Abortion in the Marshall Islands is only legal if the abortion will save the pregnant woman's life. In the Marshall Islands, even if physicians determine an abortion is life-saving for the woman, she must receive consent from her spouse, undergo counseling, and she must sign a form consenting to use family planning services after the medical procedure. Before any treatment related to reproductive health, minors need consent from a parent or guardian.
Out of the 24 inhabited atolls, only 2 (Majuro and Kwajalein) have facilities providing information about pre and postnatal care, contraception, and skilled delivery assistance. Because abortions are not readily available as an elective procedure, some women attempt to carry out a self-induced abortion (through local or traditional methods) or have someone punch them in the stomach.
References
- ^ Division, United Nations Dept of Economic and Social Affairs Population (2001-01-01). Abortion Policies: A Global Review. United Nations Publications. ISBN 9789211513615.
- ^ "Marshall Islands". United States Department of State.
- United Nations Population Fund (2014). Republic of the Marshall Islands National Study on Family Health and Safety (PDF) (Report). Republic of the Marshall Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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