Ukraine proposes banning abortions at any stage of pregnancy: petition submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers

In Ukraine, an electronic petition has been registered with the Cabinet of Ministers with a proposal to ban artificial termination of pregnancy exclusively at the woman’s request, regardless of the term. At the same time, the author of the initiative proposes to retain certain exceptions for medical reasons and in cases of pregnancy as a result of rape.

What is proposed to be changed

The author of petition No. 41/011247-26еп calls on the government to develop a relevant draft law and submit it for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.

Currently, Ukrainian legislation allows women to terminate a pregnancy of their own free will up to 12 weeks. The author of the appeal proposes to abolish this possibility, regardless of the term of pregnancy.

He justifies his position with Articles 3 and 27 of the Constitution of Ukraine, which define human life and health as the highest social values ​​and guarantee the right to life.

The petition also notes that the established limit of 12 weeks comes from Soviet legislation of 1955. In the author’s opinion, the current restrictions need to be revised.

In which cases is it proposed to keep abortions permitted

The initiative does not envisage a complete ban on all cases of artificial termination of pregnancy.

The author proposes to retain the possibility of performing abortions in the following circumstances:

the presence of a real threat to the life or health of the pregnant woman;
severe fetal malformations according to certain medical criteria;
pregnancy resulting from rape.

At the same time, it is proposed to significantly tighten the restrictions for the latter category.

In particular, the author of the petition advocates reducing the maximum period for termination of pregnancy after rape from 22 to 12 weeks.

In addition, it is proposed to introduce a mandatory ten-day period for considering the decision. To do this, a woman will have to apply for the appropriate procedure no later than the end of the 11th week of pregnancy.

Does it provide for increased liability

Separately, the author of the appeal proposes to review the legislation on liability for illegal abortions, forced termination of pregnancy and other illegal actions.

At the same time, the initiative provides for increased state support for pregnant women who find themselves in difficult life circumstances.

In particular, this concerns financial, medical, psychological and social assistance.