Abortion in Switzerland is legal during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, upon condition of counseling, for women who state that they are in distress. It is also legal with medical indications – threat of severe physical or psychological damage to the woman – at any later time.[1] Switzerland is among the developed nations with the lowest rates of abortions and unwanted pregnancies.
Abortion was legalized by popular vote in 2002, after its criminal prohibition had ceased to be observed in practice for some time. In 2014, Swiss voters rejected an initiative to remove the coverage of abortions by the public health insurance system.
Persons performing illegal abortions are subject to a monetary penalty or imprisonment of up to five years. A pregnant woman who procures an illegal abortion is also subject to a monetary penalty or imprisonment of up to three years.[2]