Abortion in Azerbaijan

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Overview of abortion laws and practices in Azerbaijan


Abortion in Azerbaijan

  


Official name
Common name
Motto
Anthem
FlagFlag of Azerbaijan.svg
Coat of armsEmblem of Azerbaijan.svg
CapitalBaku
Largest city
Government
Legislature



Abortion in Azerbaijan is a legal medical procedure regulated by the government. The laws surrounding abortion have evolved over time, reflecting changes in political, social, and cultural attitudes towards reproductive rights.

Legal Framework[edit | edit source]

Abortion in Azerbaijan is governed by the Law on Protection of Health of the Population, which was enacted in 1997. Under this law, abortion is permitted on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Beyond this period, abortions are allowed under specific circumstances, such as when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman's life or health, or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities.

Historical Context[edit | edit source]

During the Soviet era, abortion was widely available and used as a primary method of birth control. After gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan retained liberal abortion laws, although there have been ongoing discussions about potential restrictions.

Current Practices[edit | edit source]

In Azerbaijan, abortions are typically performed in hospitals and clinics by qualified medical professionals. The procedure is generally safe, but access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including contraception and family planning, remains a challenge in some areas.

Statistics[edit | edit source]

According to the World Health Organization, the abortion rate in Azerbaijan has been declining, partly due to increased access to contraceptives and family planning education. However, reliable data on abortion rates can be difficult to obtain due to underreporting and variations in data collection methods.

Social and Cultural Factors[edit | edit source]

Abortion remains a sensitive topic in Azerbaijan, influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. The majority of the population is Muslim, and while Islam generally discourages abortion, interpretations and practices vary widely.

Public Opinion[edit | edit source]

Public opinion on abortion in Azerbaijan is mixed. While some advocate for more restrictive laws, others emphasize the importance of women's rights and access to safe reproductive health services.

International Perspective[edit | edit source]

Azerbaijan is a signatory to several international agreements that promote women's health and rights, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). These commitments influence national policies and practices regarding abortion and reproductive health.

Challenges and Controversies[edit | edit source]

Despite legal access to abortion, women in Azerbaijan may face barriers such as stigma, lack of information, and limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. Efforts to improve reproductive health services and education are ongoing.

Also see[edit | edit source]



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD