Abortion in Ecuador
Since 1938, Ecuador only permitted abortion under very restricted conditions, specifically, when the pregnancy posed a risk to the pregnant person’s life or health, or in cases of rape involving people with mental disabilities. However, in 2021, the Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling (Sentencia 34-19-IN/21) that decriminalized abortion in all cases of rape. This significantly expanded legal access and recognized abortion as a constitutional right in specific circumstances [1]. Following the ruling, the National Assembly passed legislation in 2022 to regulate access. However, a presidential veto later introduced stricter limitations, including shorter gestational limits and additional procedural requirements. Although some of these have since been eased by the Court, abortion remains illegal outside the established grounds, and many people still face legal, social, and institutional barriers when seeking care [2].
Is abortion legal in Ecuador?
No, abortion in Ecuador is not legal on request. It is permitted only if the person’s life or health is at risk, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape. Abortion is not legal on request in Ecuador. It is only permitted under the following circumstances, when the pregnancy poses a risk to the person’s life or health, including mental health and when the pregnancy is the result of rape. For cases of rape, abortion is allowed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy for most people, and up to 18 weeks for minors, Indigenous women, or those living in rural areas. Initially, requirements such as filing a police report or obtaining guardian consent for minors were part of the process, but the Constitutional Court has ruled these should not be mandatory to avoid revictimization [1]. While the law establishes access in these cases, stigma, lack of trained providers, and institutional barriers, such as conscientious objection, continue to limit real access to safe abortion [2].
Abortion with pills in Ecuador
In-clinic abortion in Ecuador
Support and Resources in Ecuador
Who can I contact for more information about abortion in Ecuador?
Please contact the following organizations to access abortion services and information.