Budapest: Difference between revisions

Since 1953, abortion has been legal in Hungary.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Hungary Abortion in Hungary]</ref> For the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, all reasons for abortion, including to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, risk of fetal impairment, economic or social reasons or upon the request of the pregnant woman, are permitted.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Hungary UN Report: Abortion Laws]</ref> Note that the age of pregnancy is determined based on the last menstrual cycle (not date of conception).<ref>[http://www.rekamorvay.com/2013/01/having-an-abortion-in-hungary/ Having an Abortion in Hungary]</ref> While a woman must technically receive the approval of her abortion from a committee, this request has reportedly become a mere formality. Furthermore, if a woman is under 12 weeks pregnant and the pregnancy causes a "grave crisis situation" for the woman, the committee is obligated to accept the request. According to the Ministry of Health, a "grave crisis situation" is defined as " "when it causes bodily or mental impairment, or a socially intolerable situation."<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Hungary UN Report: Abortion Laws]</ref>  

It should be noted that, according to the new Hungarian Constitution (enacted in 2011), human life begins at birth. Moreover, in 1992, Act LXXIX of 1992 on the protection of fetal life stated that "fetal life, which starts with conception, deserves respect and protection" and "the termination of pregnancies is not a means of family planning and birth control."<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws]</ref> However, the government has not made changes to its abortion policies based on these provisions.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Hungary UN Report: Abortion Laws]</ref>