By: Anna Wilkowska-Landowska
Date: 5 June 2009
Source: RH Reality Check
After several years of parliamentary battles, Monaco changed its abortion law in April 2009. The law now allows abortion for cases of severe fetal malformation, pregnancy resulting from a criminal act or when the life or health of the woman is in danger. Two doctors have to certify the risk. Minors need the consent of one parent. Abortions can only be done in a public hospital. The law is extremely restrictive although it represents considerable progress for Monaco, where 90% of the population is formally Catholic. Previously, abortion was only permitted to save the life of a woman, and any person performing an illegal abortion was subject to one to five years imprisonment and a fine. Ireland, San Marino, Malta and Andorra are now the only countries in Europe with a total ban on abortion.
