Issue of interest

Human rights mechanism

Treaty bodies

UPR cycles

Country

IRAN-ABORTION-TBs-CCPR

Country: Iran (Islamic Republic Of)

Issue: Abortion

Human rights mechanism: Treaty bodies

Treaty body: Human Rights Committee - International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Concluding Observations on Report 4 (2023) (Link)

Voluntary termination of pregnancy and sexual and reproductive rights

21. The Committee regrets the adoption of retrogressive legislation that leaves women at an increased risk of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and illegal, clandestine abortions, putting their lives and health in danger. The prohibition of free distribution of contraceptives, the ban on voluntary sterilization for men and women, the restriction of access to information on family planning and abortion, and the further restriction and criminalization of abortion are concerning. The Committee notes with distress article 61 of the Youthful Population and Protection of the Family Law, which provides for the imposition of the death penalty on anyone who performs abortions on a “large scale” (arts. 6–8).

22. Bearing in mind paragraph 8 of the Committee’s general comment No. 36 (2018) on the right to life, the State party should:

(a) Amend its legislation, including the Youthful Population and Protection of the Family Law, to guarantee safe, legal and effective access to abortion where the health of a pregnant woman or girl is at risk, or when carrying a pregnancy to term would cause the pregnant woman or girl substantial pain or suffering, most notably when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest;

(b) Ensure that women and girls who seek abortions and the medical practitioners who assist them are not subject to criminal penalties, especially the death penalty, and lift barriers such as those related to restrictions on contraception;

(c) Facilitate access for women, men, girls and boys to evidence-based information and education about sexual and reproductive health and to a wide range of affordable contraceptive methods.

Concluding Observations on Report 3 (2011) (Link)

[no mention]

Concluding Observations on Report 2 (1993) (Link)

[no mention]

Concluding Observations on Report 1 (follow-up) (1982) (Link)

[no mention]

Concluding Observations on Report 1 (1978) (Link)

[no mention]

This content was last updated in December 2023