On January 28, 1935, Iceland made a significant stride by enacting legislation that allowed therapeutic abortions under specific conditions. This move positioned Iceland as one of the earliest Western nations to do so, setting a precedent for others to follow.
Key Provisions of the 1935 Legislation
- The 1935 legislation took a comprehensive approach to permitting abortions. It considered both physical and mental health risks, as well as a woman’s social situation and the presence of specific hereditary diseases or congenital disabilities.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Consideration was given to a woman’s social situation, allowing for legal abortion in cases where her circumstances were deemed challenging.
- Eugenic Considerations: The 1935 law allowed abortion if there was a significant risk of specific hereditary diseases or congenital disabilities.
The law stipulated that abortions must be performed by licensed physicians in approved medical facilities, ensuring strict medical supervision and safety. This measure was put in place to protect pregnant women and reduce the incidence of unsafe, clandestine procedures, thereby reassuring the audience about the protection of women’s health.
Background
Iceland wasn’t the first country to legalize abortion. The Soviet Union had legalized abortion years before in 1920. However, Iceland’s 1935 law positioned them among the pioneering countries in Europe to permit abortion under specific conditions and influenced other countries to make a decision. Sweden, for instance, followed with its abortion legislation in 1938, allowing the procedure on limited grounds.
In 1975, Iceland expanded the grounds for abortions, and over the years, the laws continued to evolve. As of 2019, Iceland permits abortion on request up to the 22nd week of pregnancy, reflecting a steadfast commitment to reproductive rights and women’s autonomy.
By regulating abortion, Iceland sought to safeguard women’s health, reduce maternal mortality associated with unsafe procedures, and promote social well-being.