Discussions related to abortion in Brazil raise reflections related to social, cultural, moral, legal, economical, ideological, religious and bioethical issues. Abortion emerged as a public health issue, because of its high rate of maternal mortality and morbidity. The study aims to address the criminalization of abortion in Brazil and the implications for public health. This is a critical review, held in the database Lilacs and SciELO. It was evident that the deficit in quality of care, specifically reproductive health of women, as the actions of planned parenthood, as well as the illegality of abortion in Brazil cause implications for women's health, since several ones look for unsafe practices and clandestine abortions. It is considered that the prohibition doesn't prevent the abortion to be performed. From the ethical point of view, the woman, just like any other individual, regardless of race, ethnicity or social class, has the right upon their bodies.