The voluntary termination of pregnancy is the termination of pregnancy by the woman's own decision, carried out by medical professionals or under their direction, in accordance with current legislation.
Abortion can be carried out using surgical or pharmacological methods depending on the number of weeks of gestation, the personal characteristics of each woman and the recommendations of the professionals performing the procedure. In all cases, privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed. The woman's informed consent is required for the procedure to be carried out.
When can I request this?
This medical intervention can be requested:
- By the woman herself: during the first 14 weeks of gestation.
- For medical reasons: before the 23rd week of gestation and only when there is a serious risk to the life or health of the pregnant woman or the foetus.
- If the woman is a minor: a woman may voluntarily terminate a pregnancy from the age of 16, without the consent of her legal guardian. In the case of minors under 16 years of age, in addition to expressing their decision to terminate, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal representative, and one of them must give express consent.
Pharmacological voluntary termination of pregnancy
With this procedure, a pregnancy is voluntarily terminated with the use of one or more drugs, which simulate a miscarriage and cause the expulsion of the gestational sac.
Before the 10th week of gestation, the process can be done at home with medication provided by the sexual and reproductive health care unit (ASSIR) or the hospital (in some territories). Gestations of 10 weeks or more require the procedure to be carried out under hospital admission.
Voluntary surgical or instrumental termination of pregnancy
With this procedure, a pregnancy is voluntarily terminated by uterine evacuation with instruments.
It takes between 10 and 30 minutes and is safe and effective, with a low risk of complications if performed under the right conditions and by an experienced medical professional.
Where can I apply for a voluntary termination of pregnancy?
- At a private clinic. In this case, there is a fee.
Can I apply for medical leave due to termination of pregnancy?
You can apply for medical leave due to termination of pregnancy as long as you are under medical care and are unable to work.