Access to safe abortion in Mongolia is affected by several medical, administrative and social barriers, according to a study by Hilary Schwandt, a public health professor at Western Washington University, and researchers from the National University of Mongolia.

Published in the scientific journal Reproductive Health in July 2026, the study examines the experiences of people seeking abortion services and the healthcare providers involved in their care. The research was based on 24 in-depth interviews with abortion clients, their partners and abortion providers.

The barriers identified include mandatory medical examinations before the procedure, the costs associated with these tests and the additional time needed to complete them. People seeking an abortion are required to undergo procedures that include an ultrasound, a vaginal swab and blood tests for sexually transmitted infections. These requirements can delay access to care and increase the expenses patients must cover.

The research also highlights the influence of healthcare providers’ attitudes. According to the interviews, some providers try to persuade patients not to proceed with an abortion, emphasising what the researchers describe as exaggerated risks, including concerns that abortion could affect future fertility. The authors explain that such attitudes can make access to services more difficult and add pressure to people who are already facing a challenging decision.

In Mongolia, abortion is often associated with sadness and regret, and these cultural perceptions can influence how care is provided. The study describes situations in which providers’ efforts to discourage patients from having an abortion are viewed as positive outcomes, even when those patients have sought medical assistance to end a pregnancy.

The researchers emphasise that barriers extend beyond the interaction between a patient and a doctor. Institutional requirements, costs, mandatory tests and limited access to information and contraceptive counselling all contribute to the difficulties people face. Although the providers interviewed said that patients should receive contraceptive counselling before and after an abortion, only some of the clients and partners interviewed reported actually receiving it.

The study is part of a broader research project examining abortion experiences and post-abortion care in Mongolia. The next phase will explore access to services in rural areas, where distance and the availability of healthcare facilities may create additional challenges.

The findings highlight the importance of reproductive healthcare based on accurate medical information, respect for patients’ decisions and access to care without unnecessary delays or pressure. The existence of medical services alone does not guarantee effective access: how services are organised and how healthcare providers treat patients can significantly shape the experience of people seeking care.

Original source: Western Washington University – Fairhaven Professor Hilary Schwandt publishes a paper on abortion access in Mongolia.

Scientific study: “Our goal is to avoid abortions whenever possible”: A qualitative study on clinical and structural barriers to abortion in Mongolia in 2025.