Summary of European Abortion Laws

Law passed in 1978, upheld in 1981 referendum.

A 1993 referendum rejected legalization, but made it legal to advertise abortions available in foreign countries and allowed people to travel overseas to obtain abortions.

Abortion was legal under the communist government. The post-communist democratic government enacted the present law in 1993. In 1996 they passed a more liberal law, allowing abortion up to 12 weeks for various reasons, including financial hardship and emotional problems, but the high court declared this law unconstitutional.

Law passed in 1985. In practice, the "mental health" clause has resulted in abortion on demand (up to 12 weeks)as psychiatrists will routinely certify that a woman's mental health is endangered.

Law passed 1967.

A 1977 referendum to allow abortions up to 12 weeks was rejected. A 1988 referendum to drop the life-of-the-mother exception was also defeated.

The Pope has called for Catholic churches to stop participating in the counseling certification, on the grounds that this makes the church a party to the abortion. Some within the church see it as an opportunity to present mothers with alternatives.

Law passed 1973. Abortion rate is very high -- about 20% of all pregnancies.

Romania was the only country where abortion was illegal under communist rule, and this prohibition was enforced with very invasive government action. When the communist government was overthrown abortion was legalized.