additionally, there was an increased focus on the rise in contraception through the "pill."
1972 – Introduction of the "Deadline Solution:" With growing women's rights movements and the influence of socialist neighboring countries, abortion laws were significantly relaxed. According to §§153-155 of the GDR Penal Code, women could have an abortion up to the 12th week without needing to provide a reason. After the 12th week, abortion was allowed for medical or other "serious" circumstances.

Development in the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany):

1945 - 1949: In the immediate post-war period, §218 was initially not a subject of public interest or other movements. Many doctors practiced a relatively liberal application of the "social-medical" indication for abortion and likely continued this practice in the following decades, which were shaped by conservative family policies.
1953 – Constitutionally Compliant Adjustment of §218: The death penalty for abortion, imposed in 1943, was abolished.
June 1971 – "We Have Aborted:" The 'self-accusation campaign' initiated by journalist and committed radical feminist Alice Schwarzer made national headlines. In the Stern article, 374 women, some of whom were prominent, publicly acknowledged having had an abortion. This article brought the debate about §218 into the public spotlight for the first time.
July 1971 – "Action 218:" After the publication of the Stern article, the German "women’s movement" gained significant momentum. In July, a protest letter with 86,000 expressions of solidarity and 2,345 additional 'self-reports' was sent to the Federal Minister of Justice, Gerhard Jahn (SPD).
September 1971 – Announcement of Reform: Justice Minister Jahn rejected the proposed deadline solution (abortion without penalty up to the 12th week of pregnancy) but announced a reform with the so-called indication solution: abortion should be allowed in cases of 'medical-social,' 'ethical,' or 'eugenic' indications. Specifically, this meant: in cases of life-threatening situations for the mother, after rape, or in the case of fetal impairment.
April 1974 – Adoption of the Deadline Solution: With the votes of the SPD and FDP, the Bundestag passed the deadline solution.
July 1974 – Constitutional Complaint: The CDU/CSU faction filed a constitutional complaint against the deadline solution, which was accepted by the Federal Constitutional Court in February 1975. The law was declared unconstitutional and did not come into effect.
February 1976 – Adoption of the Indication Solution: Again, with the votes of the FDP and SPD, the Bundestag passed the indication solution. An abortion was no longer subject to criminal prosecution if there was a medical, criminological, embryopathic, or social indication.
1995 – Creation of the Current Abortion Penal Law: After the reunification of Germany in 1989/90 and the subsequent inclusion of the GDR under the Basic Law, the abortion regulations were revised. The current abortion law represents a compromise, combining a deadline model with mandatory counseling up to the 12th week of pregnancy (§218a para. 1 StGB) and an extended medical and criminological indication (§218a para. 2 and 3 StGB). Thus, abortion remains illegal in Germany but is exempt from prosecution under certain circumstances, meaning it is not subject to criminal prosecution.
Spring 2019 – Reform of §219a StGB: This reform relaxed the so-called advertising ban for abortions. Doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities were now allowed to publicly state that they perform abortions. However, further details, such as information about the medical method, remained prohibited on paper.
June 24, 2022 – Abolition of §219a StGB: After a lengthy debate and the previous 'reform,' the German Bundestag decided to abolish the so-called advertising ban for abortions. Doctors and hospitals are now allowed to publicly 'inform in a factual and professional manner about the performance of an abortion.' The two preceding opposition motions, one from the CDU/CSU faction and one from the AfD faction, were rejected. In the decisive vote, the SPD, The Greens, FDP, and Die Linke voted in favor of the repeal, while the CDU/CSU and AfD voted against it.

Legal Framework:

An abortion without penalty is permitted within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
Mandatory counseling at a recognized counseling center is required, followed by a three-day waiting period.
An abortion after the 14th week of pregnancy is only permitted without penalty if the pregnant woman’s life or physical health is at risk.
In the case of minors, the doctor determines whether she is “capable of giving consent,” that is, whether she has the necessary maturity to make this decision on her own.

In 2022, there was a notable increase in the number of abortions for the first time after a five-year decline.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

7.2 per 1,000 women
After a decline in 2010, the rate has steadily increased since 2017.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, there were 12,045 abortions out of 80,024 live births.

Number of Births in Switzerland from 2014 to 2023 (Per 1,000 People)

This downward trend indicates a gradual decline in Switzerland's birth rate over the nine-year period, with a slight increase in 2021 before continuing its descent.

Historical Development of Abortion in Switzerland:

Since 2002, abortion has been legal under certain circumstances.
Similar legal regulations as in Germany.

Legal Framework:

An abortion without penalty is permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
The pregnant woman must be in a “state of distress,” which can be physical, mental, or financial in nature.
The pregnant woman must submit a written declaration confirming that she is in such a state of distress.
Mandatory medical counseling is required.
An abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy is only permitted if the woman faces serious health risks.

Sources:

Abortion Statistics:

Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 abortions per year—these are estimates, as abortions are not officially recorded in Austria.
In 2023, 77,296 live births were registered.

In 2022, Austria’s crude birth rate fell to 9.1 live births per 1,000 inhabitants—the lowest figure recorded in the observed period. The crude birth rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 people in the total population over the course of a year.

Historical Development of Abortion in Austria:

Since 1975, abortion has been legal.
Abortion is illegal under § 96 of the Penal Code but is decriminalized under § 97 of the Penal Code under certain circumstances.

Legal Framework:

Requirements for an abortion without penalty within the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP):
- The abortion must be performed by a doctor.
- Mandatory medical counseling must be completed.
- The pregnant woman does not need to state any reasons.
- Minors do not require parental consent.
Requirements for an abortion without penalty after the 16th week of pregnancy:
- If there is a serious risk to the woman’s life or mental or physical health.
- If a severe mental or physical disability of the child is to be expected (eugenic indication).
- If the pregnant woman was underage under Austrian law at the time of conception (under 14 years old).
Medical abortions are permitted up to the 9th week of pregnancy.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

16.8 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2023)

Abortion Statistics:

243,600 abortions in 2023 – the highest number since 1990.
In 2023, approximately 677,800 live births were registered in France – the lowest number since 1945.

France: Population Development from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050 (Compared to the Previous Year)

Natural population growth is calculated by balancing births and deaths. The migration balance, i.e., the difference between immigration and emigration, is not factored into this calculation.

Historical Development of Abortion in France:

In France, there has been a continuous trend toward the liberalization of abortion laws over the years:
1975 – Loi Veil (Veil Law): The Veil Law legalized abortions within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (gestational weeks), on the condition that the woman undergoes counseling and observes a one-week waiting period.
2001 – Extension of the time limit: The legal limit for abortions was extended to 12 weeks. Furthermore, minors no longer needed parental consent; they only needed to be accompanied by an adult for the abortion.
2014: Women no longer need to be in a state of emergency to have a timely abortion. Additionally, abortions are now fully covered by the public health insurance.
2022: The abortion time limit was extended to 14 weeks.
2024: France will become the first country in the world to explicitly enshrine the "right to abortion" in its constitution. The newly added constitutional right guarantees the freedom to undergo an abortion and establishes that Parliament will determine the conditions under which this right can be exercised.

Legal Framework:

An abortion is permitted up to the 16th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
Before an abortion, two sessions must take place with a doctor or midwife, which are intended to provide orientation, information, and support in decision-making. There are no time requirements for these sessions; they may also be combined into a single session.
For minors, an additional psychosocial consultation between the two counseling sessions is mandatory.
Minors do not need the consent of a legal guardian but must be accompanied to the procedure by an adult of their choice.
All costs incurred are fully covered by health insurance.
Reasons for an abortion after the 16th week of pregnancy:
- If serious health consequences for the mother may occur.
- If there is a high probability that the unborn child is affected by a serious, incurable illness at the time of diagnosis, including fatal diseases during the perinatal period or first year of life, or conditions that can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, disabilities in children.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2021, the annual abortion rate was 7.8 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15–49 years).
This marks the second year in a row that the abortion rate has declined. In 2019, the rate was 8.8 abortions per 1,000 women.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2021, 16,702 abortions were performed.
In 2020, there were 16,585 abortions.
By comparison, 2018 had a much higher number, with 18,272 abortions performed.

Historical Development of Abortion in Belgium

In 1990, abortion was legalized under specific conditions (Law on Pregnancy Termination, April 3), and a National Evaluation Committee was created (Law of August 13).
On October 15, 2018, abortion was decriminalized and removed from the penal code.

Legal Framework:

An abortion is permitted up to the 14th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), if continuing the pregnancy would endanger the woman’s mental or physical health, or if she is in an economic, financial, or social emergency.
An abortion is legal without time limits if the mother’s life is at risk or if certain fetal anomalies are present.
In general, the following conditions must be met before an abortion:
- Written consent from the woman
- A preliminary legal counseling session on the abortion
- A conversation with a social worker
- A confirmation counseling session prior to the abortion
- A mandatory six-day waiting period between counseling and the abortion
- The topic of contraception must be addressed in at least one of the medical consultations
- Counseling and abortion must take place at the same location

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

11.87 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

35,606 abortions compared to 168,000 live births (as of 2022).
The number of abortions rose by approximately 15% compared to the previous year.
The number of live births decreased by 11,000 compared to the previous year.

Netherlands: Population Development from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050 (Compared to the Previous Year)

Natural population growth is calculated by balancing births and deaths. The migration balance, i.e., the difference between immigration and emigration, is not factored into this calculation.

Historical Development of Abortion in the Netherlands:

1981 – Termination of Pregnancy Act: A law was passed allowing abortions under certain conditions:

Women must undergo counseling before the abortion, followed by a five-day waiting period.
Abortions are allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
Abortions can only be performed in accredited clinics.
After the 24th week, abortions are only permitted if the woman's life or health is seriously at risk, or if severe fetal abnormalities are present.

2005 – Groninger Protocol: This protocol provides guidelines for the "euthanasia" of newborns who "suffer unbearably and without hope of improvement." These guidelines were not passed as an independent law but are accepted and supported by Dutch authorities. In 2016, the government published more specific regulations. This practice has been subject to intense criticism in some scientific circles.
2022 – Abolition of the mandatory five-day waiting period: Women can now decide, in consultation with their doctor, when they are ready for an abortion.

Legal Framework:

Abortions are allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy without the need to provide any reasons.
Abortions are permitted without the need to state reasons up to the 24th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), and must be preceded by a consultation with a doctor.
The abortion must be performed in a recognized abortion clinic, and, for medical reasons, in a hospital.
Abortions in abortion clinics are funded by the state, and abortions in hospitals are covered by health insurance.
After the 24th week of pregnancy, abortions are permitted under the following conditions:
1. The unborn child must suffer from a condition so severe that medical experts consider postnatal treatment to be hopeless. There must be no doubt about the diagnosis and prognosis.
2. It must be ensured that the unborn child is suffering or will very likely suffer after birth, with no prospect of improvement.
3. The mother must submit an explicit request to terminate the pregnancy, citing the physical or emotional suffering caused by the situation.
4. The doctor must have fully informed the parents about the diagnosis and prognosis. Both the doctor and the parents must be convinced that, given the child’s condition, there is no “reasonable alternative solution.”
5. At least one additional independent doctor must have examined the child and provided a written statement confirming that the above-mentioned due diligence criteria have been met.
6. The pregnancy must be ended with all medically required care.
The ‘euthanasia’ of newborns is permitted under the following circumstances:
1. According to current prevailing medical opinion, the child’s suffering must be unbearable and without any prospect of improvement. There must be no doubt about the diagnosis and prognosis.
2. Points 4–6 listed above regarding late-term abortion must also be followed in the case of the ‘euthanasia’ of a newborn.

Sources:

England, Scotland, and Wales

Abortion Rate:

England & Wales: 20.6 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age – as of 2022
Scotland: 16.1 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age

Abortion Statistics:

England & Wales: 252,122 abortions and 605,479 live births – the highest number of abortions since records began in 1967, and the lowest number of live births since 2002
Scotland: 16,584 abortions and 46,959 live births – same trend as in England and Wales: a rise in abortions and a decline in live births

Historical Development of Abortion in England & Wales:

1967 – Abortion Act: Abortions were legalized up to the 28th week of pregnancy under certain conditions.
1990 – Human Fertilization and Embryology Act: The legal limit for abortions was reduced to 24 weeks.

Legal Framework:

The abortion must be performed by a licensed physician.
The abortion must be approved by two physicians in good faith* based on one or more of the reasons listed above. Both physicians must agree on at least one reason.
An abortion can be carried out for socioeconomic reasons up to the 24th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP). This includes, for example, cases where there is a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman or existing children, as well as financial difficulties.
Abortions after the 24th week of pregnancy are permitted if at least one of the following reasons applies:
Life-threatening risk to the woman.
A significant risk that the child would suffer from physical or mental malformations at birth, resulting in severe disability.
Risk of serious, permanent damage to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.
*The condition that the medical assessment is made “in good faith” does not mean that the abortion is the “correct” course of action. It simply means that the physician has not acted dishonestly or negligently in forming their opinion. What makes an abortion lawful is the physician’s belief that there are apparent reasons for the procedure, not the fact that these reasons actually exist.
- Example: If two physicians in good faith believe that an abortion poses fewer risks to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman than carrying the pregnancy to term, the abortion is lawful—even if it later turns out that it would have been safer to carry the pregnancy (e.g., if the abortion results in death or serious injury). Additionally, the physician is not required to verify a financial hardship if the pregnant woman cites it as a reason.

United Kingdom: Fertility Rate from 1950 to 2023 and Forecasts¹ Until 2050

The fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman gives birth to during her reproductive years.

Northern Ireland

Abortion Rate:

5.52 per 1,000 women (as of 2022/'23)

Abortion Statistics:

2,168 abortions in the period 2022/'23.
In 2022, 20,908 live births were recorded.
Since decriminalization in October 2019, the number of abortions has steadily increased.

Historical development of abortion in Northern Ireland:

Unlike the other countries of Great Britain, the Abortion Act of 1967 was not adopted in Northern Ireland. Abortion was only permitted in limited medical emergencies.
2019 – Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act: The Northern Irish government was required by an intervention from the British Parliament to legalize and provide abortion services.
2020 – The Northern Irish government passed more detailed regulations regarding abortion.

Legal Framework:

An abortion is permitted up to the 12th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), without stating a reason, provided a medical professional has certified that the pregnancy has not exceeded the 12th week.
Between the 12th and 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy poses a greater risk to the physical or mental health of the woman than terminating it. In these cases, two medical professionals must agree that the risks of continuing the pregnancy outweigh the risks of abortion.
After the 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, including:
- Situations where continuing the pregnancy would endanger the life of the woman.
- Cases where there is a serious risk that continuing the pregnancy would cause severe, permanent physical or mental harm to the pregnant woman.
- Diagnosis of severe fetal impairments or lethal anomalies.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

5.49 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

65,528 estimated annual abortions.
In 2023, there were approximately 379,300 births in Italy. Since 2010, there has been a steady decline in births.

Due to declining birth rates, the Italian population is aging rapidly. According to estimates for 2024, the average age in Italy will be 46.6 years, which is 3.2 years higher than in 2010. This number is expected to continue rising in the coming years. Projections from 2019 suggested that the median age would increase to 50.8 years by 2030. After that, the average age of Italians could rise to 53.6 years by 2050.

Historical Development of Abortion in Italy:

1978 – Introduction of "Legge 194": The law legalized abortions under certain circumstances. Women were allowed to have an abortion within the first 90 days of pregnancy if their mental or physical health was at risk. After this period, abortion was only permitted if there was a serious health risk to the woman or if severe fetal abnormalities were detected.
2020 – Liberalization of Laws Regarding "Medical Abortion": The time limit for medical abortions was extended from seven to nine weeks. Additionally, the mandatory three-day hospital stay was eliminated. The so-called "medications" are also more easily accessible.
2024 – Inclusion of Pro-Life Representatives in Consultations: Under the new law, qualified representatives from the Pro-Life movement are allowed to participate in the mandatory counseling sessions before an abortion, as reported by 1000plus News. The current Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is known for her Pro-Life stance and has initiated several measures to support pregnant women in need.

For this study, a total of 1,000 Italians aged 16 to 74 were surveyed between 2014 and 2023. In 2022, the wording of the question was changed from "Allowed whenever a woman decides she wants one" or "Allowed under certain circumstances, such as when a woman has been raped" to "Legal in all cases" or "Legal in most cases."

Legal Framework:

Within the first 12 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), an abortion is permitted under the following conditions:
Continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mental or physical health of the woman.
- The pregnant woman must visit a public family counseling center, a recognized social or medical institution, or a trusted physician to request a voluntary abortion.
- A nonjudgmental counseling session is required, during which the circumstances that led the woman to consider an abortion are discussed, and support options are offered.
- A gynecological examination must be carried out to confirm and accurately date the pregnancy.
- After this consultation, a seven-day waiting period must be observed.
An abortion after the 12-week-and-6-day limit is only permitted if the woman’s life is seriously at risk or if serious malformations or abnormalities are detected in the baby.
Furthermore, doctors in Italy are free to refuse to perform abortions on grounds of personal conscience. An exception applies if the woman’s life is in acute danger. In 2019, 68.4% of gynecologists reportedly refused to provide or perform abortions for reasons of conscience. According to various sources, the number of “pro-life doctors” continues to rise.

Sources:

Abtreibungsrate:

7,4 Abtreibungen pro 1.000 Frauen (Stand 2023)

Abtreibungszahlen:

108.000 Abtreibungen im Jahr 2024 – Das bedeutet einen neuen Höchststand seit 2013
Im Jahr 2022 waren es noch 98 316 Abtreibungen. Dies bedeutet einen Anstieg von ca. 9,85 %.
Zum Vergleich: In Deutschland gab es im Jahr 2022 ca. 104.000 Abtreibungen bei einer Bevölkerung von ca. 83 Millionen Einwohnern. Spanien mit seinen ca. 47 Millionen Einwohnern hat also genauso viele Abtreibungen wie ein Land mit doppelt so vielen Einwohnern.

Geschichtliche Entwicklung von Abtreibung in Spanien:

1985 – Erstmalige Entkriminalisierung von Abtreibung: Abtreibungen wurden in Fällen von Vergewaltigung, fetalen Fehlbildungen sowie bei Gefährdung der psychischen oder physischen Gesundheit der Mutter straffrei gestellt.
2010 – Einführung eines Zeitlimits: Innerhalb der ersten 14 Schwangerschaftswochen darf die Schwangere ohne Angabe von Gründen abtreiben. Zwischen der 15. und 22. Woche sind Abtreibungen zulässig, wenn das Leben oder die Gesundheit der Schwangeren erheblich gefährdet ist oder schwere Anomalien beim ungeborenen Kind vorliegen. Diese Liberalisierung ist insbesondere auf das Erstarken der feministischen Bewegung in Spanien zurückzuführen, die hierbei eine zentrale Rolle spielte. Im Gesetzestext wird jedoch weiterhin das Ziel formuliert, „die Rechte und Interessen der Frauen sowie des vorgeburtlichen Lebens zu gewährleisten und angemessen zu schützen“.
2023 – Weitere Liberalisierung des Abtreibungsgesetzes:
Zum einen wurde die bisherige dreitägige Bedenkzeit abgeschafft, zum anderen dürfen 16-Jährige ohne Zustimmung der Eltern eine Abtreibung vornehmen lassen. Zudem müssen detaillierte Informationen zur Abtreibung nur noch auf gezielte Nachfrage der Schwangeren bereitgestellt werden.

Aktuelle Gesetzeslage:

Eine Abtreibung bis zur 14. Schwangerschaftswoche ist ohne Angabe von Gründen und ohne verpflichtende Bedenkzeit möglich.
Eine Abtreibung bis zur 22. Schwangerschaftswoche ist zulässig, wenn eine schwerwiegende fetale Fehlbildung vorliegt oder die physische bzw. psychische Gesundheit der Mutter gefährdet ist.
Eine Abtreibung nach der 22. Schwangerschaftswoche ist nur dann möglich, wenn beim ungeborenen Kind zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnose eine äußerst schwere und unheilbare Krankheit festgestellt wird und dies von einem klinischen Ausschuss bestätigt wird.
16-Jährige benötigen nicht das Einverständnis ihrer Eltern.
Detaillierte Informationen zur Abtreibung müssen nur auf gezielte Nachfrage der Schwangeren bereitgestellt werden.

Quellen:

Abtreibungsrate:

12.06 Abtreibungen pro 1.000 Frauen (Stand 2023)

Abtreibungszahlen:

17.124 Abtreibungen im Jahr 2023 – Höchststand seit 10 Jahren
Im Gegensatz dazu wurden im selben Jahr 85.994 Babys geboren

Geschichtliche Entwicklung von Abtreibung in Portugal:

1982 – Erste Versuche zur Lockerung der Abtreibungsgesetze: Zu dieser Zeit war Abtreibung in Portugal unter allen Umständen verboten. Die erste Initiative zur Änderung des Abtreibungsgesetzes begann nach zwei Gerichtsverfahren und einer landesweiten Kampagne für die Legalisierung von Abtreibung und Verhütung.
1984 – Erste gesetzliche Lockerung: Abtreibung wurde unter vier Voraussetzungen straffrei gestellt: bei Gefahr für das Leben der Frau, bei Gefahr für ihre körperliche oder geistige Gesundheit, bei Fehlbildungen des Fötus sowie bei einer Schwangerschaft infolge einer Vergewaltigung. Die Abtreibung musste jedoch innerhalb der ersten 12 Schwangerschaftswochen erfolgen.
Anfang der 90er – Weitere Bestrebungen zu Liberalisierung: Die Familienplanungsorganisation (APF), einige Frauenorganisationen, Gewerkschaften, Berufsverbände im Gesundheitswesen und andere NGOs schlossen sich zur Plattform „Recht auf Wahl“ zusammen.
1993 – Bericht zur Abtreibungssituation: Dem Parlament sowie den Ministerien für Gesundheit und Justiz wurde ein Bericht zur Abtreibungssituation in Portugal vorgelegt, gefolgt von öffentlichen Debatten.
1997 – Lockerung der Abtreibungsfristen: Das bestehende Gesetz wurde dahingehend geändert, dass die genannten Voraussetzungen auch über die 10. Schwangerschaftswoche (bzw. 12 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation) hinaus angewendet werden konnten. Gesetzesentwürfe und ein Referendum, die Abtreibung bis zur 10. Woche auf Wunsch ermöglichen sollten, scheiterten zweimal knapp.
2007 – Einführung der Abtreibung auf Wunsch: Nach einem landesweiten Referendum stimmten 59 % der Wähler für eine Reform der geltenden Gesetze. Bis zur 8. Schwangerschaftswoche (bzw. 10 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation) ist nun eine Abtreibung ohne Angabe von Gründen möglich. Insgesamt nahmen 56 % der wahlberechtigten Bevölkerung nicht an der Abstimmung teil.

Aktuelle Gesetzeslage:

Bis zur 8. Schwangerschaftswoche (10 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation)
ist eine Abtreibung ohne Angabe von Gründen möglich, sofern die gesetzlich vorgeschriebene Beratung erfolgt ist.
Bis zur 10. Schwangerschaftswoche (12 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation)
ist eine Abtreibung zur Bewahrung der körperlichen Gesundheit der Schwangeren erlaubt (medizinische Indikation).
Bis zur 14. Schwangerschaftswoche (16 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation) ist eine Abtreibung zur Bewahrung der psychischen Gesundheit der Schwangeren erlaubt (medizinische Indikation).
Bis zur 22. Schwangerschaftswoche (24 Wochen nach der letzten Menstruation) ist eine Abtreibung bei fetalen Anomalien erlaubt.
Wenn die Fortsetzung der Schwangerschaft das Leben der Schwangeren gefährdet, ist ein Abtreibung jederzeit ohne zeitliche Begrenzung möglich (medizinische Indikation).
Des Weiteren sind folgende Bedingungen einzuhalten:
- Schriftliche Einverständniserklärung der Schwangeren
- Staatlich anerkannte Schwangerschaftskonfliktberatung mindestens 3 Tage vor der Abtreibung (verpflichtende Bedenkfrist)
- Laboruntersuchung vor der Abtreibung
- Nachbesprechung nach der vorgenommenen Abtreibung.
- Das Thema Verhütung muss mindestens einmal innerhalb der medizinischen Beratungen angesprochen werden
- Minderjährige unter 16 Jahren benötigen die Einverständniserklärung der Erziehungsberechtigten.

Quellen:

Abortion rate:

Around 15 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44.

Abortion Statistics:

Around 34,600 abortions in the year 2024
In contrast, 91,807 births in the same year
This results in a ratio of around 376 abortions per 1,000 births

Historical Development of Abortion in Greece:

Until 1986, abortion was officially illegal in Greece, yet it was widespread. Many doctors performed abortions “under the table” in their practices. The government, in alignment with the Greek Orthodox Church, pursued a pronatalist policy, which was not supported by a large part of the population. Abortions were a common part of “family planning.”
In 1981, the social democratic party (PA.SO.K.) came to power. Among other things, its platform included the legalization of abortion.
In 1983, the Socialists established a National Health Service, which included a legal mandate requiring the service to provide the population with information about medical contraception methods. After initial enthusiasm for having a stronger influence on population birth control and replacing abortions with contraceptives, the government shifted its focus to other areas.
In 1986, the socialist government passed a new law legalizing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy (12th week of gestation) for any reason. With this, Greece (along with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Austria) represented the most liberal end of the abortion law spectrum in Europe. Additionally, abortions were to be covered by the national health system.
To this day, Greece continues to struggle with an ever-declining fertility rate and high abortion rates.

Legal Framework:

Abortion is legal under the following circumstances:
- Up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP) – no restrictions.
- Up to 21 weeks of pregnancy – in cases of rape, if the woman is a minor, or in cases of incest or abuse of a defenseless woman.
- Up to 26 weeks of pregnancy – if serious fetal anomalies are detected.
- No time limit – if the woman’s life is at risk or if serious, lasting physical or mental health damage is confirmed by a specialist.
Additional requirements:
- The woman must provide her consent.
- The procedure must be performed by a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist, in the presence of an anesthetist.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2021, there were approximately 2.7 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15–44 years) in Turkey.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2021, there were approximately 43,000 abortions.
In 2021, Turkey recorded the lowest fertility rate since records began, with 1.7 children per woman.
There were a total of 1,079,842 live births in 2021.
This results in approximately 40 abortions per 1,000 births.

Historical Development of Abortion in Turkey:

In 1858, during the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Penal Code (Article 193) was enacted, which prohibited abortion. According to this law, it was illegal to assist or force a pregnant woman to use drugs or other methods for abortion. Violations were punishable by imprisonment or forced labor.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, abortion did not seem to be viewed as a moral issue by the majority of the population. A British consular report from 1878 commented on the “alarming extent” to which Muslims resorted to abortion. Historians see the emerging sensitivity to abortion as a moral issue among the leading Ottoman elites as both an attempt by the government to integrate Western European discourses and legal systems, and as a pronatalist tendency aimed at preventing the decline of the Muslim population in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire.
1889 – Quote from an Ottoman newspaper: “Abortion may not be the most important reason for the population decline, but it is certainly the worst. Abortion is not a mistake or an offense. It is a terrible crime. We know that there are people who silence their conscience by pretending that ‘the product of abortion is not a real child, but only a blood clot.’ But they are wrong. A child is a creation of God from the moment of conception.”
In 1923, after a three-year war of independence, the Turkish Republic was recognized. The pronatalist policies of the Ottoman era were continued by the new government. Events preceding the Republic (World War I and the War of Independence) had led to a significant population decline in Turkey.
In 1930, a law was passed that made both contraception and abortion illegal. Legal incentives were also introduced to encourage the formation of larger families.
In the 1960s, the government’s attitude toward population growth changed. Rapid growth was now seen as an obstacle to the desired economic growth.
In 1965, the Population Planning Law was passed, which lifted the ban on contraceptives. Abortion remained illegal, but it continued to be widespread. A study conducted between 1986 and 1989 in a low-income area of Istanbul found, through in-depth interviews with women (N = 229), that abortion was widely practiced and that the women had a permissive attitude toward abortion. The officially recognized need by the government to reduce Turkey’s birth rate ultimately led to the debate on the legalization of abortion.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, the debate over the legalization of abortion took place. Opponents of legalization primarily came from political parties on the center-right to right-wing spectrum. A common argument from this group was that legalizing abortion would undermine the moral standards of society and weaken the foundations of Turkish family life. Another objection was that family planning should be carried out without resorting to abortion. Supporters of legalization came from the center to left-wing sectors of parliament. A frequent point raised was that abortions, regardless of the law, were already widely practiced in the country, but with serious health risks and consequences, and therefore it was necessary to legalize and regulate the practice. Estimates suggest that in 1982, around 200,000 voluntary illegal abortions were performed.
In 1983, abortion was legalized in Turkey under the conditions that remain in place today.

Legal Framework:

An abortion is legal without stating reasons up to the 10th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
From the 10th week of pregnancy until just before birth, an abortion is permitted under the following conditions:
- If the pregnancy poses an immediate threat to the mother’s life.
- If a severe disability of the child, potentially affecting subsequent generations, is expected.
- Additionally, a report with objective findings must be provided by a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and another relevant specialist.
Conditions for pregnancies resulting from a crime:
- In the case of rape or a comparable crime (sexual harassment, abuse, or a sexual relationship with a minor), an abortion may be performed up to the 20th week of pregnancy in a hospital with specialized doctors.
- If the perpetrator is the pregnant woman’s own husband, the pregnancy may be terminated even if the victim does not file charges against the spouse or later withdraws them. The desire to terminate the pregnancy and the desire not to punish the spouse are considered separately.
- If the pregnancy resulted from a crime related to assisted reproduction, for example, if fertilization was intentionally or negligently performed with foreign genetic material.
- Marriage between close relatives is prohibited in Turkey, but consensual incestuous relationships between consenting adults do not constitute a crime. Therefore, a resulting pregnancy does not fall under the above category.
Consent requirements:
- Married women require their spouse’s consent.
- Minors require the consent of their legal guardians.
Medical requirements:
- An abortion must be performed by a gynecologist and obstetrician or by a specially trained general practitioner. The former may perform the abortion in their own practice, while the latter may do so only in an authorized treatment clinic.
- An abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol is not permitted under any circumstances. Mifepristone is not approved for prescription in Turkey, and misoprostol is only approved for non-gynecological uses.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

0.03 per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

161 legal abortions in 2022.
In 2020, there were 1,074 legal abortions.
It is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 illegal abortions are performed annually using abortion pills or by traveling abroad.

The data shows live births by the mother’s age over recent years. When calculating average age for births beyond the first child—such as the second, third, or later—only mothers who have reached that birth order are included. As a result, the average age at the birth of the third child may sometimes be lower than at the second, since women with exactly three children may differ in age or family planning decisions from those with two.

Historical Development of Abortion in Poland:

1932 – Penal Code: Poland introduced its first Penal Code, which allowed abortions in cases where the life or health of the woman was at risk, and if the pregnancy resulted from a crime such as rape or incest. At the time, this regulation was considered one of the most liberal abortion laws in Europe.
1956 – Further liberalization under the communist government: Abortion was now also allowed for social reasons, leading to a significant increase in the number of abortions.
1993 – After the end of Polish communism: A new law allowed abortions only in cases where the life or health of the woman was at risk, for pregnancies resulting from crimes like rape or incest, and in cases of severe or incurable illness of the unborn child.
2020 – Constitutional Court ruling: The Polish Constitutional Court ruled that abortions due to severe and incurable fetal anomalies were unconstitutional. This decision led to widespread protests, as until then, 90% of all legal abortions were carried out for this reason.

Legal Framework:

Abortions are permitted only under one of the following conditions:
- The pregnancy threatens the life or health of the woman.
- The pregnancy is the result of a crime such as rape or incest, provided this is confirmed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2020: 9.5 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 39
In 2023: 10.64 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 39

Abortion Statistics:

In 2020: 64,895 abortions, compared to a total of 293,457 live births
In 2023: 45,186 abortions, compared to a total of 176,981 live births

Historical Development of Abortion in Ukraine:

From 1922 to 1991, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, so the laws of the USSR also applied in Ukraine. These varied in their strictness but were generally relatively liberal, as abortion was considered a “women’s right” and a means of “birth control.” This led to extremely high numbers and rates of abortion.
In 2004, a restriction came into effect that limited legal abortion to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
From 2012 to 2017, several legislative proposals were introduced to tighten abortion laws, but none were passed.
From 2022 to the present: The Russia-Ukraine war has affected the population in many areas of life. Fluctuations in abortion numbers can be partly explained by the fact that many women have fled Ukraine.

Legal Framework:

A legal abortion is permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), without any special requirements.
An abortion up to the 22nd week of pregnancy is permitted under certain conditions:
- Medical reasons that endanger the mother’s life or that would significantly impair the child’s quality of life, including mental illness.
- The pregnant woman is under 15 years old or over 45 years old.
- The pregnancy is the result of rape.
- Pregnant girls under 14 years of age require the consent of a legal guardian.
Individuals who perform abortions without medical qualifications, carry out an illegal abortion resulting in health consequences for the woman, or who force an abortion against the woman’s will, are subject to criminal prosecution.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

25 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2022)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, an estimated 450,000 abortions were performed.
Since the early 2000s, Russia has seen a steady decline in abortion numbers.
The peak occurred in the 1990s, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with an abortion rate of 114 per 1,000 women and over 4 million abortions annually.
Until 2007, there were more abortions than live births in Russia. For years, two-thirds of all pregnancies ended in abortion—by 2012, this number had decreased to "only" one-third.
The current trend shows a decrease in abortions and an increase in live births.

Russia: Fertility Rate from 1950 to 2023 and Projections¹ until 2050

The fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman gives birth to during her reproductive years.

Historical Development of Abortion in Russia:

1920s – Early Soviet Union: Russia was one of the first countries in the world to legalize abortion. Among the reasons for this were the Bolsheviks' desire to break traditional social norms and integrate women into the workforce.
1936 – Stalin Era: Joseph Stalin introduced an abortion ban. Abortions were only allowed in certain medical emergencies. This was partly aimed at increasing the population.
1955 – Post-Stalin and the Thaw Period: After Stalin's death, abortion was legalized again under Nikita Khrushchev.
1970s and 1980s – Late Soviet Union: Abortions remained widespread. The Soviet Union recorded one of the highest abortion rates in the world, as abortions were often used as the primary method of birth control.
1990s – After the Collapse of the Soviet Union: Abortions remained legal and reached their peak.
2000s to present – Decline in Abortion Rates: The Russian government has attempted to reduce the high abortion rates through various measures. A pronatalist policy continues to be pursued.

Legal Framework:

An abortion is permitted up to the 12th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP). This rule applies generally and does not require any specific justification.
An abortion up to the 22nd week of pregnancy may be performed for certain medical indications or if the pregnancy results from a crime such as rape.
Women considering an abortion must undergo mandatory counseling followed by a seven-day waiting period.
In recent years, efforts to further restrict access to abortion have increased. For example, in some regions of Russia, abortions may no longer be performed in private clinics. Access to medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol is strictly controlled by the government.

Sources:

Further statistics available on Statista.

Facts and Figures on Abortion in North America

Abortion Rate:

In 2023, there were approximately 15.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–44 years).

The graphic shows the development of the abortion rate since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. After three decades of decline, an increase has been observed again from 2017 to 2020.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, approximately 1,037,000 abortions were registered out of 3,591,328 live births.
Compared to 2020, there is an increase in abortion numbers by about 11%, which corresponds to an increase of around 107,000 abortions.
New York recorded the highest number of abortions in the USA in 2023. With 119,940 abortions, around 33% of the reported pregnancies in the state were terminated early.
Despite the recent introduction of abortion bans in some US states, a significant increase in the overall numbers can be observed. A possible reason for this is a rise in "abortion growth" in states with more liberal abortion laws.

The statistic shows the (estimated) change in the abortion rate in the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, by state. The footnote describes the proportion of data in the statistic that was replaced by estimates to account for missing values.

* Less than 10% of the data was estimated.
** 10-50% of the data was estimated.
*** 50% or more of the data was supplemented by imputation.

The higher the proportion of estimation, the greater the uncertainty about the accuracy of the data, as more missing values were replaced by estimated values.

Historical Development of Abortion in the USA:

The USA has a tumultuous history regarding the legal regulation of abortion:

In the 1960s, some states began to relax the existing abortion laws.
1973 – Roe v. Wade: In this landmark legal case, the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy includes a woman's right to have an abortion. This decision invalidated most of the existing state restrictions on abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2022 – Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: This legal case resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, allowing each U.S. state to enact its own abortion laws.

In phone interviews, Americans were asked the following question:

"Would you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?"

Legal Framework:

Due to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, abortion laws in the United States now vary significantly from state to state:
- Alabama, South Dakota, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas: These states currently have the strictest abortion laws. Abortion is illegal in all cases, except in situations where the mother’s life or health is at risk. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
- Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, Vermont, New Jersey: These states have no major restrictions on abortion. Pregnant women are not required to observe waiting periods, give reasons, or comply with time limits for obtaining an abortion. In many cases, abortion medication may be prescribed via telemedicine.

Additional Information: From 2014 to 2021, the wording of the approval was: "Allowed whenever a woman decides she wants one" or "Allowed in certain cases, such as rape."

Starting in 2022, the wording of the approval was: "Legal in all cases" or "Legal in most cases."

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In Canada, there are currently about 12.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

In recent years, medical abortions have become more accessible within primary health care settings (e.g., in doctors’ offices as well as community and public health clinics).

However, most of these abortions are not included in the data tables. As a result, the reported figures underestimate the actual extent of abortions carried out in Canada.

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, there were 97,211 abortions in Canada compared to 351,679 live births (the lowest number since 2005).
Of these, 60.5% were surgical abortions and 39.5% were medical abortions.

Historical Development of Abortion in Canada:

In 1969, abortion was legalized under certain circumstances.
1988 – R. v. Morgentaler: This legal case led to the complete legalization of abortion in Canada. The decision was based on the argument that the existing abortion laws at the time violated a woman's rights to life, liberty, and security of the person as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Legal Framework:

There are no legal restrictions on abortion in Canada.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in South America

Abortion Rate:

Between 2015 and 2019, the annual rate was approximately 28 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

During the same period, there were about 123,000 abortions per year.
Breakdown:
- Of around 537,000 pregnancies per year, approximately 351,000 were unintended. Of these unintended pregnancies, around 123,000 ended in abortion.

Historical Development of Abortion in Ecuador:

1837 – The first draft of the Penal Code prohibited any form of abortion. The law stated that abortions could not be performed for economic, social, or personal reasons. Abortions were also considered illegal regardless of the health condition of the unborn child. However, prosecution under this law was not particularly strict.
1938 – Abortion was legalized in certain exceptional cases: when the woman’s life is at risk or when a woman with a mental disability became pregnant as a result of rape.
2021 – A ruling by the Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion in cases of rape. As a result, Parliament was tasked with creating a clear legal framework.
2022 – Parliament passed new regulations allowing adult women in urban areas to have an abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy (12 weeks gestation) in cases of rape, and up to the 16th week for minors as well as adults in rural areas. The regulation was passed with 75 votes in favor, 41 against, and 14 abstentions.

Legal Framework:

In Ecuador, abortion is currently legal under the following conditions:
- Continuing the pregnancy would endanger the life of the mother.
- The pregnancy is the result of rape. The following time limits apply: abortion is permitted up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), for adult women in urban areas, and up to 18 weeks of pregnancy for minors, as well as for adults living in rural areas or belonging to indigenous communities.
- Abortion pills such as mifepristone and misoprostol are approved but require a prescription.
- The abortion must be performed by a licensed physician.
- It may only be carried out with the pregnant woman’s consent. If she is unable to give consent, approval must be obtained from her husband, partner, a close relative, or her legal representative.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

Between 2015 and 2019, the annual rate was approximately 32 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

During the same period, there were approximately 1,830,000 abortions per year.
Breakdown:
- Of around 5,520,000 pregnancies per year, about 3,810,000 were unwanted. Of these unwanted pregnancies, around 1,830,000 ended in an abortion.

A total of 2,500 Brazilians were surveyed through telephone interviews.

Blue bar = Support for abortion
Black bar = Opposition to abortion

The upper part of the statistics refers to the gender of the respondents, while the lower part refers to the respective age group.

Historical Development of Abortion in Brazil:

In 1940, the Brazilian Penal Code established that abortion was only legal in cases of rape or when the mother’s life was at risk. Abortion was classified as a “crime against life.”
In 1941, any form of advertising for a procedure, substance, or object intended to induce abortion was made a criminal act. Until 1979, the same law also prohibited advertising for any form of contraception.
Between 1946 and 2000, a total of 53 legislative initiatives related to abortion were introduced. These ranged from attempts to fully decriminalize abortion to efforts aimed at eliminating the only two legally permitted exceptions.
In 2012, certain fetal anomalies were added as a permissible reason for abortion.
In June 2024, a bill was introduced proposing harsher penalties for abortions performed after the 22nd week of pregnancy. The amendment to the Penal Code would allow pregnant women and doctors to face up to 20 years in prison—the same penalty applied to manslaughter. This represents a significant tightening compared to the current law, which imposes one to three years of imprisonment for abortions outside the legal exceptions.
Although the urgent request was initially granted, the fast-tracked procedure encountered strong resistance from civil society organizations. The President of the Chamber of Deputies later announced that a “representative commission” would be established during the year to involve society in the debate and promised “not to question already existing rights.”

Abortion Framework:

An abortion is legal under the following conditions:
- If continuing the pregnancy would endanger the life of the mother. In this case, confirmation from three qualified doctors is required.
- If the pregnancy is the result of rape. This typically requires a medical examination report from the time of the incident, as well as a corresponding police report. In some cases, a court order may also be necessary.
- In cases of certain fetal anomalies.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Asia

Abortion Rate:

28 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2021)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2022, approximately 9,000,000 abortions were performed.
In the same year, an estimated 9,560,000 live births occurred.

China's population shrank for the first time in 2023. Projections suggest that China's population will continue to decline in the coming years. The average age in China is also rising rapidly. Due to this demographic shift, China lost its position as the most populous country in the world to India in 2023.

Historical Development of Abortion in China:

Abortion policy in China is closely linked to the government's population strategies:

1950s: After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government initially promoted population growth.
1979 – Introduction of the One-Child Policy: To control population growth, the Communist Party implemented strict rules: couples were only allowed to have one child. Violations were punished with heavy fines, forced abortions, and sterilizations. In 1983, 14,371,843 abortions were recorded.
2015 – Two-Child Policy: Chinese couples were allowed to have two children. The reason for this change was the aging population and an increasing labor shortage. So far, the relaxation has not led to a significant rise in the birth rate. On the contrary, since 2018, a steady decline in birth numbers has been recorded.
2021 – Three-Child Policy: The child limit was raised to three children, and at the same time, measures were introduced to reduce non-medically necessary abortions. Birth numbers continue to decline.

Gender-Selective Abortion:

Another significant consequence of the One-Child Policy has been the mass abortions of girls.
Due to social and cultural preferences for male children, countless gender-selective abortions took place over the years, along with a higher mortality rate for female infants.
Despite the ban on prenatal gender determination in the 1980s, gender-selective abortions continued to be practiced nationwide.
In China, on average, 115 boys are born for every 100 girls – the normal gender distribution is 105 boys to 100 girls.
Of the 142.6 million women globally missing due to gender-selective abortion and early childhood neglect between 1970 and 2020, 51% are attributed to China.
In 2023, there were approximately 30 million more men than women in China.
The consequences of this unequal gender distribution include:
- The loss of reproductive potential from the missing girls will have a long-term impact on China's already declining fertility rate.
- An expected increase in human trafficking and forced prostitution in the coming decades.
- Experts predict an increase in violent and sexual crimes.
- The many single individuals (especially men) will lead to further tightening of the housing market.

Legal Framework:

For a long time, abortion in China was not subject to any legal regulations.
In 2018, some Chinese provinces introduced restrictions. Since then, abortions after 14 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), are permitted only for medical reasons.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

5.3 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (as of 2023)

Abortion Statistics:

In 2023, a total of 126,734 abortions were performed in Japan, while there were 727,288 live births.
This corresponds to approximately 174.3 abortions per 1,000 live births.

Historical Development of Abortion in Japan:

In 1880, abortion was incorporated into the Japanese Penal Code.
In 1948, abortion was decriminalized with the enactment of the “Eugenic Protection Law.” The law consisted of two elements: the protection of the mother and eugenic selection. The number of abortions rose from 217 in 1946 to a peak of 1,170,143 in 1955.
In 1996, the element of eugenic selection was removed, and the law was renamed the “Maternal Health Act.”
In 2023, the Japanese government approved an oral abortion pill for the first time. Until then, abortions had only been performed surgically.

Legal Framework:

In Japan, abortion is listed in the Penal Code but is not punishable under the following conditions:
- If continuing the pregnancy would significantly endanger the physical health of the pregnant person.
- If the pregnancy resulted from rape or another violent or threatening act.
- If continuing the pregnancy would endanger the economic well-being of the pregnant person.
- If the child would not be viable due to severe anomalies.
Both the signature of the pregnant woman and that of her (married) partner are required for an abortion. By law, abortion is permitted up to the 22nd week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
In practice, most abortions are performed before the 10th week of pregnancy, as the procedure is not covered by health insurance. Up to the 12th week of pregnancy, abortions are carried out in specialized gynecological clinics; after that point, hospitalization is required, which significantly increases the cost.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2021, South Korea had a rate of 21 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15-49 years).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2021, South Korea recorded a rate of 21 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).
Abortion numbers:
Between 2015 and 2019, there were approximately 260,000 abortions annually.
Breakdown: Of the 756,000 pregnancies occurring annually in South Korea, around 427,000—representing 52%—were unintended.
Of these unintended pregnancies, about 260,000 ended in abortion. This means that 62% of unintended pregnancies were not carried to term.

Historical Development of Abortion in South Korea:

In 1953, abortion was included in South Korea's Penal Code, which prohibited abortion except when the pregnancy was the result of rape, incest, or serious medical indications.
From 1960 to 1980, the main goal of South Korea's population policy was to lower the total fertility rate in order to gain international assistance for economic development. Despite the official ban, abortions were widely practiced and encouraged by the government. The antinatalist efforts were effective: in 1960, the fertility rate was 6.0, in the 1970s it dropped to 4.5, in the 1980s further to 2.8, and in the 1990s to 1.6. In 2023, it reached its lowest point of 0.72.
From 1989 to 2009, an estimated 30 to 50 million abortions were performed annually. On average, only 5.6 abortion cases per year were prosecuted, indicating very limited enforcement of the then-existing "anti-abortion laws" by the government.
In 2005, South Korea's population policy dramatically changed after the country's fertility rate dropped to 1.08, the lowest rate worldwide at the time. As a countermeasure, the government passed the law to combat the low birth rate in an aging society, revived the enforcement of abortion penalties, and set up a master plan to prevent illegal abortions. However, the pronatalist efforts showed only moderate success. By 2010, the fertility rate was 1.23, but continued its downward trend in the following years.
In 2009, obstetricians and gynecologists founded the "Pro-Life Doctors' Association." They called for changes to deviant illegal practices, including widespread abortions. They implemented their demands by refusing to perform abortions and offering only lawful and legal medical services.
In 2012, the Constitutional Court ruled that the abortion ban was constitutional. The court's decision stated that the "right of the fetus to life is in the public interest," while "the woman's right to choose an abortion is in the individual's interest," and concluded that "the rights of women cannot outweigh the rights of the fetus."
In 2016, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced an amendment to the Medical Services Act. Surgical abortion was to be defined as an unethical medical practice, and criminal prosecution of doctors performing illegal abortions was to be intensified. These government efforts to further criminalize abortion and abortion providers sparked further public debate.
In 2017, the "Joint Action for Reproductive Justice" was founded. This group focused its efforts on directing the political and public discussion toward the constitutional situation regarding abortion. Ultimately, they filed a wide-ranging constitutional lawsuit aimed at decriminalizing abortion.
In 2019, based on the previous lawsuit and discussions, the South Korean Constitutional Court declared the existing abortion ban unconstitutional. As a result, the South Korean parliament was required to revise the abortion law by December 31, 2020.
In 2021, the National Assembly failed to meet the deadline set by the Constitutional Court's decision. The criminal provisions for abortion expired. Since January 1, 2021, abortion has been fully decriminalized in South Korea.
From 2021 to the present, no new law has been enacted to regulate abortion in South Korea. This has resulted in abortion neither being considered legal nor illegal. For five years, abortion in South Korea has been in a legal limbo, leading to significant societal and political disputes.
In recent years, the South Korean government has taken several steps to address the country's demographic crisis. Since socio-economic issues have particularly hindered couples from starting families, the government, in cooperation with businesses and companies, has attempted to address these issues and make it easier for couples to have children. In 2024, the fertility rate increased slightly for the first time in nine years, rising from 0.72 to 0.73.

In 2023, South Korea’s total fertility rate fell by 0.1 children per woman (a 12.82% decrease) from the previous year, reaching a record low of 0.72. This continued decline highlights South Korea’s ongoing demographic challenges, as the fertility rate remains far below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

Legal Framework:

There are currently no legal regulations on abortion in South Korea.
Only chemical abortion using mifepristone or similar medications is restricted due to pharmaceutical regulations.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2019, the abortion rate in India was approximately 48 abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15–49).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2019, there were around 16 million abortions in India.

Sex-selective Abortions in India:

Sex-selective abortions are widespread in India.
Despite corresponding legal prohibitions, India accounts for 32% of the approximately 142.6 million women missing between 1970 and 2020 due to sex-selective abortion or early childhood neglect.
Together with China, India is responsible for 90% of the annually 1.2–1.5 million missing female births (Bongaarts and Guilmoto, 2015; Chao et al., 2019; UNFPA, 2020).
The natural sex ratio is 105 boys to 100 girls. In India, it is 110 boys to 100 girls.
The main reason for sex-selective abortions is the culturally ingrained preference for sons.

Historical Development of Abortion in India:

1861 – Indian Penal Code: Abortions were criminally prosecuted unless continuing the pregnancy posed a life-threatening risk to the woman.
1971 – Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act: The conditions for a legal abortion were expanded to include the following:
- When there is a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman.
- In cases of fetal anomalies.
- In pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
- In case of contraceptive "failure" (initially only applicable to married couples).
2000s – Ban on Sex-selective Abortions: Regulations against sex-selective abortions were tightened. The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act of 1994 had already completely banned such abortions.
2021 – MTP Amendment Act: The current legal framework was adopted to improve access to "safe abortions."

Statistics on Public Opinion Regarding Abortion Laws in India in 2020, by Religion:

Blue bars: Illegal in all or most cases.
Black bars: Legal in all or most cases.

Additional Information:

Respondents were aged 18 or older. A total of 29,999 people were interviewed face-to-face between November 2019 and March 2020.
The religious distribution of respondents was as follows: 22,975 Hindus, 3,336 Muslims, 1,782 Sikhs, 1,011 Christians, 719 Buddhists, 109 Jains, and 67 respondents who either belonged to another religion or were unaffiliated.

Legal Framework:

Up to the 20th week, abortion is permitted on the recommendation of one doctor.
An abortion is allowed up to the 20th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP), upon a doctor's recommendation.
Up to the 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is permitted upon the recommendation of two doctors and provided that at least one of the following reasons applies:
- The pregnancy results from sexual abuse, rape, or incest.
- The pregnant woman is a minor.
- There has been a change in the woman’s marital status during the pregnancy (e.g., divorce, death of the partner).
- The pregnant woman has a physical disability classified as a “severe disability” under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- The woman suffers from a mental illness.
- There is a significant risk of fetal malformations incompatible with life, or the child would suffer from severe physical or psychological abnormalities.
- The pregnant woman lives in a social institution or in a government-declared disaster or emergency situation.
After the 24th week of pregnancy, an abortion is only permitted with the approval of a medical committee and only if the unborn child shows significant abnormalities.
The limit for medical abortions has been raised to 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Unmarried women are also allowed to have an abortion in cases of contraceptive failure.

Sources:

Abortion Rate:

In 2019, there were about 8.4 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49).

Abortion Statistics:

In 2019, there were approximately 17,498 abortions in Israel.

Historical Development of Abortion in Israel:

1977 – Abortions were legalized under certain circumstances.
2014 – The public health system introduced coverage for abortions for women under the age of 33.

Legal Framework:

Abortions are permitted up to the 24th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
The abortion must be approved by an abortion committee, which consists of a gynecologist, a psychiatrist, and a social worker. Approximately 99% of applications are approved by these committees.
For women under 33 years old, the costs incurred are covered by the state.
Permissible reasons for abortion in Israel include:
- The woman is younger than 18 years old (no parental consent required) or older than 40 years old.
- There is a risk to the woman’s physical or mental health.
- The pregnancy is the result of illegal circumstances (e.g., incest, rape).
- The pregnant woman is unmarried.
- For a married woman, the child is not the husband’s biological offspring.
- There are indications of malformations or physical or mental defects in the fetus.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Australia

Abortion Rate:

Approximately 17.3 abortions per 1,000 women (as of 2018).

Abortion Statistics:

Approximately 88,287 abortions in 2018.
Of these, 67,546 were surgical abortions and 20,741 were medical abortions using mifepristone/misoprostol.
In 2014–15, there were 75,514 surgical and 3,220 medical abortions.

Historical Development of Abortion in Australia:

1861 – All Australian states adhered to British provisions on abortion as regulated in the Offenses Against the Person Act. According to this law, abortions were only legal if performed to save the life of the mother.
1969 – R v Davidson: The case R v Davidson in the state of Victoria marked a turning point in the history of abortion law in Australia. The court ruled that abortions were also legal if carried out to protect the physical or mental health of the woman.
1970s – First Reforms: In 1971, South Australia became the first state to legalize abortion under certain conditions. Other states followed with similar reforms.
2000s – Increased Liberalization: Some states, such as Victoria, liberalized their laws to the extent that abortions were allowed up to the 24th week without restrictions, and after that under certain medical conditions. One by one, all other states and territories followed suit.

Legal Framework:

The regulations vary by state and territory.
The state of Tasmania has the strictest law, with a time limit up to the 16th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP).
The state of Victoria has the most lenient law, with a time limit up to the 24th week of pregnancy (also counted from LMP).
In all states, once the time limit is exceeded, the opinion of a second doctor must be obtained. In some cases, not only licensed doctors but also nurses and pharmacists are allowed to perform abortions.
'Medical abortions' are generally permitted up to the 9th week of pregnancy.
All states have established so-called “safe zones” around abortion clinics. These zones range from 50 to 150 meters and are intended primarily to ensure pregnant women have “free and unobstructed access” to the clinics.

Opinion on the Legalization Status of Abortion in Australia 2021, by Reason

Response options in the online study:

*Abortion should be allowed whenever a woman desires.

*Abortion should be allowed in certain circumstances, such as in the case of rape.

*Abortion should only be allowed if the woman’s life is at risk.

*Abortion should not be allowed under any circumstances.

*I don’t know / I prefer not to comment.

*A total of 1,000 Australians aged 17-74 were surveyed.

Sources:

Facts and Figures on Abortion in Africa

Abortion Rate:

In the years 2010–2014, Africa had an average annual abortion rate of 34 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44. This meant that approximately 15% of all pregnancies ended in an abortion.

Breakdown of Abortion Rate by Region:
- East Africa: 34 per 1,000 women – 14% of all pregnancies.
- Central Africa: 35 per 1,000 women – 13% of all pregnancies.
- North Africa: 38 per 1,000 women – 23% of all pregnancies.
- Southern Africa: 34 per 1,000 women – 24% of all pregnancies.
- West Africa: 31 per 1,000 women – 12% of all pregnancies.

Abortion Statistics:

Between 2010 and 2014, there were an estimated 8.2 million abortions per year in Africa.

Legal Framework:

These countries allow abortion if the physical and sometimes also the mental health of the mother is at risk:
- Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Burundi.
In these countries, abortion is allowed up to a specific time limit, usually up to the 12th week of pregnancy, counted from the last menstrual period (LMP):
- Tunisia, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique, South Africa.
These countries allow abortion also for social or financial reasons:
- Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia.
In the following countries, abortion is permitted only to save the life of the mother:
- Libya, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Gabon, South Sudan.
In these countries, abortion is prohibited under all circumstances:
- Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Congo, Madagascar.

Sources:

Complete Abortion Ban: In these countries, abortion is prohibited under all circumstances. Even if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is at risk, abortion is not allowed. Violations are prosecuted criminally.

1. El Salvador:

Individuals who perform an abortion with the consent of the pregnant woman, as well as the woman herself, can be sentenced to two to eight years in prison.
Individuals who perform an abortion against the will of the pregnant woman or who have coerced consent can be sentenced to four to ten years in prison.
Medical personnel performing an abortion can be sentenced to six to twelve years in prison. Additionally, they will be banned from practicing their profession for the same period.
Women who have had an abortion can also be charged with aggravated homicide, with a prison sentence of 30 to 50 years.
Center for Reproductive Rights: El Salvador’s Abortion Provisions
BBC: El Salvador's abortion ban: 'I was sent to prison for suffering a miscarriage'
The Guardian: ‘Historic moment’ as El Salvador abortion case fuels hopes for expanded access across Latin America

2. Nicaragua:

Individuals who perform an abortion with the consent of the pregnant woman, as well as the woman herself, can be sentenced to one to three years in prison.
Medical personnel performing an abortion can be banned from practicing their profession for two to five years.
Center for Reproductive Rights: Nicaraguas’s Abortion Provisions

3. Dominican Republic:

Up to two years in prison for women who undergo an abortion.
Up to 20 years in prison for medical personnel who perform an abortion.
Human Rights Watch: “It’s Your Decision, It’s Your Life”

4. Honduras:

Individuals involved in an abortion can be sentenced to three to six years in prison.
The Guardian: Honduras lawmakers seek to lock in ban on abortion for ever

5. Andorra:

Prison sentences of three months to four years for individuals involved in an abortion.
BOPA: Llei 9/2005, del 21 de febrer, qualificada del Codi penal (Penal Code, Qualified Law 9/2005, February 21)

6. Philippines:

Prison sentences of two to six years for individuals involved in an abortion.
Center for Reproductive Rights: Facts on Abortion in the Philippines: Criminalization and a General Ban on Abortion

Countries like the United States (certain states), Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Russia, and Poland are the only countries in the world that have significantly tightened their abortion laws in recent years.

Source:

Center for Reproductive Rights: The World’s Abortion Laws

Canada

Abortion legal since 1988.
No legally mandated time limit.
Funded through the public healthcare system.
No mandatory counseling or waiting periods.
Medlegal: The Current State of Abortion Rights in Canada

Netherlands

Abortion has been legal under certain conditions since 1984.
Abortion is allowed without specific grounds up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
After 24 weeks, abortion is allowed only if there are serious health concerns for the mother or child.
Funded by the public healthcare system.
Since 2022, the pregnant woman can decide the waiting period in consultation with her doctor.
Government of the Netherlands: What is the time limit for having an abortion in the Netherlands?

Sweden

Abortion has been legal since 1974.
Abortion is freely accessible until the 18th week of pregnancy, as long as there is no reason to believe the baby would be viable outside the mother.
After the 18th week, abortion is allowed only for serious medical reasons and with the approval of the National Health and Welfare Board (Socialstyrelsen).
Later abortions may also be approved for social reasons, such as if the woman is very young, living under difficult circumstances, or suffering from an addiction.
In 2018, 370 abortions were performed after the 18th week, accounting for 1% of all abortions nationwide.
rfsu: About Abortion

Iceland

Abortion has been legal since 1975.
Abortion is allowed without giving reasons until the 22nd week of pregnancy.
After the 22nd week, abortion is allowed only for serious health issues or life-threatening malformations of the fetus.
No mandatory waiting period or counseling required.
The costs of the procedure are covered by the public healthcare system.
Government of Iceland: Termination of Pregnancy Act, No. 43/2019

Some U.S. states also have very liberal abortion regulations and allow abortions without a time limit: Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington D.C.

Guttmacher: State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy

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