Three models, found almost everywhere
The first is the time-limit model: up to a certain point the pregnant person decides, usually after a prescribed consultation. The second is the grounds model: abortion is lawful only where a listed reason exists — risk to life or health, serious foetal anomaly, rape — and often only with medical certificates. The third is near-prohibition, with very narrow exceptions. Which model applies matters less, in practice, than how many providers there are.
The time limit is never quite what it appears
Limits are counted differently: from the first day of the last period or from conception — a difference of about two weeks. Then come mandatory waiting periods between counselling and procedure, which eat into the time you have, and separate, much shorter limits for medical abortion using pills. Anyone close to a deadline should therefore establish first how it is counted, before anything else.
Conscientious objection decides real access
In many countries clinicians may refuse to take part. Where that right is widely used, a clearly worded legal entitlement can become almost unavailable in practice: few providers, long journeys, waiting times that consume the limit. Almost everywhere, however, a duty remains to refer the patient elsewhere and to treat in an emergency. Ask about referral explicitly at the first appointment.
Minors and cost
Most systems require parental consent for minors but provide a judicial or administrative alternative where that consent cannot be obtained. On cost, the range runs from full coverage by the public health system to full self-payment, with systems in between that reimburse only medically indicated procedures. Travel and time off work are frequently the larger expense.
What to do immediately
Have the gestational age confirmed clinically rather than calculating it yourself, and book the counselling appointment before you have decided — in many systems it is the consultation that starts the clock. Do not wait for certainty before making appointments: appointments can be cancelled, lost weeks cannot be recovered.
The law country by country
The legal framework, the procedure, the time limits and the costs differ from one country to another. Each country below has a detailed page: governing texts, key facts, the actual procedure, costs, where to go and the traps to avoid.
Select a country to open its detailed page.
