[1] The 1977 law regulating abortion, enacted while still part of Yugoslavia as the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, was not significantly altered until 2013.
The government of Macedonia, backed by the Macedonian Orthodox Church, has also conducted advertising campaigns against abortion, aimed at increasing the country's birth rate.
Although some changes from the original draft of the law were made, due to opposition from the public and NGOs, several restrictions remained.
[8] The original form of the law also stipulated that the woman's partner had to be informed about the abortion – a provision which was withdrawn.
[9] The International Planned Parenthood Federation criticized the law, as well as the anti-abortion campaigns, saying that they stigmatize women and abridge their rights.