Abortion in Seychelles

Last updated

In Seychelles, abortion is legal in the cases of risk to life, risk to physical or mental health, birth defects, pregnancy from rape, or mental incapacity. Abortion must be approved by three doctors or by a judge. It is only permitted in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, except in exceptional circumstances. There is only one legal abortion provider, Victoria Hospital. The rate of illegal abortion is believed to be high.

Contents

Abortion was banned under French rule. The United Kingdom's Abortion Act 1967 influenced the easing of restrictions in the Seychelles. The country passed abortion legislation in 1981 and 1984. There have not been major movements to legalize abortion. The rates of unintended pregnancy have fallen in the 21st century. However, the rate of teenage pregnancy has remained high, motivating abortion among adolescents. In response, the government, gynecologists, and activists have promoted sexual education about abortion for teenagers.

Legislation

The Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1994 defines the legal grounds for abortion. Abortion is legal if the pregnancy poses a risk to the life or physical mental health of the mother, or if it may cause birth defects. A judge may authorize an abortion if the pregnancy was caused by rape or if the mother is psychologically unfit. The act sets a gestational limit of twelve weeks, unless the Director of Health Services determines that exceptional circumstances require late termination of pregnancy. [1] An abortion must be authorized by three doctors, including a specialist. Minors must receive parental consent. The only legal abortion provider is Victoria Hospital. [2]

History

Under the French colonial government, Seychelles adopted the French Penal Code of 1810, banning abortion. A 1939 amendment permitted abortion only to save the mother's life. [3] After the United Kingdom enacted the Abortion Act 1967, which permitted abortion under certain grounds, almost identical laws were enacted in Zambia and Seychelles. [4] Unlike this law, the law in the Seychelles does not include socioeconomic grounds for abortion. [3] The Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1981 defined the legal grounds for abortion. [5] When the Constitution of Seychelles was rewritten in 1992, the ruling Seychelles People's Progressive Front included a statement permitting abortion. The opposition parties rejected this, with the support of the Catholic Church. [6] The Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1994 changed the gestational limit. [7] Seychelles signed the Maputo Protocol, which includes a right to abortion, in 2006. [8] According to Imaz Press Réunion  [ fr ] in 2022, Seychelles is unlikely to legalize abortion on demand soon because the country is very religious and there are no major abortion rights movements. [9]

Prevalence

Each year from 2008 to 2003, Seychelles had between 400 and 500 legal abortions and about 1500 live births. In 2023, 13% of abortion recipients were aged 10–19, 78% were aged 20–39, and 7% were aged 40–49. The National Bureau of Statistics only records legal abortions but estimates that there are many illegal abortions, which are often induced using prescription drugs. [1] [10] The estimated rate of illegal abortions increased in the 1990s and 2000s. [10]

Many women in Seychelles choose to terminate pregnancies for reasons such as financial instability or relationship issues. [1] [11] Since the 1990s, the country's fertility and pregnancy rates have fallen. Despite this, teenage pregnancy rates have remained high. A 1997 study found that four-fifths of teenage pregnancies were unintended. That year, the teenage pregnancy rate fell below 6%; however, the rate again surpassed this number after 2002. [10] As of 2022, most districts of the country have increasing rates of teenage pregnancy. [11] Minors require parental consent to receive birth control, which may contribute to the rate. [1] Gynecologists and activists have argued that sexual education for teenagers does not adequately explain birth control options to prevent unplanned pregnancies. [1] [11] The Elles Foundation works to support pregnant teenagers and to promote sexual education. [1] In 2022, the Department of Social Affairs said it was working to address issues such as abortion and teenage pregnancy. [11]

In August 2004, women paid about 7,000 Seychellois rupees for an abortion, though the cost to the Ministry of Health could be up to R30,000 and the procedures were often fatal, according to gynecologist Robert Michel. Some providers of abortion pills purchased them overseas and sold them for R1,500. [12] The native plant Ochrosia parviflora , known as bwa sousouri, is used to induce abortion. [13]

Related Research Articles

Late termination of pregnancy, also referred to politically as third trimester abortion, describes the termination of pregnancy by inducing labor during a late stage of gestation. In this context, late is not precisely defined, and different medical publications use varying gestational age thresholds. As of 2015, in the United States, more than 90% of abortions occur before the 13th week, 1.3% take place after the 21st week, and less than 1% occur after 24 weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abortion law</span> Laws that allow, prohibit, or regulate abortion

Abortion laws vary widely among countries and territories, and have changed over time. Such laws range from abortion being freely available on request, to regulation or restrictions of various kinds, to outright prohibition in all circumstances. Many countries and territories that allow abortion have gestational limits for the procedure depending on the reason; with the majority being up to 12 weeks for abortion on request, up to 24 weeks for rape, incest, or socioeconomic reasons, and more for fetal impairment or risk to the woman's health or life. As of 2022, countries that legally allow abortion on request or for socioeconomic reasons comprise about 60% of the world's population. In 2024, France became the first country to explicitly protect abortion rights in its constitution, while Yugoslavia implicitly inscribed abortion rights in its constitution in 1974.

Abortion in Israel is permitted when determined by a termination committee, with the vast majority of cases being approved, as of 2019. The rate of abortion in Israel has steadily declined since 1988, and compared to the rest of the world, abortion rates in Israel are moderate. According to government data, in Israel, abortion rates in 2016 dropped steadily to 9 per 1,000 women of childbearing age, lower than England (16.2) and the United States (13.2). 99% of abortions are carried out in the first trimester. Despite allegations of permitting abortion under limited circumstances, Haaretz noted in 2019 that this is not the case, and abortion is almost always permitted in Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abortion in South Africa</span>

Abortion in South Africa is legal by request when the pregnancy is under 13 weeks. It is also legal to terminate a pregnancy between weeks 13 and 20 if the continued pregnancy would significantly affect the woman's social or economic circumstances, poses a risk of injury to the woman's physical or mental health, there is a substantial risk that the foetus would suffer from a severe physical or mental abnormality, or the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. If the pregnancy is more than 20 weeks, a termination is legal if the foetus' life is in danger, or there is a likelihood of serious birth defects.

Abortion in Italy became legal in May 1978, when Italian women were allowed to terminate a pregnancy on request during the first 12 weeks and 6 days. A proposal to repeal the law was considered in a 1981 referendum, but was rejected by nearly 68% of voters; another referendum aimed at eliminating the restrictions was rejected by 88.4%.

Abortion has been legal in India under various circumstances with the introduction of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Regulations, 2003 were issued under the Act to enable women to access safe and legal abortion services.

Abortion in Greece has been fully legalized since 1986, when Law 1609/1986 was passed effective from 3 July 1986. Partial legalization of abortion in Greece was passed in Law 821 in 1978 that provided for the legal termination of a pregnancy, with no time limitation, in the event of a threat to the health or life of the woman. This law also allowed for termination up to the 12th week of pregnancy due to psychiatric indications and to the 20th week due to fetal pathology. Following the passage of the 1986 law, abortions can be performed on-demand in hospitals for women whose pregnancies have not exceeded 12 weeks. In the case of rape or incest, an abortion can occur as late as 19 weeks, and as late as 24 weeks in the case of fetal abnormalities. In case of inevitable risk to the life of the pregnant woman or a risk of serious and continuous damage to her physical or mental health, termination of pregnancy is legal any time before birth. Girls under the age of 18 must get written permission from a parent or guardian before being allowed an abortion.

Abortion in Zimbabwe is available under limited circumstances. Zimbabwe's current abortion law, the Termination of Pregnancy Act, was enacted by Rhodesia's white minority government in 1977. The law permits abortion if the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman or threatens to permanently impair her physical health, if the child may be born with serious physical or mental defects, or if the fetus was conceived as a result of rape or incest. Nevertheless, an estimated 70,000+ illegal abortions are performed in Zimbabwe each year.

Abortion in Bulgaria has been legal on request within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy since 1 February 1990. Between 12 and 20 weeks, abortion is only permitted for women who suffer from certain diseases that may endanger her life or that of the child, and after 20 weeks abortion is only permitted if the woman's life is in danger or the fetus is severely genetically harmed.

In Benin, abortion is legal on broad socioeconomic grounds up to twelve weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion is a controversial topic in Nigeria. Abortion in Nigeria is governed by the two laws that differs greatly depending on geographical location. Northern Nigeria is governed by The Penal Code and Southern Nigeria is governed by The Criminal Code. The only legal way to have an abortion in Nigeria is if having the child is going to put the mother's life in danger. However, sex-selective abortion has long had acceptance in Nigeria.

Abortion in Singapore is legal and widely accessible. It was formally legalised in 1974, being one of the first countries in Asia to do so. It is available on request for Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, individuals with an issued student or work pass, individuals who have been a resident of Singapore for a minimum of four months as well as anyone married to a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident. Foreigners may also obtain an abortion in Singapore if their lives are endangered.

In Madagascar, abortion is illegal in all circumstances. The abortion law punishes receiving or assisting in an abortion with imprisonment or fines. It is one of the only countries with a total abortion ban. Abortion has been illegal since the French colonial era, influenced by attitudes favoring increased births. In 2017, the government rejected a proposal to legalize therapeutic abortion. A bill allowing abortion in the case of rape was proposed by Member of Parliament Masy Goulamaly in November 2021 but was withdrawn by the parliament.

In the Gambia, abortion is illegal except to save the life of the mother or to prevent birth defects. Abortions in the Gambia have high rates of mortality and complications. Abortions are common among adolescents. There is a stigma surrounding extramarital pregnancy and abortion.

In Togo, abortion is only legal in the cases of pregnancy from rape or incest, risk to the mother's health or life, or risk of birth defects. The law requires abortion to be performed by a doctor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abortion in Africa</span>

In Africa, abortion is subject to various national abortion laws. Most women in Africa live in countries with restrictive laws. Most countries in Africa are parties to the African Union's Maputo Protocol, the only international treaty that defines a right to abortion. Sub-Saharan Africa is the world region with the highest rates of unsafe abortions and abortion mortality. Most abortions in the region are unsafe. The region has the highest rate of unintended pregnancy, the primary motive for abortion. The most likely women to have abortions are young, unmarried, or urban. Post-abortion care is widely available.

In Guinea, abortion is illegal unless the pregnancy poses a threat to the life or health of the pregnant woman or fetus, if it resulted from rape, or if the pregnant woman is a minor. Illegal abortions are punishable by fines and prison. Legal abortions require approval from doctors in the case of therapeutic abortion or ethics committees in the case of abortion from rape. The conditions for legal abortion are debated. Women's rights activists and journalists have advocated for reform.

In Gabon, abortion is only legal in the cases of risk to the mother's life, risk of birth defects, pregnancy from rape or incest, or if the mother is a minor in distress, up to ten weeks of pregnancy. Illegal abortions are punishable by prison or fines. Gabon has one of the highest rates of abortion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In the Comoros, abortion is illegal unless medically necessary. An abortion typically must be approved by two doctors. People who receive or conduct abortions may be punished with fines or imprisonment. The country's abortion law, based on French abortion law, only allowed abortion in the case of risk to life before a 1982 amendment. Intimate partner violence is a factor associated with abortions. Some women who get pregnant from sexual assault and cannot access abortions commit infanticide.

In Mauritius, abortion is only legal in the cases of risk to life, risk to physical or mental health, risk of fetal impairment, pregnancy from rape, or pregnancy of a minor. Legal abortions must be approved by three physicians or by a police report, and they must be approved by an adult if performed on a minor. Illegal abortions are punishable by fines or prison.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Uzice, Alisa (17 July 2024). Bonnelame, Betymie (ed.). "Abortions in Seychelles: Majority recorded among 20-39 year-olds - citing financial issues, failed relationships". Seychelles News Agency . Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  2. ↑ "Seychelles". Global Abortion Policies Database. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  3. 1 2 Ngwena, Charles (Winter 2004). "An Appraisal of Abortion Laws in Southern Africa from a Reproductive Health Rights Perspective". Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. 32 (4): 708–717. doi:10.1111/j.1748-720X.2004.tb01976.x. ISSN   1073-1105.
  4. ↑ Sai, Fred (April 2004). "International Commitments and Guidance on Unsafe Abortion". African Journal of Reproductive Health / La Revue Africaine de la Santé Reproductive. 8 (1): 15–28. doi:10.2307/3583301. hdl: 1807/3877 . ISSN   1118-4841. JSTOR   3583301.
  5. ↑ Cook, R J; Dickens, B M (October 1988). "International developments in abortion laws: 1977-88". American Journal of Public Health. 78 (10): 1305–1311. doi:10.2105/AJPH.78.10.1305. ISSN   0090-0036. PMC   1349427 . PMID   3048126.
  6. ↑ Hatchard, John (December 1993). "Re-Establishing a Multi-Party State: Some Constitutional Lessons from the Seychelles". The Journal of Modern African Studies. 31 (4): 608. ISSN   0022-278X. JSTOR   161293.
  7. ↑ Cook, R J; Dickens, B M; Bliss, L E (April 1999). "International developments in abortion law from 1988 to 1998". American Journal of Public Health. 89 (4): 579–586. doi:10.2105/AJPH.89.4.579. ISSN   0090-0036. PMC   1508897 . PMID   10191808.
  8. ↑ Hessini, Leila; Brookman-Amissah, Eunice; Crane, Barbara B. (2006). "Global Policy Change and Women's Access to Safe Abortion: The Impact of the World Health Organization's Guidance in Africa / Modification de la politique mondiale et l'accès par la femme à l'avortement sans dange: L'impact de conseil de l'Organisatioon mondiale de la santé en Afrique". African Journal of Reproductive Health / La Revue Africaine de la Santé Reproductive. 10 (3): 14–27. doi:10.2307/30032468. ISSN   1118-4841. JSTOR   30032468.
  9. ↑ "Zone sud de l'océan Indien : un accès à l'avortement (dangereusement) limité". Imaz Press Réunion. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 Govinden, Philip; Henderson, Juliette; Rizvi, Zia; Seth, Valentina; Shamlaye, Heather (1 December 2020). "Maternal and child health in Seychelles". NeuroToxicology. 81: 238–245. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2020.09.011. ISSN   0161-813X.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Gappy, Vidya (1 September 2022). "Youth voice out concerns on laws, regulations on reproductive health". Seychelles Nation . Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  12. ↑ "Abortions cost between R30,000 and life, says ministry". Seychelles Nation . 11 August 2004. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  13. ↑ Jeffery, Laura; Rotter, Rebecca (June 2016). "Sustenance, nourishment, and cultivation: plants as living cultural heritage for dispersed Chagossians in Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK: Sustenance, nourishment, and cultivation". Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. 22 (2): 296–313. doi:10.1111/1467-9655.12402.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.