The World’s Abortion Laws
Globally, there is an overwhelming trend towards the liberalization of abortion laws.
Over the past 30 years, more than 60 countries and territories have liberalized their abortion laws.
From Ireland to Nepal, abortion rights are becoming recognized as fundamental human rights for millions of people worldwide. And in Latin America, the Green Wave is ushering in a new era of liberalization in Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and elsewhere in the region.
Only four countries have rolled back the legality of abortion.
The devastating regression on abortion rights in the United States makes the country a stark outlier to the global trend toward liberalization.
An overwhelming trend towards the liberalization of abortion laws
Pictured: Countries and territories that have liberalized their abortion laws (dark blue) vs. those that have rolled back the legality of abortion (red).
60% live where abortion is broadly legal.
1.12 billion women of reproductive age
This analysis draws from the most recent data from the UN Population Division, which tracks the number of women of reproductive age living in each country. We recognize people who do not identify as women may also need access to abortion services.
40% live under restrictive laws.
753 million women of reproductive age
Since its founding in 1992, the Center for Reproductive Rights has worked across the globe to expand reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right.
This map is our definitive record of the legal status of abortion globally and is updated in real-time to show how countries and territories are protecting – or violating – individuals’ abortion rights.