This exception refers to the possibility of terminating a pregnancy when the pregnancy puts the woman’s health at risk. However, its practical implementation has been accompanied by a combination of obstacles that have resulted in many women not accessing safe and timely abortion services, even when legally permitted.
One of the most recent debates on the topic of Lawful Termination of Pregnancy/LTP has been precisely on the definition of the scope of the health exception, given that its interpretation by health care professionals defines, blocks or favors opportune access to services. Very significant legal decisions have made an important contribution to this debate, in addition to a collection of international commitments that oblige these professionals to interpret the concept of health in a broad and integrated manner. This broad interpretation of health naturally influences the scope of the cause of permission for terminating a pregnancy based precisely on the risk to health. It is increasing clear, for example, that the interpretations of the scope of the exception should comply with the broad framework of the protection of women’s human and constitutional rights that are connected with and recognized by the countries in the region.
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