ABSTRACT
Sweden is usually seen as having the most liberal laws on abortion. In 1974, it enacted the Swedish Abortion Act, which made abortion legal at the woman’s request up to the 18th week of pregnancy. Abortions after the 18th week of pregnancy are permitted for medical, socio-economic, and legal reasons when approved by the National Board of Health and Welfare. Approval for abortions after viability of the fetus will be granted only when the pregnancy gravely threatens the woman’s life or health or in the case of severe fetal impairment.
