Abortion Gestational Limits: A Comprehensive Overview by Region

The gestational limit for elective abortion varies from country to country and within some countries, from state to state. In most countries, the cut off is 12 to 24 weeks, with the majority of abortions taking place before the 12th week.

Some countries, such as the Netherlands, Sweden and Canada have no upper gestational limits for elective abortion, while others have strict time limits, such as 12 weeks in the United Kingdom and 24 weeks in China.

In the United States, the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 legalized elective abortion up until the point of viability, which is generally considered to be 24 weeks, or when the fetus is able to survive outside the womb without support.

However, some states in the United States have enacted laws that restrict abortion access beyond the point of viability, and these laws are currently being challenged in court.