Is abortion legal in the Colombia?

Abortion in Colombia was decriminalized in 2006 by the Constitutional Court with the C-355 sentence in three circumstances with no gestational age limit:

• When a woman’s life or health* is at risk** due to the pregnancy
• When the pregnancy is the product of a violent act: rape, unconsented insemination or incest
• When the fetus has a malformation incompatible with life

*Health is understood in a comprehensive manner, including mental and physical health as well as life project.
**Women are the ones who determine when a pregnancy represents risk

What are the different abortion services available?

• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Medical abortion (MA)
• Dilation and curettage
• Dilation and evacuation
• Fetal Demise

Who can perform abortions in the Colombia?

MVA and MA: Providers in Colombia have to be medical doctors who are general practitioners with no requirement for OBG&N

Where can I go for abortion services?

Private organizations such as Oriéntame and others
Public clinics

What is the cost of an abortion?

Abortion is included in the healthcare plan and should be paid by the insurance company where women are affiliated. However, access barriers are still high. Many women resort to private services and the cost depends on the gestational age. In practical terms, a first trimester abortion through MVA costs between U$150 and U$ 250, on average.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

Mifepristone and Misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Misoprostol is available at pharmacies but it is supposed to require a prescription; however, pharmacies in Colombia sell all kinds of medication and sell them without prescription. It is not different with misoprostol.

Mifepristone is not available at pharmacies at all.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

Yes, via international webpages and hotlines.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Oriéntame
• Oriéntame contact’s center: 01 8000182 182

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Facts & Legalities

Since 2007, abortion services have been available upon request in Mexico City for all women seeking to terminate their pregnancies within the first 12 weeks of gestation. However, an abortion can be performed after the 12th week of pregnancy if the pregnancy is a result of unwanted insemination, rape or incest and/or if it is approved by two medical practitioners under the following conditions:

• continuing the pregnancy may be a risk to the mother’s physical or mental health; and/or
• the fetus may have severe physical or mental abnormalities should the pregnancy continue to full term;
• unavoidable circumstances that might happen to the woman.

Access to abortion is quite different in the rest of the country, outside of Mexico City. A woman within 12 weeks of gestation can terminate her pregnancy depending on the following conditions written under each individual state’s law:

• Aguascalientes- rape and/or life in danger.
• Baja California- rape, life in danger, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Baja California Sur- rape, life in danger, health at risk, abnormalities in the fetus, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Campeche- rape and/or health at risk.
• Coahuila de Zaragoza- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Colima- rape, life in danger, health at risk, abnormalities in the fetus, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Chiapas- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Chihuahua- rape, health at risk, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Durango- rape and/or life in danger.
• Guanajuato- rape.
• Guerrero- rape, health at risk, unwanted insemination and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Hidalgo- rape, health at risk, unwanted insemination and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Jalisco- rape, life in danger, and/or health at risk.
• Mexico State- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Michoacán de Ocampo- rape, health at risk, unwanted insemination, abnormalities in the fetus and/or economic problems.
• Morelos- rape, life in danger, abnormalities in the fetus, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Nayarit- rape, life in danger, and/or health at risk.
• Nuevo León- rape, life in danger, and/or health at risk.
• Oaxaca- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Puebla- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Querétaro- rape.
• Quintana Roo- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• San Luis Potosí- rape, life in danger, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Sinaloa- rape and/or life in danger.
• Sonora- rape and/or life in danger
• Tabasco- rape, life in danger, and/or unwanted insemination.
• Tamaulipas- rape, life in danger, and/or health at risk.
• Tlaxcala- rape, health at risk, unwanted insemination, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave- rape, life in danger, unwanted insemination and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Yucatán- rape, life in danger, and/or abnormalities in the fetus.
• Zacatecas- rape, life in danger, and/or health at risk.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical Abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration
• Surgical Abortion
• Dilation and Curettage
• Post Abortion Care

Who can perform abortions in the Mexico?

• Registered health professionals:
• Medical Doctors
• Medical Practitioners
• Gynecologists
• Midwives
• Nurses

Where can I go for abortion services?

• Private Hospitals
• Public hospitals
• Private clinics
• Private sanatorium
• Private practices of registered health professional
• Specialized private sexual and reproductive Health facilities, i.e. Marie Stopes

What is the cost of an abortion?

Government (public) facilities listed at Secretaría de Salud de la CDMX provide free abortions.
In private clinics:

• Medical abortion from 4 weeks to 9 weeks of pregnancy costs on average between $500-$3,500.
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration from 8 weeks to 12 weeks on average between $2,500-$7,000
• Surgical abortion from 8 weeks and beyond 12 weeks on average between $2,800-$9,500
• Most of the procedures include a contraceptive method for free.
• Medical aid (insurance) has criteria for covering abortion. Please check what yours covers.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone (RU-486) plus misoprostol (Cytotec or Cyrux)
• Misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Yes (with a medical prescription)

Can I buy abortion pills online?

No

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Grupo de Información en Reproducción Elegida (GIRE) : Tel: 01 (55) 5658 6684
• Ipas México: Visit their site and fill the contact form.
• Clínicas de la Ciudad de México: Tel: 51320909
• Marie Stopes: Tel: 01800 200 9000 / 5542 0000
• Gineclinic en Ciudad de México: Tel: (55) 4616-5051
• Fondo María: Tel: 01 800 832 73 11 / 5243 5054
• M de Mujer: Tel: 55 1286 4219 / 01 800 286 9339
• Voces de Mujeres en Acción, AC
• Necesito Abortar

Mexico has high numbers of unsafe abortions because of its criminalization outside Mexico City. Estimates suggest that between 1990-2013, 83% of women using unsafe abortion methods in Mexico ended up requiring hospitalization, and 53% died (Ipas México, 2013), most of whom were adolescents. Women can travel to Mexico City to access safe abortion procedures. Some organizations will even help with their relocation to the capital.

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Is abortion legal in Uruguay?

In 2012, the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (VTP) law was passed, creating legal abortion services in the National Integrated Health System (NIHS). Abortion is legally accessible only if performed during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (with some exceptions) by a health provider from the NIHS, and following these steps:

• Medical consultation in which the patient is informed about the law and referred to a multidisciplinary team.
• Interview with the disciplinary team (gynecologist, psychologist, social worker).
• Five day period to “reflect” on the decision.
• Confirmation of the decision by a gynecologist.
• Post-abortion care and contraceptive counseling.

If these steps are not followed and the criteria isn’t met, the abortion is considered illegal as established by the Penal Code, facing a three to nine month sentence.

Only Uruguayan citizens or foreigners with at least a year of residence in the country have access to abortion services.

In some parts of the country, high levels of conscientious objection by gynecologists (more than 60% of professionals available) have been a de facto barrier in access to abortion services. Certain cities reach up to 100% of conscientious objectors.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
• Post-abortion care

It should be noted that MVA is rarely available as gynecologists are either not capable of performing it due to lack of training and proper equipment, or they refuse to do so. Consequently, 98% of abortions in Uruguay are medical abortions.

Who can perform abortions in Uruguay?

As established by the VTP law, only gynecologists are allowed to perform abortions in Uruguay.

Where can I go for abortion services?

All health providers of the NIHS are obliged to offer abortion services to their patients, with the exception of two health providers: Círculo Católico and Hospital Evangélico. These two providers were granted this exception based on religious grounds. They have an obligation to refer patients who seek abortion services to other providers.

What is the cost of an abortion?

Abortions are free of charge in Uruguay, although in private health providers, studies required (at least one echography and a beta-hCG level test) may have some cost. This varies depending on providers and isn’t regulated.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone (Mifeprex) plus misoprostol
• Misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Although misoprostol can be acquired at pharmacies, it’s only sold if prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Abortion pills are provided by abortion services only.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

Not legally. Several clandestine sites have been closed since the VTP law.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Mujer y Salud en Uruguay – MYSU: A feminist NGO defending sexual and reproductive rights.
• Mujeres en el Horno – Línea aborto: Safe abortion helpline
  Tel: 08008843
• Asociación de Ayuda al Seropositivo (ASEPO) – Línea Sida, Sexualidad y Derechos: Information and sexual health resources
• Iniciativas Sanitarias: Information and sexual health resources

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Is abortion legal in the United States?

In the United States, abortion is legal but restrictions may make it difficult to access services in some areas. In 1973, the United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Roe vs. Wade guaranteed women the right to abortion. Numerous state-based laws restrict access in other ways, including by requiring consent for minors, waiting periods between the initial consultation and initiating the abortion, and/or requiring that only doctors provide the abortion.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Who can perform abortions in the United States?

Though each state regulates abortion differently, in the United States abortion can be performed by one or more of the following types of providers:

• Doctor
• Advance Practice Clinician (Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant)
• Midwife (Certified Nurse Midwife)

Where can I go for abortion services?

• Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood provides medical and surgical abortion through its many health centers throughout the country. Planned Parenthood is uniquely positioned to integrate birth control with abortion services. Through offering pre- and post-abortion counseling and birth control method choice, Planned Parenthood enables women to prevent an unplanned pregnancy subsequent to an abortion."
• Independent Abortion Clinics: Visit the Abortion Care Network website to see if there is an independent abortion care center near you. Independent providers can also help you start a birth control method after the abortion.
• Telemedicine study: If you live in Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, or Washington State, you may be able to receive abortion pills by mail through the TelAbortion Study. Please visit www.telabortion.org for further information.
• Protect yourself from fake clinics: In the US, there are a number of fake women’s health centers that work to prevent women from accessing safe abortion services. Learn more about what they are and how to avoid them at the #ExposeFakeClinics project by Lady Parts Justice League.

What is the cost of an abortion?

• The average cost of a first trimester abortion is $504, but costs can range from $400 to $900. The cost of surgical and medical abortion are typically the same. Later term abortions are more expensive. Some insurance plans and state reimbursement plans cover abortion, though many do not. The National Network of Abortion Funds can help those requiring financial assistance access support for the abortion and related costs (such as travel to a clinic).
• If you need financial help to pay for your abortion, there are funds throughout the USA that may be able to give you a loan or grant for part of the costs.  The first step is to call the clinic where you will have your abortion.  To find a clinic, you can check http://prochoice.org/think-youre-pregnant/find-a-provider/ or http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center. Clinics listed at these sites are able to give you a small grant to help pay for your abortion through the Justice Fund. They can also tell you if Medicaid can help cover the cost of abortion in your state.
• For additional financial support, there are abortion funds in most states.  Go to http://www.fundabortionnow.org/need-abortion to find the fund in your state, or call the National Network of Abortion Funds at 617-267-7161. You can also call the helpline at the National Abortion Federation for referrals and funding. The number is 1-800-772-9100 and the best times to call are between 6 and 11:00 PM EST Mon-Friday, noon-9:00 PM EST on Saturdays, or anytime on Sunday 9 AM -9:00 PM EST.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone (Mifeprex) plus misoprostol
• Misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

No. Abortion pills are not sold in pharmacies. The pills must be obtained directly from the abortion provider.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

Some people in the United States have reported obtaining abortion pills through online pharmacies. Because these pharmacies are unregulated, there is little information available about their reliability. Researchers have purchased products from a number of online pharmacies and received abortion pills by mail. Chemical analysis found that the pills contained the labeled active ingredients. For more information about this research and how people in the United States are accessing abortion pills through the internet, visit www.plancpills.org. In addition, a US-based service—Self-managed Abortion Safe and Supported (SASS)—provides a secure chat feature for those who have questions about accessing abortion pills in this way.

NOTE: While no person should be prosecuted for providing their own medical care, there have been at least 18 instances in the United States of people being prosecuted for performing their own abortion (often after buying pills on the internet). For more information, visit the Self Induced Abortion (SIA) Legal Team.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• National Network of Abortion Funds: Financial support
• Planned Parenthood: Health services and resources
• Abortion Care Network: Health services and resources
• Plan C: Health services and resources
• Self-managed Abortion Safe and Supported: Health services and resources
• Self-induced Abortion Legal Team: Legal counsel
• All Options: Pregnancy, parenting, abortion, adoption resources
• Carafem: Health services and resources for women in D.C. and Georgia.
• The National Abortion Federation: Information resources

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Is abortion legal in the DRC?

Under the Congolese Penal Code (Book II, Articles 165 and 166), abortion is generally prohibited.

• Article 165: "Whoever, by food, drink, medicine, violence or any other means aborts a woman, will be punished by a penal servitude from five to fifteen years."
• Article 166: "A woman who voluntarily has an abortion, will be punished by a penal servitude of five to ten years."

The Child Protection Act of 10 January 2009 also punishes abortion under Article 145.

• Article 145: "Any pregnant woman who has caused an abortion will be punished by a penalty of two to five years."

Although the penal code expressly prohibits the provision of abortion, there remains an exception introduced by Article 23 of the 1970 Ordinance Law, which states that abortion is allowed when the pregnancy puts the health of the mother in danger. However, this exception is rarely complied with by medical practitioners and oftentimes women resort to clandestine and unsafe means to procure an abortion.

The DRC has ratified, without reservation, the Maputo Protocol , which allows for abortion in cases of rape, incest, and maternal mental health problems. The DRC is a pure monist state, meaning that international laws and treaties are immediately incorporated into national law and dictates that any national law (Penal Code) that contradicts international law or treaties (Maputo Protocol) is null and void. Therefore, in principle, the Maputo protocol should invalidate the national penal code. However, this has not been the case.

The ratification of the Maputo Protocol and the principle of monism has been the basis of advocacy by the DRC women's movement, which calls for the legalization of abortion and/or the extension of therapeutic abortion to the cases provided for in the Maputo protocol.

In 2015, a group of women's organizations under the umbrella organization CAFCO drafted a law on reproductive health that transformed into law all initiatives and efforts to meet the reproductive needs of the Congolese population, including abortion and family planning. This bill repeats the terms of the Maputo Protocol and intends to extend therapeutic abortion to cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and when the pregnancy endangers the mother's mental and physical health or the life of her mother or the fetus.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Post-Abortion Care (PAC)
  When abortion is illegal, post-abortion care is a public health priority. Many international non-profit organizations working in the health field support the local health administration in setting up post-abortion services (training of service providers, provision of medical inputs, etc.).
• Medical Abortion (MA)
  Medical abortion is illegal and not performed in hospitals or by trained caregivers.
  However, in cases where health care workers offer MA illegally, they do so using Misoprostol, which is available locally and is on the list of essential medicines for postpartum care. Mifepristone is not available locally.
• Surgical Abortion
  This service is available in all hospitals where providers have received training for therapeutic abortions. However, most providers use "Dilation and Curettage" as they lack supplies of MVA syringes, which are recommended by the WHO.

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

The only medical abortion pill available in DRC is Misoprostol and it can only be purchased by registered health facilities for the treatment of Post-Partum Hemorrhage (PPH).

Where can I go for Post-Abortion Care Services (PAC)

• Polycline Et Maternite Aux Bon Soin
  Quartier Abattoir 2 Av. Kimbata 4
  Masina 1 non loin du Marché Olivia/route Petro Congo
  Prix: Moins de 30,000 FC
• Centre Medical Esperodi
  Av. Marechal 22 Quartier Sans Fil Non Loin De L'arret Tribunal
  Masina 1
  Prix: Moins de 30,000 FC
• Polyclinique Bongisa Libota
  Quartier Lubumbashi, Ref: Croisement Avenue Gambela / Kasa-Vubu
  Av: Sandoa N°56, Kasa-Vubu
  Prix: Gratuit
• Polyclinique Bongisa Libota
  Quartier 3 Av. Table Ronde N°38, Ref: Route Kulumba
  Masina
  Prix: Gratuit
• Centre De Santé Kitokimosi
  Maison Communale De Selembao
  Selembao
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Rapha
  Avenue Akala N°5 Quartier Nkulu Référence/Air Mabanga-Selembao
  Selembao
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Sainte-Anne
  Avenue Madowamba N°23 Quartier Badiadingi Reference.
  Arret Wenze/Selembao
  Selembao
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Main De Dieu
  Avenue Bosembo N°16 Quartier Ndanu/Kingabwa/Reference Wenze Localité
  Kingabwa
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Mayamba
  Avenue Lukula N°5 Reference: Kingabwa Point Chaud/Code Ya Mboka
  Kingabwa
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Amba
  Avenue Kingombe N°116 Quartier Amba, Reference: Avenue De L'école
  Kinsenso
  
• As you have been doing before
  Avenue Luangi N°19, Quartier Libération, Référence: Wenze Ya Bambu, Terrain Lubembo, Kinseso
  Kinsenso
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Revolution
  Avenue Kitona N°7 Et 8, Quartier Révolution, Référence: Paroisse Saint Thomas, Pont Tordeur/Kinseso
  Kinsenso
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Caideco
  Avenue Zaba N°58 Quartier Mbanza Lemba, Référence: Église Pp Kin
  Lemba
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Kimbanguiste
  Avenue Lwange N°2 Référence: Lemba Foire, Hopital Kimbanguiste
  Lemba
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Marcello
  Avenue Clinic Medical N°3 Bis Quartier Kemi, R2ference Triangle Campus/Lemba
  Lemba
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Badara/Kimbanseke
  Camp Kabila
  Badara /Kimbanseke
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Lufungula
  Camp Lufungula / Lingwala
  Prix: 20,000 FC
• Centre De Sante Camp Kbila
  Camp Kabila/Kimbanseke
  Prix: 20,000 FC

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Facts & Legalities

In Ethiopia, unsafe abortions cause more than half of the 20,000 maternal deaths that occur annually. For much of Ethiopia’s modern history, safe abortion services were unavailable. In fact, abortion was only allowed when it physically put the woman’s life at risk. Motivated by the growing death toll from unsafe abortion and other related causes, advocates, providers and policymakers sought legal reform. (IPAS, 1998-2017) In 2005, the Ethiopian Parliament voted to approve a new, progressive law. Although the new Criminal Code of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia maintains the legal prohibition of abortion, it stipulates that abortion is allowed by law in the following circumstances:

• When the pregnancy results from rape or incest
• When continuance of the pregnancy endangers the health or life of the woman or the foetus
• In cases of foetal abnormalities
• For women with physical or mental disabilities
• For minors who are physically or psychologically unprepared to raise a child
• In the case of grave and imminent danger that can be averted only through immediate pregnancy termination.

The revised law also states that poverty and other social factors may be grounds for reducing the criminal penalty for abortion and that in cases of rape or incest, no proof is required beyond the woman’s statement that it has occurred. In addition, by allowing abortion for minors who are unprepared to raise a child, the law also marks a significant change for Ethiopia, where adolescents make up more than 45 percent of those seeking abortions. 

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Who can perform abortions in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia abortion, can be performed by:

• Doctor (Mostly)
• Midwife
• Nurse
• Clinical officer trained in provision of abortion services

Where can I go for abortion services?

• Marie Stopes Ethiopia: MSIE provides medical and surgical abortion through its 31 centres throughout the country. MSIE is uniquely positioned to integrate FP with safe abortion services. Through offering pre- and post-abortion counselling and family planning method choice, MSIE enables women to prevent an unplanned pregnancy subsequent to an abortion.
• BlueStar Private Clinics: a network of more than 500 BlueStar private clinics located throughout the country provide medical and surgical abortion. These are social franchise networks of Marie Stopes International.
• Private Maternal and Child Care hospitals: provide safe abortion services through Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Public health facilities: starting from health centre and above in the 3 tier Ethiopian health system( this includes health centers, primary hospitals, general hospitals and specialized hospitals) provide safe abortion service through Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
• IPAS Ethiopia: As Ethiopia charts new ground with its abortion law, Ipas Ethiopia has become a regional leader in establishing safe abortion services and creating reproductive health networks.  Based in Addis Ababa, Ipas Ethiopia works to expand access to high-quality comprehensive abortion care and raises awareness about preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
• Engender Health: delivers a comprehensive range of SRH services from expanding contraceptive choice, to ensuring the delivery of high-quality maternal health care, and reducing unsafe abortions.
• Family Guidance Association: an NGO who works to improve access to SRH services among undeserved rural and urban communities including safe motherhood and safe abortion services.
• Pharmacies: provide abortion pills with a written prescription from a doctor

What is the cost of an abortion?

Safe methods of terminating an early pregnancy or procuring a safe abortion at clinics costs between ETB 500 ($22) and ETB 2000 ($86) for medical and surgical abortion respectively.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone (Cytotec and Misotrol)
• Mife-misoprostol (Mifeprex)

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Abortion pills can be bought at the pharmacy but can only be issued following a professional doctor’s prescription.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Marie Stopes Ethiopia: providing a wide range of high quality, affordable and client- centered reproductive services to men, women and young people in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia.
• BlueStar Clinics: a network of 500 private clinics that provide franchised services including the provision of long-term family planning (FP) methods, permanent FP methods and medical and safe surgical abortion services, along with HIV testing and sexually transmitted infections(STI) diagnosis services.
• IPAS Ethiopia: a regional leader NGO in establishing safe abortion services and creating reproductive health networks.
• Engender Health Ethiopia: an NGO who delivers a comprehensive range of SRH services.

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Is abortion legal in Kenya?

Abortion in Kenya is legally restricted. However under Kenyan constitution 2010 Article 26(4), there are exceptions when:

• In the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the [pregnant woman] is in danger
• In Kenya abortion can be performed by:

The Kenyan penal code has not been revised to reflect the language of the constitution (which is the highest law of the land). The penal code generally prohibits abortion. It lists self-inducing abortion, or providing any other type of “unlawful” abortion, as felonies punishable by a 7–14-year prison sentence. Nonetheless under other provision of the penal code specifically section 240 abortion may be performed to save the life of a pregnant mother.

• a) The Standard and Guidelines on Reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

  Abortion pills can be bought at the pharmacy but can only be issued following a professional doctor’s prescription. Abruptly, in December 2013, Ministry of Health withdrew the Standards and Guidelines. In February 2014, the Ministry wrote a letter instructing all healthcare providers to halt safe abortion trainings and to stop stocking Medabon (the packet of combined medical abortion pills that doctors were giving women in the first trimester). The letter stated “Abortion on demand is illegal,” so there is no need of training health workers on safe abortion or importation of drugs for medical abortion.” Given the many repercussions of the withdrawal of the Standards and Guidelines, a petition was filed in June 2015 in the Kenyan High Court against the Attorney General, the Ministry of Health and the Director of Medical Services of Kenya on behalf of the following – the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya, two community human rights mobilisers, an adolescent rape survivor who suffers from kidney failure and other complications of an unsafe abortion, and on behalf of all Kenyan women of reproductive age who were denied access to safe abortions. The petition calls on the government to restore safe abortion training and reintroduce guidelines clarifying when a legal abortion can be provided.

• b) Global Gag Rule

  The US Helms Amendment continues to prohibit the use of US foreign assistance for safe abortion, and now in 2017, the Mexico City Policy (commonly known as the Global Gag Rule) has also been reimposed yet again. In December 2013, USAID, who fund much of Kenya's family planning provision, warned that anyone receiving US aid should not attend an upcoming government meeting, because the Standards and Guidelines were on the agenda. The next day, the Ministry of Health withdrew the Standards and Guidelines, arguing that there was a need for wider stakeholder consultation on some of the contents of the document. On 3 April the US State. Department issued a letter to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee announcing it will no longer fund the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) which provides maternal and child health services in more than 150 countries worldwide. The UNFPA country programmes fund is one of the largest in Kenya and so its withdrawal will most likely be disastrous.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Who can perform abortion services?

In Kenya abortion can be performed by:

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Midwife
• Clinical officer trained in provision of abortion services

Where can I go for abortion services?

Reproductive Health Network : This is a network of health professionals in the private and public sector who are committed to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with unsafe abortion and postpartum hemorrhage in Kenya. The network’s membership is drawn from four health professional associations i.e. Kenya Medical Association (KMA), Kenya Obstetrical & Gynecological Society (KOGS) and the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) and the Kenya Association of Clinical Officers (KCOA). RHN has a nationwide representation with a membership of 400 health providers

Marie Stopes Kenya provides a wide range of high quality, affordable and client- centered reproductive services to women including safe abortion that can be accessed through the Marie Stopes clinics situated in different parts of the country

Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) delivers a comprehensive range of SRH services. These include: contraception, emergency contraception, antenatal and post-natal services, and post-abortion care.

Pharmacies provide abortion pills with a written prescription from a doctor

Private hospitals provide safe abortion services through Obstetricians and Gynecologist

What is the cost of an abortion?

Safe methods of terminating an early pregnancy or procuring a safe abortions at clinics cost’s between Ksh12000 ($120) and Ksh 20,000 ($200)

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• mifepristone (Cytotec and Misotrol)
• mife-misoprostol (Mifeprex)

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Abortion pills can be bought at the pharmacy but can only be issued following a professional doctor’s prescription.

Who can I contact for additional information or support?

• Aunty Jane hotline: provides on sexual and reproductive health information and abortion online and through a hotline that is confidential
• Marie Stopes Kenya: providing a wide range of high quality, affordable and client- centered reproductive services to men, women and young people in collaboration with the Government of Kenya.
• Nimechanuka: is an online campaign that believes information is power and provides young people with sexual and reproduction health information
• Safe abortion in Kenya: facebook page that provides information concerning safe abortion, and the management of abortion-related complications
• Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET): KMET is an indigenous Kisumu-based nongovernmental organization established to promote quality health and education services across Kenya.

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Is abortion legal in Malawi?

Abortion in Malawi is legally restricted. However, the Malawian constitution, specifically the Termination of Pregnancy Bill, allows for the following exceptions:

• If the woman’s life is in danger
• If the continuation of the pregnancy may jeopardize the physical and mental health of the pregnant woman
• If the pregnancy was as a result of rape, defilement or incest.
• Gross fetal malformation

However, Malawi’s penal code, which is the highest law of the land, only allows for termination of pregnancy when the life of the mother is in danger. The penal code generally prohibits abortion and lists self-inducing abortion or providing any other type of “unlawful” abortion as felonies punishable with a 10-year prison sentence.

What are the different abortion services available in Malawi?

• Medical abortion
• Surgical abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Who can perform abortions in Malawi?

In Malawi an abortion can be performed by any of the following:

• Professional Doctors
• Professional Nurse
• Professional Midwife
• Professional Clinical officer trained in provision of abortion services

Where can I go for abortion services in Malawi?

• Blue Star Reproductive Health Network: This is a network of health professionals in the private and public sector who are committed to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with unsafe abortion and postpartum hemorrhage. The network’s membership is drawn from health professional associations.
• Pharmacies provide abortion pills with a written prescription from a doctor.
• Private hospitals provide safe abortion services through Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

What is the cost of an abortion in Malawi?

Safe methods of terminating an early pregnancy or procuring safe abortions at clinics can cost up to MK10, 500 (UDS$200).

What are the legal and safe drugs available in Malawi?

• Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy in Malawi?

Abortion pills can be bought at the pharmacy but can only be issued following a professional doctor’s prescription.

Who can I contact for additional information and support in Malawi?

• Coalition for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion in Malawi (COPUA): Provides a wide range of high quality, affordable and client- centered reproductive services to men, women and young people in Malawi.
• Centre for Social Concern and Development (CESOCODE) works to create a world free from violence against girls through advocacy, mobilization, training and education. Tel: 999458907

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Is abortion legal in Mozambique?

Abortion in Mozambique was decriminalized in some situations in June 2015 under the revised Penal Code, which states that abortion is not punishable by law if carried out by a doctor or other trained health professional, in an official or officially recognized health facility, with consent of the pregnant woman, if one of the following conditions is met:

• Non-viable foetus
• Evidence of foetal abnormality or serious illness (up to 24 weeks)
• To avoid risk of death or serious illness of the woman, or if recommended in case of chronic/degenerative illness
• At the expressed wish of the pregnant woman if the pregnancy is in its first 12 weeks. (Penal Code, Article 168).

However, abortion in all other situations (including all abortions outside of a health facility or performed by someone other than a trained health professional, including self-induced abortions) remains illegal, and is punishable by a prison sentence for both the women seeking an abortion (up to 1 year), and for anyone carrying out the abortion (up to 2 years). (Penal Code, Article 166).

At the time of writing (October 2017) the Penal Code was being further revised, and so it is possible that some of the information above will change.

Prior to the revision of the Penal Code, some of the larger hospitals in the country were already providing abortion services under an internal Ministry of Health authorization from the 1980s that allowed abortions to be carried out under some circumstances in order to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

The Clinical Standards and Guidelines on Safe Abortion and Post-Abortion Care

Following the revision of the law, in 2016 the Ministry of Health developed Clinical Standards and Guidelines on Safe Abortion and Post-Abortion Care, based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). These guidelines were published in October 2017, together with a Ministry of Health Decree which lays out how the Penal Code will be operationalised with respect to provision of safe abortion services. A training curriculum for mid-level providers (mainly maternal and child health nurses) has also been developed, training of providers is expected to start in early 2018.

What are the different abortion methods available?

The approved methods for safe abortion in Mozambique are:

• Medical abortion (Mifepristone + Misoprostol, or Misoprostol only if Mifepristone is not available)
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).

Who can perform abortions?

In Mozambique abortion can be performed by a medical doctor, or any other health professional who has been trained to this effect (in practice mainly Maternal and Child Health nurses)

Where can I go for abortion services?

Public health facilities (hospitals and health centres): Services are currently officially available only in provincial hospitals and a few others. However, the Ministry of Health expects to roll out safe abortion services in at least one health facility per district in early 2018.

AMODEFA is an NGO that delivers comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services including services for young people at a network of clinics across the country, including post-abortion care. They plan to introduce abortion services when these are rolled out nationally in 2018. AMODEFA has clinics in Maputo, Namaacha, Boane, Xai-Xai and Quelimane.

Many private clinics provide abortion services, some in collaboration with DKT which runs franchised services including family planning and safe abortion.

What is the cost of an abortion?

Safe abortion services at public health facilities are be free of charge.

At private clinics the cost is variable.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Misoprostol (Cytotec)
• Mife-misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Abortion pills can be bought at many pharmacies, theoretically only with a prescription. However, using these pills to induce abortion at home is a criminal offence and can be punished by law.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• SMSBiz: This is an SMS-based confidential information service on reproductive and sexual health, targeting young people, that can be accessed by sending and SMS with the word “juntar” to 92222.
• AMODEFA, providing a wide range of high quality, affordable reproductive and sexual health services including information and counselling. Email: informe@amodefa.org.mz; Tel: 823031649/21-405109.

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Facts & Legalities

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 allows ALL women in South Africa to terminate pregnancy upon her request if she is within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (gestation). However, an abortion can be performed from the the 13th to 20th week of pregnancy if approved by a medical practitioner under the following conditions:

• continuing the pregnancy may be a risk to the mother’s physical or mental health;
• the fetus (foetus) may suffer with severe physical or mental abnormalities should the pregnancy continue to full term;
• the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest; and/or
• continuing the pregnancy may have severe economic or social impact on the mother.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical Abortion
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration
• Surgical Abortion
• Dilation and Curettage
• Post Abortion Care

Who can perform abortions in the South Africa?

• Registered health professionals:
• Medical Doctors
• Gynaecologists
• Mid-Wives
• Nurses

Where can I go for abortion services?

• Private Hospitals
• Community Clinic
• District Hospitals
• Provincial Hospitals
• Private Practices of registered health professional
• Specialised private Sexual and Reproductive Health facilities, i.e. Marie Stopes

What is the cost of an abortion?

All government (public) facilities provide free abortions.
In private clinics:

• Medical abortion from 5 weeks to 9 weeks of pregnancy costs on average between R620-R1200.
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration from 10 weeks 12 weeks on average between R1700-R2500
• Surgical abortion from beyond 12weeks to 20 weeks may vary on a case to case basis, but one can expect to pay R5500.
• Medical aid (insurance) has criteria for covering abortion. Please check what yours covers.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone (Mifeprex) plus misoprostol
• Misoprostol

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

No

Can I buy abortion pills online?

No

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Fem: SMS “Fem” to 30705 ( free) for access and reviews of local safe abortion providers.
• Safer Sex: Tel: 011 787 1222 / 886 2286
• UCare Medical Centres: Tel: 010 600 2670
• Marie Stopes: Toll free: 0800 11 77 85
• Mosaic: Tel: 021 761 7585

South Africa has a huge problem of unregistered people who sell miscellaneous drugs to women, thereby increasing the rate of women who are hospitalized due to unsafe abortion practices. Women must ensure that they get abortion services from registered providers to be safe.

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Is abortion legal in Tanzania?

There is enormous ambiguity on the legal status of abortion in Tanzania. Section 230 of the Tanzania Penal Code establishes abortion as legal when termination is necessary to preserve a woman’s life. Case law (Rex v. Bourne) further clarified that this life exception encompasses mental and physical health as well.

However, abortion is considered to be legally restricted due to Sections 150-152 which stipulate that providing, seeking, or procuring instruments to perform an abortion is punishable by 14, 7, or 3 years in prison, respectively. However, Section 230 and Section 219 provide that no person shall be guilty of the offence if an abortion was carried out in good faith for the purpose of preserving the mother’s life.

Despite Tanzania’s ratification of the 2007 African Charter’s Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (aka The Maputo Protocol) allowing abortion in cases of rape, incest or if the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life, mental or physical health or the life of the fetus, the government has not incorporated these provisions into its national law.

“This lack of clarity creates confusion amongst healthcare providers and women alike, and fear of prosecution on both sides pushes women to seek clandestine abortions that are often unsafe”

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion (abortion pills)
• Surgical abortion (in-clinic operation, manual vacuum aspiration and/or dilation & curettage)
• Comprehensive Post Abortion Care (CPAC)

Who can perform abortions in Tanzania?

In Tanzania abortion can be performed by a “skilled person”, which could include a:

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Midwife
• Midwife

Where can I go for comprehensive post abortion care?

There is a network of clinics, pharmacies, and dukas that provide discreet abortion services in Tanzania.

Marie Stopes Tanzania provides a wide range of high quality, affordable and client- centered reproductive services to women including CPAC that can be accessed through the Marie Stopes clinics

DKT Tanzania provides a wide range of high quality, affordable and client-centered reproductive services to women including CPAC that can be accessed through the DKT clinics

What is the cost of an abortion?

Abortion pills can be purchased and dukas at pharmacies for between TZS 2,000-75,000+. Cost depends on the brand, the location of the pharmacy, and the pharmacist her/himself. Surgical abortions also vary in cost between TZS 25,000-200,000. The price depends on the clinic one visits. See below for safe, lower cost options.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

Misoprostol was registered in Tanzania in 2007 as a drug to stop postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). It is available under the brand names Misotac and Cytotec.

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Though it is illegal for pharmacies to sell abortion pills without a prescription and for any purpose other than stopping postpartum hemorrhage, pills are available without a prescription at pharmacies and dukas.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Marie Stopes Tanzania: Contact Centre (Free) 080 075 333
• DKT Tanzania

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Is abortion legal in Uganda?

Abortion is legally restricted in Uganda. Article 22 (2) of the Ugandan Constitution prohibits the deprivation of the life of any person including an unborn child but also states that in some instances a pregnancy can be lawfully terminated. The Penal Code ACT further goes on to describe the punishments for the various categories of sections on abortion. These include attempts to procure abortion, women with intent to procure a miscarriage, and supply of drugs that procure abortion. These are punishable according to law with various sentences. The law however protects individuals who perform a surgical operation in good faith and reasonable care for the preservation of a mother’s life (Section 224). Therefore, Article 22 (2) not only anticipated but also placed an obligation on the Ugandan Parliament to make a law which would clearly stipulate the circumstances under which the termination of a pregnancy would be permitted.

Unfortunately the Parliament has not yet fulfilled this obligation and as such, the Penal Code Act of Uganda, which provides for criminal sanctions to several aspects of abortion, remains the only authority on instances in which abortion can or cannot be permitted.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical Abortion (MA)
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
• Surgical abortion

Who can perform abortions in Uganda?

• Obstetrician-gynecologists
• Medical doctors
• Trained clinical officers
• Midwives

Where can I go for post-abortion care or comprehensive abortion care services?

1. General Hospitals and Health Facilities Most general hospitals provide post abortion services for induced and spontaneous abortions in order to treat the complications of unsafe abortions.
2. Marie Stopes Uganda Contraception, post abortion care and pain management, affordable at all Health facilities under Maristopes.
3. Reproductive Health Uganda Contraception, post abortion care and pain management, affordable at all Health facilities under Reproductive Health Uganda.
4. Uganda Reproductive Health Bureu Contraception, post abortion care and pain management, affordable at all Health facilities under URHB. URHB was registered with the mandate to improve the sexual and reproductive health status of young people and children.
5. Naguru Teenage Centre The care provides all elements of comprehensive abortion care, as well as other medical services. This comprises of sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis and treatment, pregnancy testing, antenatal services, menstrual complications, post abortion care, infertility, nutrition and hygiene.

What is the cost of an abortion?

1. 1. Medical abortion costs averagely 100,000 Ugandan shillings
2. 2. Services range from $150 for surgical abortion

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

Commonly known to hospitals and pharmacies as:

1. Misoprostol
2. Mifepristone

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Is abortion legal in Zambia?

Zambia has some of the most liberal abortion laws in Southern Africa. According to the 1972 Termination of Pregnancy (ToP) Act, an abortion in Zambia can be legally conducted under the following circumstances:

• Where the pregnancy constitutes a risk to the life of the pregnant woman including risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or risk of injury to the physical or mental health or any existing children of the pregnant woman.
• If there is substantial risk that the child would be born with physical or mental abnormalities.
• On socio-economic grounds – a pregnant woman’s social and economic environment will be taken into account as well as her age.

In addition, the Zambian Ministry of Health’s standards and guidelines for reducing unsafe abortion, morbidity and mortality in Zambia stipulate that termination of pregnancies is legal, provided it is conducted by trained and skilled medical providers within the confines of the law.

What are the different abortion services available in Zambia?

• Medical Abortion (MA)
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

*Note: Medication abortion (MA) is permitted for gestational age 5–9 weeks (and up to 12 weeks under certain circumstances) and Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for 5–12 weeks (and up to 15 weeks under certain circumstances).

Who can perform abortions in Zambia?

Any trained medical worker at a licensed government or private hospital can conduct a safe abortion.

Where can I go for abortion services in Zambia?

• The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka (Nationalist Road, Ridgeway):
  Tel: 0211251451
• Ndola Teaching Hospital (Ndola, Copperbelt, Zambia)
  Tel: 0212612590
• Kalingalinga Diva Center in Lusaka
  Tel: 0965082899
• Bauleni Diva Centre in Lusaka
  Tel: 0967828168
• Rachael Lumpa Memorial Reproductive Health Centre
  Corner of Church Road and Dushambe Road, Luska 
  Tel: 0211 254728
• Bwembya Lukutati Memorial Reproductive Health Centre
  29 Independence Avenue, Kitwe
  Tel: 0212 225114
• Youth Open Point
  51 Kanyata Road, Livingstone
  Tel: 0213 323065
• Reproductive Health Clinics (Supported by IPAS)
  Chilanga Clinic, Kafue
  Chipata Clinic, Lusaka
  Kawama Clinic, Kitwe
  Ronald Ross Hospital, Mufulira, Zambia
• Pharmacies provide abortion pills with a written prescription from a doctor.
• Private clinics or large public hospitals provide safe abortion services through Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

*Note: Safe abortion services are, theoretically, available at a wide range of Government health facilities, from tertiary hospitals to District hospitals, although the actual number of sites providing safe abortion services is unknown.

What is the cost of a safe abortion in Zambia?

• The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) provides safe abortion and PAC services for free, following the payment of a registration fee. If a woman was referred to UTH she will only pay about 20 Kwacha. If a woman is seeking care directly at UTH, she will pay about 150 Kwacha.
  *Note: It is cheaper to get referred to a hospital from a clinic.
• The average cost of a safe abortion is between 250-350 kwacha (includes health center fees, pregnancy test fee, transport, sanitary pads, accommodation etc.)

What are the legal and safe drugs available in Zambia?

• Misoprostol
• Mifepristone + Misoprostol (Medabon)

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy in Zambia?

Abortion pills can be bought at the pharmacy but can only be issued with an accompanying prescription.

Who can I contact for additional information and support in Zambia?

• Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ):
  Health services and resources
  Tel: 0211256182
• Marie Stopes:
  Health services and resources
  Helpline: 5600 (Toll free with MTN & Airtel)
• IPAS Zambia: Health services and resources
  Plot 1210, Addis Drive, Lusaka
  Tel: 0 211 251521
• Centre for Reproductive Health and Education:
  Information resources
• Whatsapp Helpline – Ask private and confidential questions on any sexual and reproductive health and rights issues: 0955683600.

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Is abortion legal in India

Abortion has been legal in India since 1971 according to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Abortion in India is legal only up to twenty weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancies not exceeding 12 weeks can be terminated based on a single opinion formed in good faith. In case of pregnancies exceeding 12 weeks but less than 20 weeks, termination needs opinion of two doctors under specific conditions and situations, which are broadly defined as:

What are the different abortion services available?

India provides both medical as well as surgical abortion services. For medical abortion (MA), a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol is used. Surgical procedures that are available are Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

• Medical Abortion (MA) for pregnancies up to 9 weeks
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for pregnancies up to 12 weeks
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) for up to 12 weeks

Who can perform abortion services?

Only obstetrician-gynecologists and other doctors who have undergone a government-approved training to be certified can provide legal abortion services. All government or public health facilities can provide abortion as long as the provider is certified in abortion services. Whereas abortion services can be provided in private health facilities if doctor is trained at a hospital or training canter approved by the government and has assisted in 25 cases of MTP out of which 5 cases have been done independently.

What is the cost of an abortion?

At government or public health facilities, all abortion services are free. In the private sector, services can range from Indian Rs. 1000 to 5000 (approx. USD 25 to 75).

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Pharmacists are allowed to dispense abortion pills against a valid prescription by a provider.

Who can I contact for additional information or support?

• DKT/Janani India Tele-Helpline Centre: +1800200300-6
• Marie Stopes India: +911149840000/+914030680659
• Marjee India Hotline: +9075764763 (Monday to Friday | 10 AM to 6 PM)
• Gynopedia India
• Asia Safe Abortion Partnership
• Global Abortion Policies Database for India

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Is abortion legal in Indonesia?

Abortion is legally restricted in Indonesia. However, there are exceptions depending on specific circumstances according to the Government Regulation No. 61 passed in 2014 supported by the Ministry of Health’s regulation No. 3 passed in 2016:

What are the different abortion services available?

If the specific circumstances according to Indonesian law are met, the services available are:

• Medical Abortion (MA)
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Who can perform abortions in Indonesia?

Only obstetrician-gynecologists and medical doctors can perform abortions.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Abortion services are provided in public hospitals provided the circumstances stated above are met.

What is the cost of an abortion?

The Asia Safe Abortion Partnership (ASAP) country profile on Indonesia states that services in the public hospitals range from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 2,000,000 (approx. 30 to 200 USD).

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

Under the current laws in Indonesia, MA pills are legally restricted. However, misoprostol is available in the Indonesian market.

• Samsara Indonesia: +62813-2717-1188, +62857-2900-1188, +62878-3977-0033, +62896-7467-7433 (Monday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM)
• Ask Inna
• Gynopedia Indonesia
• Asia Safe Abortion Partnership
• Global Abortion Policies Database for Indonesia
• Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association
  Telephone: +62(21) 720 7372; (21) 739 4123; (21) 724 5905
• Safe Abortion helpline: 0878 3955 5100; 0857 2929 5100; 0853 2521 1100

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Is abortion legal in the Malaysia?

Just like other Southeast Asian countries, abortion in Malaysia is restricted. However, since 1989, abortion may be performed through an exemption that was granted by a law and will only be allowed provided that the following circumstances are met:

• There is a risk to the physical health of the woman.
• There is a risk to the mental health of the woman.

In addition, a woman must obtain an authorization from a medical professional and must have consent to the abortion. Moreover, the abortion must take place within the legal period of 120 days.

What are the different abortion services available?

Abortion services in Malaysia are performed by the use of surgical (vacuum aspiration) and medical abortion (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) methods. The method that will be used varies depending on the length of the pregnancy.

• Medical abortion is primarily utilized for pregnancies below 9 weeks.
• Vacuum aspiration is utilized for pregnancies up to 12 weeks as a day care procedure.
• Abortion services are performed in hospitals for pregnancies later than 12 weeks.

The rate of effectiveness of the drugs when combined is at 95-97%. Both of the drugs are approved by FDA.

Who can perform abortions in the Malaysia?

Qualified medical doctors may perform an abortion service.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Generally, both the private and public sector may provide abortion services. However, due to stigma, there is a difficulty in obtaining such services.

How much does an abortion service cost?

A pill of Misoprostol costs between 4-5 Malaysian ringgits per 200 mg. In order to induce the abortion, a woman will need about 12 pills, which will amount to 48-60 Malaysian ringgits or 12.32-15.39 US dollars. On the otherhand, vacuum aspiration costs around 800-4500 Malaysian ringgit or 205.26 to 1,154.59 US dollars.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Federation of Reproductive Health Association of Malaysia
  Telephone: 603 5633-7514; 603 5633-7516; 603 5633-7528
• Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia
  Communicate with RRAAM using the “Ask us a question” form in their website.

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Is abortion legal in Nepal?

Abortion has been legal in Nepal since 2002 under the 11th Amendment to the Civil Code.

What are the different abortion services available?

Nepal provides both medical as well as surgical abortion services. For medical abortion (MA), a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol is used. Surgical procedures that are available are Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

• Medical Abortion (MA) for pregnancies up to 9 weeks
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for pregnancies up to 12 weeks
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) for pregnancies beyond 12 weeks (in case of rape and incest)

Who can perform abortion services?

Only health service providers (doctors, nurses and auxiliary nurse midwives) who have undergone government-approved training to be certified are allowed to provide legal abortion services at certified health facilities or Safe Abortion Service (SAS) centers. Abortion services must be provided under the following conditions:

• Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for any woman on her request. The permission of husband or guardian is not required for women above 16 years of age
• Within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy in cases of rape and incest
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) for pregnancies beyond 12 weeks (in case of rape and incest)

Where can I go for abortion services?

As of November 2016, abortion services are available in all 75 districts of Nepal. Of the 962 certified SAS centers, 693 are public, 157 are private and 112 are NGO operated.

What is the cost of an abortion?

At government or public SAS health facilities, all abortion services are free.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

Currently there are four legal and certified safe abortion pills in the form of combination packs of mifepristone and misoprostol.

• Hello Health: Toll-free number 1115
• Marie Stopes Nepal: runs a Meri Satthi (my friend) Helpline: 977-1-4439681, 977-14419371 or Toll Free: 16600119756, 9801119756(NCELL)
• Asia Safe Abortion Nepal
• Global Abortion Policies Database on Nepal

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Is abortion legal in the Pakistan?

Abortion is legal in Pakistan only during the early stages of the pregnancy to save the life of the woman as well provide necessary treatment.

What are the different abortion services available?

Pakistan provides both medical as well as surgical abortion services. For medical abortion (MA), a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol is used. Surgical procedures that are available are Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

Who can perform abortions in Pakistan?

Only obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYN), doctors with a MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor Surgery), nurses and trained midwives are allowed to perform abortions.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Abortion services are available at public, private and NGO sector.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

The Ministry of Health in Pakistan has approved 10 brands of misoprostol tablets for abortion. The price is around Rs. 100 (approx. US $ 0.95).

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Abortion pills can be dispensed from pharmacies if there is a valid prescription.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

There are several resources and helplines available for Pakistan that answers your queries. They are as follows:

• Marie Stopes Society:
  Helpline: 080022333
• Aware Girls:
  Helpline: Marastyal Helpline: 091-5863990
  Mobile Number for 24 Hours Access: 03159170408
• Gynopedia Pakistan

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Is abortion legal in the Philippines?

Abortion is criminalized in the Philippines with absolutely no exceptions. The absolute criminal ban has been present for over a century and stems from legislation introduced during the U.S. occupation of the Philippines. However, the Department of Health issued an Administrative Order on the Prevention and Management of Abortion Complications (DOH AO No. 2016-0041). The objective of the policy is to provide and improve the quality of safe post-abortion services in both private and public health facilities. This Administrative Order (AO) was signed into law on November 25, 2016. Aside from the AO, other laws that require safe post-abortion care are: Republic Act (RA) 9710, RA 10354, RA 8344, and the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

What are the different post-abortion care services available?

Under the DOH AO No. 2016-0041, the following post-abortion care services are allowed:

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
• Uterotonics
• Vacuum Aspiration
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration

Manual vacuum aspiration is highly encouraged under the Administrative Order because it is less intrusive and painful, hence lesser chances of complications.

Who can perform post-abortion care services in the Philippines?

Under the DOH AO No. 2016-0041, the following are allowed to perform post-abortion care services:

• Medical doctors (Obstetrician-Gynecologists and general practitioners)
• Nurses
• Midwives

These health care providers are allowed to conduct such services so long as they are trained and certified.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Any woman who seeks post-abortion care may seek help from hospitals and health facilities, whether public or private.

How much does a post-abortion care service cost?

Manual vacuum aspiration and curettage cost 11,000 Philippine pesos or around 211.53 US dollars; the professional fee of the service provider is at 4,400 Philippine pesos and the hospital bill is at 6,600 Philippine pesos.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• EngendeRights
  Emails: info@engenderights.com ; engenderights@gmail.com
  Telephone: (+632) 6645696
• Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Health and Rights
  Email: office@wgnrr.org
  Telephone: (+632) 9287785
• Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network
  Email: pinsan.netwok@gmail.com

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Is abortion legal in Thailand?

Thailand’s abortion law was modeled from 19th century European legislation. In 1957, there was an amendment that allowed abortion in certain cases. Abortion services are legally restricted in Thailand and are only conditionally allowed under the following circumstances:

• Abortion is allowed to save the life of the woman
• Abortion is allowed to preserve physical health
• Abortion is allowed to preserve mental health
• Abortion is allowed in cases of rape
• Abortion is allowed in cases of fetal impairment

What are the different abortion services available?

Abortion services in Thailand are primarily medical abortion; Mifepristone and Misoprostol are utilized to terminate pregnancy provided that the conditions are met. In addition to medical abortion, surgical abortion methods that are used are dilation and curettage, early vacuum aspiration, and manual vacuum aspiration.

Who can perform abortion services in Thailand?

Fully qualified medical practitioners are the primary providers that are legally allowed to perform an abortion. Moreover, prior to the abortion service, necessary paperwork, which is obtained through a legal procedure, needs to be submitted to the doctor. In addition, NGOs may also provide abortion services.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Both the private and public sector provide abortion services. The following are the list of clinics in Thai that provide abortion services:

How much does an abortion service cost?

The cost depends on where the abortion service is going to take place. Abortion services done in a public sector facility costs up to $100. On the other hand, abortion services done in a private sector facility costs $60-500. Another aspect that affects the cost of the procedure is the length of the pregnancy at the time of the abortion.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand
  Telephone: +66 (66 2) 9412320; (66 2) 9412322
• Path2Health Foundation
  Telephone: +6626537563-5

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Is abortion legal in Vietnam?

Abortion has been legal in Vietnam since 1975. In 1989, the Law on Protection of People’s Health stated, Women have the rights to have abortion; to receive gynecological diagnosis and treatment; and health check-up during pregnancy; and medical service when giving birth at health facilities.

What are the different abortion services available?

Vietnam provides both medical as well as surgical abortion services. For medical abortion (MA), a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol is used. Surgical procedures that are available are Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). The services are available under the following circumstances:

• Up to 22 weeks: MA methods are available however the uses are different from 3 stages: (1) before 10 weeks, (2) 10 to 12 weeks, (3) 13 - 22 weeks
• 6 to 12 weeks: Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
• 13 to 18 weeks: Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Who can perform abortion services?

Medical doctors, obstetricians and gynecologists and college level midwives trained in MVA (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) and MA (medical abortion) can perform abortions in Vietnam.

Where can I go for abortion services?

Abortion services are widely available both at public and private health facilities across Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health 2016 National Guidelines on SRH services, abortion services can be provided at any health facility certified by the Provincial Health Department. It is recommended that women seek pre-abortion counseling in certified health facilities.

What is the cost of an abortion?

MA costs around Vietnamese Dong (VND) 100,000 (approx. 4.4 USD) in public sectors and up to 448,640 or 560,800 (approx. 20 to 25 USD) in private sectors.

MVA costs VND 89,728 to 157,024 (approx. 3.9 to 7 USD), and D&E costs VND 1,794,560 to 2,243,200 (approx. 80 to 100 USD). The costs may vary at private sector health facilities.

Nang moi clinic is the only private sector facility that provides free abortion service for adolescents in Hanoi

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

According to Vietnamese law, it is legally restricted to buy abortion pills at a pharmacy.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

Certified pharmacist can only dispense abortion pills if there is a valid prescription or order slip provided by a certified doctor or health provider.

• Marie Stopes Vietnam: (+84) 1900 55 88 82
• Vietnam Youth Action for Choice
• Sharing with Youth 360
• Gynopedia Vietnam
• Asia Safe Abortion Vietnam website
• Global Abortion Policies Database for Vietnam
• General Office for Population Family Planning
  Telephone: (04) 38435297
• Vietnam Family Planning Association
  Telephone: (04) 37648091

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Is abortion legal in the Australia?

In Australia, each of the six States and two Territories has different legislation that determines when abortion is lawful. Only the Australian Capital Territory has decriminalised abortion fully.

In Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, abortion is lawful based on the consent of the woman alone, but different gestational limits apply, ranging from 16 to 24 weeks. Late term abortions can be provided with medical certification (which is required for all abortions in South Australia and the Northern Territory).

In New South Wales and Queensland, abortion access remains restricted although the common law has recognised that abortion is lawful when necessary to prevent a serious risk to the physical or mental health of the woman.

The independent Queensland-based non-profit organisation Children by Choice provides an easy to read summary of the patchwork of laws across Australia:

Except in South Australia, there are extremely limited publically-funded abortion services. The majority is provided in the private sector, primarily in independently run clinics. The national heath scheme Medicare covers some of the costs of such services.

What are the different abortion services available?

• Medical abortion up to 9 weeks (63 days) gestation in an outpatient or primary care setting.
• Surgical abortion in a day surgery setting. The gestation to which this is available varies from state to state.
• Medical abortion beyond the first trimester by induction of labour in a hospital setting, generally reserved only for serious fetal anomaly.

Who can perform abortions in the Australia?

In Australia the legislation only allows for abortion to be performed by doctors.

All gynaecologists are potentially able to perform surgical and medical abortions; General Practitioners and other doctors such as Sexual Health Physicians are able to provide medical and surgical abortions after appropriate training.

Where can I go for abortion services?

The availability of publically-funded services and independent abortion clinics varies across states and territories. Publically-funded access is very limited except in South Australia.

A referral from a GP is generally not required to access abortion services, except in Western Australia.

Visit the Children by Choice website for a list of services in your state or territory.

If you live in Queensland:
https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsqld

If you live in another state or territory:
https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsinterstate

Some Family Planning Organisations provide medical abortions:
Visit the Family Planning Alliance Australia website and contact the family planning organization in your state or territory to enquire about availability abortion services.

Telemedicine services
Telemedicine services are available to women living in all states except South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory due to legislative restrictions.

Both the Tabbot Foundation and Marie Stopes Australia conduct telephone consultations after arranging ultrasound dating in the woman’s local community. Abortion medications are then sent to the woman for use up to 9 weeks gestation.

For further information:
Tabbot Foundation: Phone 1800 180 880
Marie Stopes Australia: Phone 1300 003 707

General Practitioners
General Practitioners who have undertaken training are able to provide medical abortion. Names of individual
GPs are not currently available on a publically accessible list.

What is the cost of an abortion?

Costs can vary significantly between providers and across the states and territories, so it is important to check with the provider first.

Publically-funded services such as those in South Australia and the Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria are provided with no out of pocket costs.

The typical cost of a medical abortion through an independent clinic or a GP is around AUD$350 but may go up to around $500. Telemedicine services generally cost AUD$250 - 300 for women with a Medicare card.

The cost of first trimester surgical abortion in a private clinic is around AUD$400 - 600. Costs increase after the first trimester, with steep increases with increasing gestation. Women without a Medicare cared will face higher costs.

Financial assistance for the abortion service and related costs may be available in certain circumstances:
https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/financial-assistance

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

• Mifepristone plus misoprostol (available in a composite pack as MS-2 Step)

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

Yes, abortion pills can be bought at registered pharmacies but only with a prescription from a doctor who has been approved to provide these medications.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

No, it is illegal to import prescription medicines – but abortion pills can be obtained by post through an approved telemedicine service without the need to visit a clinic. Telemedicine is available in all states and territories except South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Tabbot Foundation https://www.tabbot.com.au/

Marie Stopes Australia https://www.mariestopes.org.au/abortion/tele-abortion/

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

• Children by Choice
• Family Planning Organisations
• The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria
• Pregnancy Advisory Service, South Australia
• Marie Stopes Australia

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Is abortion legal in New Zealand?

Abortion is illegal in New Zealand unless two certifying consultants approve.
Certifying consultants can approve an abortion up to 20 weeks gestation if:

• there is serious danger to the life, physical or mental health of the pregnant person
• there is substantial risk of serious mental or physical disability to the child if born
• the pregnancy is the result of incest
• “the woman or girl is severely subnormal”

98% of abortions in New Zealand are approved on the mental health ground.
After 20 weeks abortion is only available to prevent serious, permanent harm to the mental or physical health of the pregnant person.

The laws around abortion have not changed materially since 1977. As a result, the law does not take early medical abortions into account. Patients must take both the medical abortion drugs in an institution licenced to provide abortions. They can go home after taking each set of pills.

What are the different abortion services available?

With the approval of two certifying consultants, you can access surgical and medical abortions up to 20 weeks, or later if you meet the criteria. Early medical abortion is available up to the end of the ninth week.

Availability of services varies between districts.

Who can perform abortions in New Zealand?

Abortions must be performed by doctors at licenced institutions.
You must have a referral from a doctor to access the abortion system. Your GP, Family Planning, or a sexual health clinic can refer you. Your doctor can refuse to refer you on grounds of ‘conscientious objection’. If they do, you can seek referral from another doctor, or from Family Planning or a sexual health clinic.

Where can I go for abortion services?

You must have a referral from a doctor to access the abortion system.

Abortions must be performed at licenced institutions, which are usually attached to public hospitals. There is also one private not-for-profit abortion clinic in Auckland.

Services vary widely between districts. Most regional centres offer surgical abortions up to 14 weeks, and medical abortions up to 9 weeks. Main centres offer abortions up to 18 or 20 weeks, and beyond 20 weeks if you meet the criteria. Smaller districts can refer patients to main centres for abortions at later gestations.

What is the cost of an abortion?

If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or if you have a two-year visa, abortions are covered under the public health service. If you are not eligible for the public health service, private care is available at a cost from $1200 - $2500 NZD.

What are the legal and safe drugs available?

Myfegymiso (Mifepristone / Misoprostol) is the usual means of medical abortion.

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy?

No.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

Accessing abortion outside the public or private health systems is illegal. A pregnant person who accesses medical abortion pills for themselves faces a maximum penalty of a $200 fine. A person who accesses medical abortion pills for someone else faces a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment.

Who can I contact for additional information and support?

See this website: abortion.org.nz.

Or contact Family Planning: familyplanning.org.nz.

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