MAURITIUS-ABORTION-TBs-CCPR

Concluding Observations on Report 5 (2017) (Link)

Voluntary termination of pregnancy and reproductive rights

15. The Committee takes note of the 2012 amendments to the Criminal Code, which authorize the voluntary termination of a pregnancy in specific circumstances. However, the Committee is concerned that the data provided by the State party on “cases treated for complications of abortion” contrast with those on “authorized termination of pregnancies”, which causes the Committee to be concerned that a high number of women resort to clandestine abortions that endanger their lives and health, including resulting in deaths (arts. 3, 6, 7, 17 and 26).

16. The State party should amend its legislation to guarantee safe, legal and effective access to abortion where the life or health of the pregnant woman or girl is at risk, and where carrying a pregnancy to term would cause the pregnant woman or girl substantial pain or suffering, most notably where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or non-viable. In addition, the State party may not regulate pregnancy or abortion in all other cases in a manner that runs contrary to its duty to ensure that women and girls do not have to undertake unsafe abortions. The State party should revise its abortion laws accordingly. The State party should not apply criminal sanctions against women and girls undergoing abortion or against medical service providers assisting them in doing so, since taking such measures compels women and girls to resort to unsafe abortions. The State party should ensure access to affordable contraceptives, quality information and education programmes on sexual and reproductive rights for men, women and adolescents throughout the country.

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Concluding Observations on Report 4 (2005) (Link)

9. The Committee notes with concern that section 235 of the Penal Code penalizes abortion even when the mother’s life is in danger, and thus may encourage women to resort to unreliable and illegal abortion, with inherent risks for their life and health (Covenant, art. 6).

The State party should review its legislation to ensure that women are not forced to carry pregnancies to term in violation of the rights guaranteed by the Covenant.

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Concluding Observations on Report 3 (1996) (Link)

[no mention]

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Concluding Observations on Report 2 (1989) (Link)

[no mention]

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Concluding Observations on Report 1 (1978) (Link)

[no mention]

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