Publication Date: 
Thursday, April 2, 2020

Self-managed abortion has improved access to safe and effective abortions. While the practice is on the rise around the world, many countries impose significant legal restrictions on abortion access. These laws regulate various aspects of abortion, including: the grounds upon which individuals are permitted to obtain an abortion; who may provide an abortion; the tests that health professionals are required to administer before an abortion may be provided; and where an abortion is legally permitted to take place. In addition, certain countries also impose criminal penalties on individuals who participate in unlawful abortions, including on pregnant people seeking abortion. This dataset displays key features of abortion laws as they relate to self-managed abortion in 180 countries and 40 sub-national jurisdiction, including in Australia and Mexico, all in effect as of June 1, 2019.