Selected Legal Developments in Reproductive Health in 1991

Because of American preoccupation with abortion worldwide reproductive health issues in 1991 received scant attention despite many important changes. With the fall of Communism Eastern European governments struggle in the legislatures and the courts to regulate abortion particularly Poland Czechoslovakia Hungary and the newly unified Federal Republic of Germany. Two international tribunals ruled narrowly on the restrictive Irish abortion law and international treaties ratified by Ireland protecting freedom of speech leaving the Irish law intact. Spains Supreme Court relaxed restrictions on abortion and for the 1st time allowed abortions for social reasons. Frances highest administrative court ruled that the French government exceeded its authority in ordering the distribution of RU 497 (mifepristone) but ruled that French abortion law allowing abortions in the 1st 10 weeks in "situations of distress" did not violate international treaties guaranteeing the "right to life." England approved use of RU 486 under English abortion law with medical restrictions. The Canadian Supreme Court agreed to review a provinces legislation that had the effect of limiting access to abortions via medical and hospital regulations. The Islamic developing countries of Pakistan and the Sudan replaced colonial laws with more liberal abortion rules tailored to Islamic law. Pakistan decriminalized early abortions when given to provide (undefined) "necessary treatment" the Sudan allows abortions during the 1st 90 days. Peru reduced the penalties for some abortions. In Latin America only Cuba allows abortions on request in early pregnancy. Iran China and the former USSR tightened and encouraged compliance with their family planning regulations. Fear of AIDS prompted several countries to tighten condom regulations. Artificial insemination embryo research and surrogate motherhood also received attention.