In 2012, the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (VTP) law was passed, creating legal abortion services in the National Integrated Health System (NIHS). Abortion is legally accessible only if performed during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (with some exceptions) by a health provider from the NIHS, and following these steps:
It should be noted that MVA is rarely available as gynecologists are either not capable of performing it due to lack of training and proper equipment, or they refuse to do so. Consequently, 98% of abortions in Uruguay are medical abortions.
As established by the VTP law, only gynecologists are allowed to perform abortions in Uruguay.
All health providers of the NIHS are obliged to offer abortion services to their patients, with the exception of two health providers: Círculo Católico and Hospital Evangélico. These two providers were granted this exception based on religious grounds. They have an obligation to refer patients who seek abortion services to other providers.
Abortions are free of charge in Uruguay, although in private health providers, studies required (at least one echography and a beta-hCG level test) may have some cost. This varies depending on providers and isn’t regulated.
Although misoprostol can be acquired at pharmacies in Uruguay, it’s only sold if prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Abortion pills are provided by abortion services only.
Not legally. Several clandestine sites have been closed since the VTP law.
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