Ipsos Survey: Indonesia is the Country Most Opposed to Abortion

Abortion is the practice of terminating a pregnancy by destroying the fetus in the womb. There are various reasons why someone might have an abortion, but the practice remains highly controversial in many countries.

According to an Ipsos survey, 52% of respondents across the globe stated that abortion should be legal. Conversely, 28% believed it should be illegal.

Ipsos data indicates that Indonesia is the country most opposed to abortion. A recorded 74% of Indonesian respondents stated that abortion is illegal.

Indonesia currently has regulations regarding abortion in Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health. Article 75 of this law states that abortion is not permitted except in emergency medical situations that threaten the life of the mother or fetus, and for victims of rape.

Malaysia follows in second place, with 49% of respondents considering abortion should be illegal. This is followed by 45% of respondents from Colombia expressing a similar view.

Other countries that reject the legality of abortion include Peru, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and India, with percentages as shown in the graph.

On the other hand, Sweden has the highest percentage of its population supporting the legality of abortion, at 87%. This is followed by France and the Netherlands with proportions of 82% and 76% respectively.

This survey involved 23,248 respondents across 29 countries between June 23 and July 7, 2023. In Indonesia, 500 respondents aged 21-74 years participated.

(Read also: 10 Cities with the Lowest Birth Rates in Indonesia)