Abortion in Iran

The legal issue of abortion in Iran has been the subject of much controversy for many years. Though abortion has never been legal at any point in Iran's history, in April 2005, the Iranian Parliament approved a new bill allowing for abortion in certain limited cases, such as if the pregnancy would result in the birth of a child with defects. However, the Council of Guardians, a 12-member clerical body which must approve new legislation passed by the Parliament, rejected the bill a month later.

Legal abortion is still allowed in Iran, but only in the event that the pregnancy threatens the life of the pregnant woman. Any other form of abortion, such in cases of rape and malformation of the fetus, is strictly illegal. However, there is widespread violation of the law.