Abortion in Algeria
Abortion in Algeria is only legal if the abortion will save the woman's life or if the pregnancy gravely endangers the woman's physical or mental health.[1] In Algeria, any abortion performed under different conditions subjects the woman to six to twenty-four months in prison.[1] The person who performs the procedure may face one to five years in prison, pay a fine, and lose any medical license.[1]
Impact of strict abortion laws
The most common cause of maternal death in Algeria is from uterine perforations, half of which are caused by unsound illegal abortions.[1]
History
In 1998, Algeria's government lifted its full restriction on abortion to make an exception for women raped by Islamic rebels.[2] In the four years leading up to this decision, at least 1,600 young women had been abducted by roving bands of the Armed Islamic Group.[2] Prior to this edict, women were only allowed abortions if they had been deemed insane or in fatal danger.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Abortion Policies: Oman to Zimbabwe. United Nations Publications. 2001. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- 1 2 Ibrahim, Youssef M. (1998-04-14). "Algeria to Permit Abortions for Rape Victims". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
- ↑ "Algeria authorises abortion for rape victims". BBC. 1998-04-12. Retrieved 2016-06-21.