Abortion Laws in Europe: A Comparative Overview
Liberalization and Restrictions
In most European countries, abortion is generally permitted within a term limit below fetal viability. For instance, in Germany and Italy, the limit is 12 weeks, while in the United Kingdom it is 24 weeks. However, some countries retain highly restrictive abortion laws.
Legalized Abortion on Request
In many European countries, women are legally permitted to have an abortion on request. This includes most Western and Northern European nations, as well as several Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary. Malta is the only EU state with a complete ban on abortion.
Malta's Unique Stance
Malta stands out as the only European country with a total ban on abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. This strict law has been in place since 1964 and has been reaffirmed in several referendums.
A Comparative Report
The Center for Reproductive Rights has recently released an updated report titled "A Comparative Overview," which provides a comprehensive analysis of abortion laws across Europe. The report highlights the general trend towards liberalization but also acknowledges the persistence of restrictive laws in some countries.
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