South Korea lifts 66-year ban on abortion

South Korea’s 66-year abortion ban must be lifted by the end of 2020, the country’s Constitutional Court has ruled.

Seven out of nine judges ruled that outlawing abortion was unconstitutional votes from six judges were needed to overturn the ban.

Previously, women who had abortions in South Korea could face up to a year in prison and be fined up to two million won ($1,780), while doctors who helped terminate pregnancy could be jailed for up to two years.

Abortion was criminalized in South Korea in 1953, with exceptions for rape, incest and genetic disability. Termination of pregnancies after 20 weeks will remain illegal.