Abortion Laws by Country
Abortion legality varies widely. Many European, North American, and Latin American countries allow abortion on request, often up to a gestational limit. In parts of Africa and Asia, laws are more restrictive, with access limited to cases of rape, incest, or risk to the mother’s life.
Recent Changes in Access
Legal status can change quickly through legislation or court rulings. Some nations have expanded access, while others have introduced new restrictions. For current updates on recent legal shifts, see the Guttmacher Institute’s global overview at https://www.guttmacher.org/state-world/overview/global-abortion-laws
How Restrictions Are Measured
Researchers classify laws by whether abortion is broadly available, allowed with conditions, or highly restricted. Even where legal, access can depend on gestational limits, mandatory waiting periods, and provider availability.
