The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for ABO-PRACTICE-1

Oct. 17, 2025, 8:06 a.m.
Countries: Belgium
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Since 2019, a majority has been forming among elected MPs to reform the abortion law in Belgium amid criticism that it is dated. An independent expert committee published its recommendations for abortion law reform in 2023, which included a proposal to raise the abortion deadline from 12 to 18 weeks – the most contentious point of the abortion debate" (Para 2).
Oct. 17, 2025, 7:37 a.m.
Countries: Jamaica
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"A poll in Jamaica, that was part of the policy review of 2007, showed that 58 percent of Jamaicans supported amending the law to allow abortions in 'special cases' (incest, rape, risk to the the health or life of the woman)" (Para 17).
Oct. 17, 2025, 7:26 a.m.
Countries: Bangladesh
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"The limitations on access not only contribute to unsafe practices but also reinforce the social stigma associated with abortion. Furthermore, the restrictive laws complicate efforts to raise awareness, increasing stigma surrounding reproductive health" (Para 4). "'There are specific medications used for MR, but they must be taken within two months. However, we often see women in shock after taking these medications three or four months into their pregnancy, typically prescribed by quacks (unqualified individuals). They suffer from heavy bleeding that has led them to shock,' she said. 'This situation can become life-threatening. While there are government facilities where MR can be performed safely, many women avoid these options due to...more
Oct. 16, 2025, 8:55 a.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-1, ABO-PRACTICE-1

"When abortion was decriminalised in New South Wales in 2019, the debate was again brought to the forefront, but little was discussed of what the policy actually meant for Australians across the country. In Australia, access to abortion has been a topic of national debate, leaving those in need lost, uncertain, bewildered, and scared. Those who are pushing for access to abortion services argue that it is up to the pregnant person, in consultation with their doctor, to choose what is best for their body and future without the fear of committing a criminal offence. However, critics view the procedure as fatal to a life that began at conception and...more
Oct. 15, 2025, 9:32 a.m.
Countries: Ukraine
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Part 6 of Article 281 of the Civil Code of Ukraine provides that artificial termination of pregnancy can be carried out at a woman’s request when a woman is up to twelve weeks pregnant and in cases stipulated by law – up to twenty-two weeks pregnant. This provision is also stipulated by Article 50 of the Law of Ukraine “Fundamental Healthcare Legislation of Ukraine”. Article 284 of the Civil Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “Fundamental Healthcare Legislation of Ukraine” indicate that the provision of medical assistance to an individual who has reached the age of 14 is carried out upon her consent. According to Order No. 423...more
Oct. 15, 2025, 9:17 a.m.
Countries: Ukraine
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"In Ukraine, abortions are legally provided on request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, oral contraception is sold over the counter without prescription and the morning-after pill is readily available" (Para 5).
Oct. 15, 2025, 9:12 a.m.
Countries: Ukraine
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Two years into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, refugees from Ukraine continue to face insurmountable barriers to sexual and reproductive health care in Poland and across many parts of the European Union (EU)—forcing some refugees to return to a war zone to access the care they need" (Para 1).
Oct. 10, 2025, 9:18 p.m.
Countries: Zimbabwe
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Activists are calling for a review of [1977 Termination of Pregnancy] act and amendments to include rape within a marriage, access to safe abortion, and reproductive health" (para 2). While this quote does not address general societal attitudes, the increased presence of activist behavior calling for a revision to the Termination of Pregnancy Act may indicate a greater shift towards acceptance of abortion in Zimbabwean society writ large (NAC - CODER COMMENT). "'Many women and girls are driven into the shadows because of restrictive abortion laws and a lack of clarity about their provisions. The topic of abortion is taboo within the African context and cultures, [and] is not openly...more
Sept. 21, 2025, 10:44 p.m.
Countries: Zimbabwe
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Zimbabwe’s restrictive abortion laws that often lead women and girls into illegal and unsafe backstreet abortions that in many cases turn fatal" (Para 3).
Aug. 31, 2025, 9:08 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

“There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization” (Page 16).
Aug. 31, 2025, 9:01 a.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), access to safe abortion has historically been limited. Political chaos, a weak health sector, low use of contraception, and restrictive laws—that until recently made it illegal in nearly all cases—have contributed to high rates of abortion across the country. Many of these abortions are unsafe, which contributes to the DRC’s very high maternal mortality rate. However, in March 2018 the Congolese government published the text of the Maputo Protocol in the country’s national legal journal following concerted advocacy efforts by women’s rights groups, researchers, and nongovernmental organizations. Due to the nature of the country’s legal system, this action effectively expanded the categories under...more
Aug. 31, 2025, 8:45 a.m.
Countries: Cyprus
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

“Abortion became entirely legal in Cyprus in March 2018. Among other countries where abortion is allowed, Cyprus abortion law permits the procedure to be done on demand until the 12th week of pregnancy, and until the 19th week in cases of rape, or incest. Previously, it was only done in cases of fetal abnormality, if the pregnant woman was at risk of bodily or mental damage, or if the woman had been raped or otherwise sexually assaulted” (Para 8).
Aug. 31, 2025, 1:35 a.m.
Countries: Cuba
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), access to safe abortion has historically been limited. Political chaos, a weak health sector, low use of contraception, and restrictive laws—that until recently made it illegal in nearly all cases—have contributed to high rates of abortion across the country. Many of these abortions are unsafe, which contributes to the DRC’s very high maternal mortality rate. However, in March 2018 the Congolese government published the text of the Maputo Protocol in the country’s national legal journal following concerted advocacy efforts by women’s rights groups, researchers, and nongovernmental organizations. Due to the nature of the country’s legal system, this action effectively expanded the categories under...more
Aug. 21, 2025, 10:47 p.m.
Countries: Colombia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Today, Colombia has one of the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and globally. However, access remains unequal, varying by region, and stigma persists, leading to ongoing reports of obstacles and discrimination" (Para 4). "[D]ecriminalization of abortion has led to a drop in clandestine abortions, which was a very common practice until three years ago" (Para 10).
Aug. 21, 2025, 9:55 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Even when abortion is fully legal, the legal system, health-care institutions, and social stigma limit access. Chinese law does not explicitly grant minors the right to consent to their own medical treatments. To avoid being held liable, public hospitals usually only perform abortions on underage patients if they are accompanied by parents or guardians. Young women who do not want to inform their parents of their pregnancies thus visit private clinics, some of which charge sky-high fees and are unscrupulous in their medical practices" (Para 15). "Chinese health authorities’ interest in curbing the prevalence of abortions stems in part from the emphasis on youshengyouyu (优生优育), which generally means to improve...more
Aug. 21, 2025, 1:18 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Amina (played by Achouackh Abakar Souleymane) is a single mother and practicing Muslim whose 15-year-old daughter, Maria (Rihane Khalil Alio) is pregnant. On the outskirts of Chad’s capital of N’Djamena, the unwanted pregnancy is a grave concern. It means certain ostracism for Maria — the same stigma that her mother knows herself. 'When I’m in Chad,' says Haroun,' I have a lot of people telling me: ‘You have to make a film about this subject. You are the filmmaker. You have to become our spokesman and make this film, this subject. We can’t, because we are afraid of the government. You can.''" (Para 5-7).
Aug. 21, 2025, 1:06 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Lack of access to health and contraceptive services cause women to seek unsafe abortions – with potentially grave complications – rather than carry a child to term" (Para 3).
Aug. 20, 2025, 7:11 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Although legislation permitted abortions in cases of rape, some women continued to resort to illegal and dangerous clandestine abortions" (Page 2).
Aug. 20, 2025, 1:30 a.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"The implication of this ruling is that it brings relief for women in their decision making process. It will provide access to safe medical pregnancy termination from public and private health facilities. By accessing I mean cost and availability. Clandestine procedures are known to be expensive. On the other hand the services will be moving from hidden to publicly available in health facilities. In some cases, access to safe abortion ensures that serious consequences of unsafe abortion are averted. However, it is important to note that the ruling of the law on its own is not enough for women to access the medical abortion services. There is a lot to...more
Aug. 20, 2025, 12:19 a.m.
Countries: Cameroon
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Abortions were performed either at home or in small health facilities by medical personnel. Due to restrictive abortion laws, women often turn to providers with limited skills or to facilities lacking basic medical standards. Additionally, challenging socioeconomic conditions have led some health workers to view abortion as an opportunity to earn extra revenue. Suction curettage and misoprostol were the primary methods used for abortion (89%), likely because physicians were the main providers and most were trained in these techniques. Similar findings were reported by Ngowa et al. in Cameroon. Additionally, Wonkam and Hurst noted an increasing acceptance of voluntary abortion among medical trainees in Cameroon, with acceptance rising from preclinical...more
Aug. 19, 2025, 11:57 p.m.
Countries: Canada
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Despite being legal, abortion remains one of the most divisive issues of our time" (Para 1). "Abortion is now legal in Canada. But it is still a hot-button issue. Opinion polls show Canadians divided on the matter. In 2010, an EKOS/Globe and Mail poll found that 52 per cent of Canadians were pro-choice. It found that 27 per cent were pro-life. The other 21 per cent did not side with either camp. Since 1990, federal parties and governments have steered clear of abortion. They prefer to let the Supreme Court have the last word on the subject. Several private members bills on both sides of the issue have been tabled...more
Aug. 17, 2025, 11:34 p.m.
Countries: Cambodia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Despite abortion being legal in Cambodia up to 12 weeks’ gestation, there is still stigma about seeking abortion services. 'Some clients are afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed when seeking an abortion service, because they are unmarried or still studying. Some feel embarrassed after getting the service a few times,' said Sthada. 'That’s why they might try to buy pills on their own at random places or seeking unsafe abortion service secretly provided by untrained or unprofessional individual, which then becomes very life-threatening.'" (Para 8-10).
Aug. 17, 2025, 11:17 p.m.
Countries: Cambodia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Furthermore, the Minister stressed the need to prevent social stigma and discrimination against women and girls who have experienced harassment, as such factors can push victims toward unsafe and unqualified abortion services. He also addressed the pros and cons of technological advancements in women’s and girls’ access to information and knowledge in rural areas" (Para 8).
Aug. 16, 2025, 9:15 p.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"[C]ultural barriers further limit access to abortion for marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities" (Para 4). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are financial, the stigma associated with abortion, the lack of qualified health workers—especially in rural areas—and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are ... the stigma associated with abortion ... and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Since 2023, Argentina has also been facing a new political atmosphere. In...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 9:10 p.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"A woman in Argentina accused of killing her baby after suffering an obstetric emergency has had her case dismissed. La China, a migrant from Venezuela and mother of two, told the court she did not know she was pregnant when she expelled what she thought were blood clots in December 2020 while at home in the capital. La China has polycystic ovary syndrome, which results in severe pain and irregular heavy periods, along with what medical experts diagnosed as pregnancy denial, a psychological condition. She had lived through previous obstetric emergencies, and had been unaware of other pregnancies. The ruling was a victory for women’s rights activists who had been...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 8:55 p.m.
Countries: Burma/Myanmar
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"The threat of significant jail time for people in Myanmar who have an abortion has given rise to a network of black market abortion pills and providers. Some of the resulting underground abortions are dangerous, and because of the looming threat of strict sentences, people who undergo them likely choose not to seek post-abortion care, exposing themselves to potential long-term medical and psychological consequences" (Para 5). "One group, the Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, recently published a recipe for a homemade medical abortion pill online. Like the Jane Collective’s underground procedures, these do-it-yourself abortion pills can carry serious risks. They could have dangerous interactions with other medications or conditions, and they...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 8:43 p.m.
Countries: Burma/Myanmar
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"In Myanmar, having an abortion can be a life or death situation. According to the United Nations Population Fund, abortion complications are one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country" (Para 16). "Myanmar feminists say that unjust laws and decades of deeply rooted patriarchal culture make accessing safe options nearly impossible, and the laws often force people with unwanted pregnancies to turn to dangerous alternatives" (Para 18). "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people with unwanted pregnancies could circumvent Myanmar’s anti-abortion laws by traveling to Bangkok or Singapore. Today, however, with borders closed throughout Asia, more women are forced to perform the procedure on themselves through risky, often unhygienic...more
Aug. 15, 2025, 4:24 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Nearly three in ten women who reported an abortion indicated experiencing a potential severe complication, and only half of these women accessed postabortion care at a facility for treatment. 75% of women were unaware that abortion could be accessed safely in certain situations under the law in Burkina Faso" (Page 1). "Over half of abortions were most unsafe (51%)3, involving a non-clinical provider (i.e. not a public or private health facility) and a non-recommended method (i.e. something other than abortion surgery or misoprostol with or without mifepristone). Unsafe abortions were most common among women with no education, unmarried women, and the oldest women" (Page 3).
Aug. 15, 2025, 3:53 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"Despite recent increases in contraceptive use and continued legal restrictions, abortion remains common in Burkina Faso and is largely unsafe, with evidence of potential disparities" (Page 1). "Based on the initial WHO abortion safety definition, 8.9% of respondent abortions were safe, 45.3% were less safe, and 45.0% were least safe" (Page 9).
July 30, 2025, 9:11 p.m.
Countries: Jamaica
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1

"The intermittent debate on abortion in Jamaica has been reopened with the current pro-life campaign launched by local group Love March Movement in association with global Christian organisation 40 Days for Life" (Para 1).