1. Abortion Legislation in Europe Vicky Claeys Advocacy Manager 7 th Congress of the ESC, April 2002

2. Europe: Lowest Abortion Rates Abortions per 1000 women aged 15-44 Belgium6 Netherlands7 Germany8 Figures for 1997. Source: AGI Readings on Induced Abortion: A World Review 2000

3. Europe:Highest Abortion Rates Abortions per 1000 women aged 15-44 Russia62 Belarus58 Romania52 (Vietnam63) Figures for 1999. Source: Concise report on world population monitoring, United Nations 2002

4. Grounds on which abortion may be permitted save a woman’s life safeguard a woman’s physical health safeguard a woman’s mental heath rape or incest risk of foetal impairment socio-economic grounds no reason needed

5. Countries With More Restrictive Legislation Irelandrisk to life of woman Polandas above + & Spainrape or other sexual crime serious foetal malformation Portugalas above + risk to mental health of woman

6. Abortion Permitted on Socio-Economic Grounds Great Britain Finland Iceland Luxembourg

7. Abortion available on request (I) -with compulsory waiting period and/or counselling Belgium Czech Republic France Germany Hungary Netherlands Slovakia

8. Abortion available on request (II) Up to 12 weeks: AlbaniaArmeniaAustria AzerbaijanBelarusBulgaria DenmarkEstoniaGeorgia GreeceKazakhstanLatvia LithuaniaNorwayMoldova RomaniaRussiaSweden TurkeyUkraineUzbekistan Total: 21

9. Other types of restrictions Gestational limit Third party authorisation Medical facilities and practitioners Mandatory counselling Waiting period Fees paid

10. Conscientious Objection An obstacle for women seeking abortion in: Austria France Germany Italy Luxembourg Portugal Spain

11. Disparities in Application Examples: Italy: consent not always given to minors Albania: actual cost higher than official cost Portugal: women forced to seek abortion in Spain Poland: lack of regulations to implement the law

12. Abortions in Belgium 6 per 1000 women On demand until 12 weeks Advice about contraceptive use Pill use well established Contraceptives and abortion are affordable Abortions in Russia 62 per 1000 women On demand until 12 weeks Contraceptive advice not required The Pill is relatively new Contraceptives expensive; abortion (in principle) free

13. EVOLUTION IN RUSSIA Sources: Ministry of Health of Russia (for figures from 1989-1997), Population Policy Databank maintained by the Population Division of the UN Secretariat (for figures for 1999) n.a

14. ABORTION RATES IN EUROPE Number of abortions per 1 000 women aged 15-44* Source: Population Policy Databank maintained by the Population Division of the UN Secretariat * Figures are provided for the most recent year available (Figures between year 1997 and 1999)

15. Implications of restrictive legislation Where illegal, abortion still takes place, but: Lack of accurate data Inability to target abortion rate reductions Unable to ensure quality of care and services, and the right to health

16. IPPF European Network Statement on Abortion Adopted by the Regional Council, June 2000 Abortion should be: Legal Safe Accessible to all women

17. Women have the right to Confidentiality, respect and professional service The freedom to choose their own doctor or medical practicioner Informed choice about the abortion method High quality and professional advice and counselling before and after procedure.