Therapeutic Abortion and the Law in Libya

Review

English

B.K. Bhootra 1, V. Kanthaswamy 1, Mabrouka M. Legnain 2

1-Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Garyounis, Benghazi, S.P.L.A.J. 2-Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Garyounis, Benghazi, S.P.L.A .J.

Garyounis Medical Journal Vol. 7, No. 2. July 1984:131-134

Abstract

The Libyan law relating to therapeutic abortion is reviewed in this paper. Abortion is permitted only on medical grounds, subject to certain conditions and safeguards. The Libyan Penal Code which is the statute law of the country is silent on therapeutic abortion and makes abortion of any kind punishable. However, the Islamic law justifies termination of pregnancy for saving the life of the mother. The apparent discrepancy between the two laws on the subject is brought out. A minor amendment in the Libyan Penal Code consistent with the standard practice and Islamic law is recommended so that a doctor who undertakes therapeutic abortion gets legal protection for his act.

Keywords: Therapeutic Abortion and the Law in Libya

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