# Beyond decriminalization: exploring the legalization of abortion globally

## TL;DR

This paper examines how countries globally approach abortion decriminalization and legalization, highlighting different models and their implications for public health and human rights.

## Contribution

The paper distinguishes between decriminalization and legalization, identifying four distinct models of abortion legalization based on national laws and policies.

## Key findings

- Four distinct models of abortion legalization were identified through analysis of national laws and policies.
- The paper clarifies the differences between decriminalization and legalization and their public health and human rights implications.
- Trends in abortion regulation show varied approaches across countries, impacting access to quality care.

## Abstract

Public health guidance and human rights standards recommend states to decriminalize abortion, and further recommend that they legalise abortion care to ensure that abortion seekers can access quality and human rights consistent care. This paper explores abortion decriminalization and legalization globally, including by clearly distinguishing between them to discuss the content, implications, and consequences of each. Furthermore, it uses data from the GAPD to identify trends and patterns in how countries have approached these regulatory questions, outlining four models of legalization identified through the texts of national laws and policies.