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7 Surprising Countries Where Abortion Is Illegal, Even Now

On January 28, 1935, Iceland became the first country to legalize abortion, making Wednesday the 80th anniversary of the legalization. Nearly a century has passed since this historical legislation, but there are still dozens of countries that outlaw abortion. While it's not surprising at all that abortion is illegal in many of these nations, who have similarly antiquated laws regarding LGBT and gender rights, a few stand out as being seemingly more progressive than that.

There has been some contention over whether Iceland was indeed the first country to legalize abortion. Though the Soviet Union technically legalized abortion first in 1919, the terms were different from what we recognize today as a modern legalization policy, plus the law was reversed in 1936. Thus, Iceland is widely known as the first. On January 28, 1935, the Nordic country passed Law No. 38, which legalized abortion based on certain health and social conditions, like the mother and the fetus's health and if the mother was impregnated as a result of rape.

While Iceland's law has remained conditional, the country still paved the way for the many that have fully legalized abortion. Between 1950 and 1985, most developed countries legalized abortion, declaring it a fundamental human right. These include major nations like the U.S. and China, plus surprising countries like India — where gender discrimination is still a major issue — and even the autocratic North Korea. That perspective makes it all the more baffling that some of the world's most evolved countries still outlaw abortion.

by Alicia Lu

Brazil

Brazil might as well be known as the land of self-expression and sexual liberation. However, abortion is totally illegal with the exception of two circumstances: if the pregnancy puts the mother’s life in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

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Ireland

Ireland might let loose on St. Patrick’s Day, but the staunchly Catholic country has some pretty draconian views on abortion. The only condition that would allow an abortion to be performed in the European country is if the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life. Otherwise, it’s completely illegal, even if the woman became pregnant as a result of rape or if the fetus has impairments.

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Indonesia

Like Brazil, Indonesia only permits abortions on the conditions of saving the mother’s life or if the pregnancy stems from incest or rape.

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Chile

When it comes to abortion, Chile is the most draconian country in the world. Because in Chile, abortion is absolutely and completely illegal, with no exceptions, not even to save the mother’s life.

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Mexico

Though Mexico is rapidly growing as a nation and now has one of the strongest economies in the world, its laws on abortion are still outdated. The procedure is illegal in 18 of its 31 states, where hundreds of women have been sentenced to up to 30 years in jail. The only exceptions are when the pregnancy is a result of rape and when the mother’s life is endangered, but the latter is not a permitting factor in the conservative states of Guanajuato, Guerrero, and Querétaro.

However, abortion is legal upon request in Mexico City up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

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Philippines

Despite being heavily influenced by Spanish and American culture, the Philippines is one of the most conservative countries in the world when it comes to abortion. The only time abortion is permitted is to save the life of a pregnant mother.

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Australia

Australia is hands down one of the most developed and wealthiest nations in the world. Compared to other countries, it ranks high in terms of health, education, economy, civil liberties and political rights, and quality of life in general. But one glaring inconsistency? Its policy on abortion.

Abortion in Australia is determined by state law, so in some states like Victoria it’s legal upon request while in others like Queensland, abortion is illegal except in cases to preserve the mother’s life and health and if a serious defect is detected in the fetus.

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