The Center for Reproductive Rights has launched its latest comprehensive report, Europe Abortion Laws 2025: Policies, Progress and Challenges, offering the most accurate and up-to-date analysis of abortion laws and policies across 49 European countries.

Drawing on a detailed review of national laws, policies and regulations, the report provides a data-driven overview supported by comparative maps and tables. It highlights recent reforms, persistent legal barriers, and emerging legislative trends that continue to shape access to abortion care across the region.

The report shows that most European countries have now legalized abortion, steadily aligning their laws with international human rights standards and public health guidelines. However, in several countries, restrictive laws and procedural barriers—such as mandatory waiting periods, biased counselling, and financial obstacles—still limit access to safe and timely abortion care.

According to Leah Hoctor, Vice President for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights, this resource aims to equip lawmakers, officials, advocates, and legal experts with the tools they need to advance reforms, hold governments accountable, and champion reproductive rights for all.

Europe Abortion Laws 2025 is an essential resource for understanding how legal frameworks shape abortion access and how continued collaboration and advocacy can help advance reproductive rights across Europe.

Key Findings:

• 43 out of 49 countries allow abortion on request, at least in early pregnancy.

• 20 countries have expanded access in the last decade; 7 countries have introduced new restrictions.

• Only 5 countries retain highly restrictive laws.

• 29 countries no longer criminalise women for obtaining abortions outside legal limits.

• 14 countries that have legalised abortion still impose a mandatory waiting period.

• 16 countries that have legalised abortion still require mandatory counselling prior to abortion.

• 21 countries provide abortion free of charge or cover it under public insurance.

• 10 countries have reformed laws to allow confidential access to care for adolescents in line with international human rights standards. Many still require parental consent until 16–18 years of age.

📘 Read the full report here: Center for Reproductive Rights – Europe Abortion Laws 2025: Policies, Progress and Challenges