Abortion is legal if the pregnancy poses a risk to the life or physical mental health of the mother, or if it may cause birth defects.
A judge may authorize an abortion if the pregnancy was caused by rape or if the mother is psychologically unfit.
The act sets a gestational limit of twelve weeks, unless the Director of Health Services determines that exceptional circumstances require late termination of pregnancy.
[10] Many women in Seychelles choose to terminate pregnancies for reasons such as financial instability or relationship issues.
[11] Minors require parental consent to receive birth control, which may contribute to the rate.
[1] Gynecologists and activists have argued that sexual education for teenagers does not adequately explain birth control options to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
[1][11] The Elles Foundation works to support pregnant teenagers and to promote sexual education.
[1] In 2022, the Department of Social Affairs said it was working to address issues such as abortion and teenage pregnancy.
[11] In August 2004, women paid about 7,000 Seychellois rupees for an abortion, though the cost to the Ministry of Health could be up to R30,000 and the procedures were often fatal, according to gynecologist Robert Michel.