Gestational Limits

Gestational limits refer to the specific point during pregnancy when abortion is legally permitted. These limits define the maximum gestational age at which a pregnancy can be terminated under the law or policy of a given jurisdiction.

Key points about gestational limits include:

• Measurement: Gestational age is typically calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP), which is about two weeks before conception. This method is used because the exact date of conception is often unknown.

• Variation by country and law: Gestational limits vary widely depending on the legal framework and the grounds under which abortion is allowed. In countries where abortion is allowed on request, the most common gestational limit is around 12 weeks. Some countries have later limits, such as 24 weeks, or no limit at all at the federal level (e.g., the United States).

• Grounds-based limits: In many places, gestational limits differ depending on the circumstances, such as allowing abortion later in pregnancy if the woman’s life or health is at risk, or in cases of rape or incest.

• Impact and evidence: Gestational limits are not necessarily evidence-based and can restrict access to abortion services. Studies have shown that such limits can delay access to abortion, especially for women seeking later abortions or those living far from clinics, and are associated with increased maternal mortality and poorer health outcomes.

• International human rights perspectives: Some human rights bodies recommend allowing abortion on request during the first trimester and later in cases where the woman’s life or health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. The Council of Europe has called for decriminalizing abortion within reasonable gestational limits to ensure safe and legal access.

In summary, gestational limits define the legal timeframe during pregnancy when abortion is allowed, usually measured in weeks from the last menstrual period, and vary widely by jurisdiction and circumstances.