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Abortion: grounds allowed by law

What this indicator measures

Shows in which cases the law allows abortion: never, only to save the woman's life, for reasons of health, rape or fetal impairment, for economic or social reasons, or on request. The classification uses the broadest ground allowed.

How to read this?

From most restrictive to broadest: prohibited, to save life, health/rape/fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, on request. Gestational time limits may apply.

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191countries with data
2026data year(s)

In brief

Abortion: grounds allowed by law: 191 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Prohibited in all cases : 7 ; Allowed only to save the woman's life : 35 ; Allowed for health reasons, rape or fetal impairment : 70 ; Allowed for economic or social reasons : 12 ; Allowed on request (within a time limit set by law) : 67.

Why this indicator matters

Abortion laws set the cases in which a pregnancy can be legally terminated. Comparing them shows how legal frameworks regulate reproductive health.

What makes this indicator vary

Differences come from religious, cultural and legal traditions, public debates and court decisions. Laws change over time, in a more open or more restrictive direction.

Reading precautions

The classification uses the broadest ground provided by law. It says nothing about gestational time limits, practical conditions, actual access to care, or differences between regions of the same country.

Abortion: grounds allowed by law

Prohibited in all cases (7)

Allowed only to save the woman's life (35)

Allowed for health reasons, rape or fetal impairment (70)

Allowed for economic or social reasons (12)

Allowed on request (within a time limit set by law) (67)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Abortion: grounds allowed by law" data come from?

It comes from Wikipédia, « Abortion law ». Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “allowed on request” mean?

It means the law allows a pregnancy to be terminated without the woman having to give a specific reason, generally within a gestational time limit set by law.

Why is only one level shown per country?

The classification uses the broadest ground allowed. The narrower grounds are then also permitted, but details such as time limits or conditions are not shown here.

Source and update

Source : Wikipédia, « Abortion law ». Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Health and reproductive rights