From January 1, 2024, consultation with a psychologist and social worker, as well as a 5-day reflection period will be mandatory before abortion.

More specifically, according to the amendment to the order "Approving the rules for artificial termination of pregnancy", the pre-abortion consultation/interview shall be conducted by an obstetrician-gynecologist, a social worker, and a psychologist, under confidential conditions, in a doctor's consultation room specially designated for this purpose.

In addition, as it is known, in case of violation of the 5-day reflection period, the issue of professional responsibility of the doctor shall arise.

As the Ministry of Health told IPN, the mentioned process will be monitored by the Ministry of Health and the Regulatory Agency from January 1.

As for the terms of the abortion, the order notes that a medical abortion should be performed in a level I antenatal institution, in a medical institution with the right to perform obstetric and gynecological activities, by a certified obstetrician-gynecologist, if necessary, on the condition of adequate and timely referral.

As for the artificial termination of pregnancy lasting more than 7 weeks, it can be carried out surgically by a certified obstetrician-gynecologist in an inpatient type of medical institution, which has the right to perform obstetric-gynecological activities.

"Medicated abortion can be performed in a pregnancy of up to 10 weeks (70 days) in an inpatient type medical facility with the right to perform obstetric and gynecological activities and in an inpatient facility-affiliated outpatient clinic with an antenatal level by a certified obstetrician-gynecologist, if necessary, on the condition of adequate and timely referral. The use of medications causing medical abortion is allowed only with the prescription of an obstetrician-gynecologist and/or reproductive specialist.

In order to artificially terminate a pregnancy lasting more than 12 weeks, medical intervention by any method shall be performed only in a stationary type medical institution with the right to perform obstetric-gynecological activities (the decision will be made at the level of the institution) by a certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a notification (a copy of the medical documentation certified by the head of the institution) should be sent to the "Maternal and Child Health Coordinating Council" created by order of the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Protection for IDPs from the occupied territories of Georgia," reads the order.

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