Termination of pregnancy due to fetal malformations in Ecuador and legal basis in comparison with other countries

Abstract

Unsafe abortion in Latin America continues to be a public health problem, with estimates suggesting that up to 15% of maternal deaths are caused by this issue. The legal frameworks of Colombia, Argentina, Spain, and Ecuador were analyzed, describing the current grounds for abortion and protocols, with an emphasis on abortion due to fetal malformations incompatible with life. In terms of the analysis, Colombia is a pioneer in Latin America in extending the grounds for abortion and the gestational age limit. In the case of malformations incompatible with life, this ground for abortion is permitted without any gestational age limit. Spain, like Argentina, allows abortion on demand up to 14 weeks. With regard to malformations incompatible with life, it has a broad protocol for determining in which cases to perform the termination. Argentina and Ecuador do not mention eugenic abortion as a cause, but in specific cases, psychological health is taken into account in order to proceed.