Abortion in Vanuatu

Abortion in Vanuatu is severely restricted by criminal law.[1] Abortion is illegal under the provisions of section 117 of the Vanuatu Penal Code, Act No. 17 or 7 August 1981.[2] The code states that any women who intentionally induces a miscarriage is subject to up to two years' imprisonment.[1] Abortion is illegal in cases of rape, incest, and threats to fetal health.[3] The only allocations for abortion are to save the life or the pregnant women and to preserve physical and mental health. Under section 113 of the code the legal abortion must be done before the 28th week of pregnancy.

Self-induced abortions

The Vanuatu Family Health Association reports various methods women use for self-induced abortions, including the use of local leaves or bark from a tree.[3] Abortions like this that are outside of the medical system endanger the lives of women, as even an immediate visit to a nearby hospital or clinic may be futile if that medical facility does not have the equipment to repair any damage.[3]

References
  1. Abortion Policies: Oman to Zimbabwe. United Nations Publications. 2001. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  2. "Abortion Policies: a review of policies, legislation and social indicators for the South Pacific". www.vanuatu.usp.ac.fj. Retrieved 2018-09-19.
  3. Graue, Catherine (20 June 2014). "New study to research Vanuatu's illegal abortions with fears rates are increasing". ABC News. Retrieved 23 November 2014.


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