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Abortion Legislation Article
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Abortion Laws: National and International
from:Abortion laws are those legislations which describe whether or not the practice of abortion is allowed in certain places, and how it can be practiced. As the technical details vary greatly from country to country, I will be focusing on general details for general geological areas.
Abortion laws were discussed in discourse all the way back to the ancient Greek and Roman times in the writings of such people as Plato and Aristotle, who favored abortion in certain circumstances, and Hippocrates who completely disagreed with the practice. Certain writers of this time period even discussed different abortifacient herbs – or herbs that cause abortion - and how to use them. Religion has always played a major role in the legalization or banning of abortion. Many Catholic popes have declared abortion a “sin against marriage”. In the 1800s, Western countries began making abortion illegal because of moral dilemmas and because the practice of abortion at that time was so dangerous. However, abortions did not decrease due to the bans. This is a major reason why in the 20th century legislation was passed in many countries legalizing the practice of abortion. Most countries now have legalized abortion procedures that are safer than other medical treatments available.
International abortion laws are difficult to uphold due to individual country’s laws. However, the United Nations, as well as other international organizations, has instituted a number of legislations regulating abortion and dealing with women’s rights. One such legislation is the 1994 Programme of Action, which states that abortion should not be used as a practice of family planning. It also recognizes that in countries where abortion is legal, those practices should be safe. In other words, this legislation helps make sure that abortion procedures are medically regulated and practiced by licensed professionals. Another of the international abortion laws states that women have the right to make a decision about her body without being coerced or punished. This legislation is called the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.
Individual countries ultimately make their own abortion laws. In Africa, most countries allow Therapeutic abortion, but in cases of rape, socio-economic factors and fetal defects, abortions are not allowed. On demand abortions are illegal in almost every country. In Asian countries like China, North Korea and Cambodia, all abortions are legal. In Japan, abortions are only legal in the first and second trimester, and on demand abortion are not allowed. In Europe, most countries have relaxed abortion laws, except for in Malta and Vatican City, where all abortions are illegal. Ireland, San Marino, and Andorra allow for therapeutic abortions only. In the Middle East, only Bahrain allows all types of abortion; most countries provide for the health of the woman. In Canada and the United States, all types of abortion are legal, though on demand abortions are a bit more restricted in the US.
Abortion Legislation Specific links
Abortion Legislation News
Letters: Doctors disobeying abortion laws could backfire - USA TODAY
 USA TODAY | Letters: Doctors disobeying abortion laws could backfire USA TODAY Kelley Cox, AP Kelley Cox, AP Physicians who deliberately flout the law risk losing their license to practice medicine and, in some cases, a jail sentence. They and their families could become targets for harassment and violence from anti-abortion ... |
20 years after the Supreme Court's Historic Casey Decision Americans United ... - MarketWatch (press release)
20 years after the Supreme Court's Historic Casey Decision Americans United ... MarketWatch (press release) Casey, Americans United for Life will host a luncheon symposium featuring a panel of legal experts who will discuss the significance of the decision. AUL is uniquely positioned to analyze Casey: as the legal arm of the pro-life movement, ... Churches shift positions on abortion |
Vincent Gray, Eleanor Holmes Norton hit Republicans ahead of DC abortion hearing - Washington Post (blog)
 Mother Jones | Vincent Gray, Eleanor Holmes Norton hit Republicans ahead of DC abortion hearing Washington Post (blog) Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said the abortion bill made her feel “disgust and anger.” (Melina Mara - THE WASHINGTON POST) Rep. Trent Franks' (R-Ariz.) bill, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, ... DC Becomes the Next Front in Abortion Fight D.C. Delegate Norton silenced at abortion bill hearing Fetal Pain Bill Makes DC Abortion Battleground |
The Campaign Against Women - New York Times
 The Star-Ledger - NJ.com | The Campaign Against Women New York Times New laws in some states could mean a death sentence for a pregnant woman who suffers a life-threatening condition. But the attack goes well beyond abortion, into birth control, access to health care, equal pay and domestic violence. Brewer: Important to lead on moral issues States show outlook for women's health under Romney |
Missouri lawmakers approve anti-abortion, contraception bill - STLtoday.com
 Christian Science Monitor | Missouri lawmakers approve anti-abortion, contraception bill STLtoday.com The legislation, which is aimed primarily at abortion, contraception and sterilization, made it out of the Capitol today and is heading to Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat. It was not immediately clear whether Nixon plans to sign it. Missouri House endorses contraception, abortion refusal legislation Mo. lawmakers face contraception issue on last day Missouri lawmakers face contraception issue on last day |