Induced abortion in the world: 2. Present views on pregnancy termination

Abortion was practiced in most cultures for millennia, but was often disapproved and banned. The 20th century witnessed a progressive conditional legalization, often with limitations for the duration of pregnancy. Legalizing abortion was driven by multiple factors, including a desire to limit population growth, the emergence of movements that promoted reproductive freedom, women's empowerment and control over their own bodies, and an increased awareness of the risks inherent in abortions carried out without proper medical care. Today, there is a definite trend towards safer and more efficient abortion methods. Access to abortion care is not universal: in 2022, 970 million women of reproductive age had access to abortion, whereas some 700 million lived under restrictive laws. In many parts of the world abortion rates have increased, while the ethical conflict around abortion remains and views on both sides have polarized and become more entrenched. Whether restrictive legislation reduces the number of women undergoing abortion and whether a realization that addressing the unplanned and unwanted pregnancies can reduce the number of women seeking abortion remains debatable. In conclusion, the 20th century witnessed the contradiction of a surge in both pro- and anti-abortion sentiments.