In Colombia, abortion is considered a right. Voluntary termination of pregnancy was decriminalized in 2022 by the Constitutional Court up to week 24 with ruling C-055. Beyond this period, abortion is permitted without gestational limit only under the following three circumstances:
When life or health* of the woman is at risk due to the pregnancy
When the pregnancy is the result of a violent act: rape, non-consensual insemination, or incest
When the fetus has a malformation incompatible with life
*Health is understood comprehensively to include mental and physical health, as well as life planning.
What are the abortion services available in Colombia?
Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
Medical abortion (MA) – Abortion by pill (Misoprostol, Mifepristone)
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Dilation and evacuation (D&E)
Note: Dilation and curettage is an invasive method that involves more risk and days of recovery. International organizations do not recommend it unless it is the only possible option.
Who can provide a safe abortion in Colombia?
In Colombia, healthcare providers, including nurses and doctors, are authorized to perform abortion services.
Where can I go for abortion services in Colombia?
All health entities are responsible for ensuring access to abortion rights as established by the Constitutional Court. Therefore, it is possible to access services at private organizations such as Oriéntame, Profamilia, and others, as well as at public and private hospitals.
What is the cost of a safe abortion in Colombia?
Abortion is a health right; therefore, all health entities must ensure access to abortion services. Thus, Health Promoting Entities (EPSs), both contributory and subsidized, are required to provide care at no cost. For individuals without EPS coverage, they can access free care at a public hospital through emergency services. Although the procedure can be performed for free, it is also possible to have it done at a private entity. In this case, the cost of a surgical abortion is approximately USD 200, and USD 80 for a medical abortion.
Which abortion pills are available in Colombia?
Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Where can I buy abortion pills in Colombia?
Misoprostol is available at pharmacies but it technically requires a prescription. However, pharmacies in Colombia sell all kinds of medications that require a prescription without one and misoprostol is no exception. Mifepristone, on the other hand, is not widely available in pharmacies.
It’s also possible to obtain abortion pills online through the websites and apps from healthcare providers and pharmacies.
What post-abortion care services are available in Colombia?
While post-abortion care isn’t always necessary, if you have concerns about the procedure or want to ensure everything went well, you can schedule a post-abortion check-up. Private health entities like Oriéntame offer this service for approximately USD 30. This service is also available through the public health system at no cost.
Everyone, regardless of age or legal status, has the right to seek health services for information, access to contraceptives, and care before, during, and after an abortion. Private services like Profamilia provide counseling and medical support for choosing contraceptive methods, with special rates for individuals between 10-28 years old.
Who can I contact for additional abortion information and support in Colombia?
If you encounter barriers in the healthcare system when seeking access to a voluntary termination of pregnancy, you can contact: La Mesa por la Vida y la Salud de las Mujeres. Phone number: (+57) 320 273 3179
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