In Brazil, the practice of abortion is illegal except in cases of the pregnant mother being in great danger, experienced rape or the baby has fetal brain deformity. However, with the threat of the Zika epidemic plaguing the country, will they change their outlook on abortion?

According to Slate, the cases of microcephaly or babies being born with abnormally small heads have increased since the Zika virus started to spread in Brazil.

The news outlet says that with around 1.5 million cases of Zika virus infection in Brazil, women are complaining that they are not receiving the proper support in order to avoid the epidemic. Despite microcephaly being considered as a fetal brain deformity, Brazil remains undecided whether to allow abortion and grant women's rights to abort their affected child.

Currently, Brazil's best offer to its citizens is to delay their pregnancy. In a previous CNN report, the outlet quoted Angela Rocha of the Oswaldo Cruz Hospital saying, "It's a very personal decision, but at this moment of uncertainty, if families can put off their pregnancy plans, that's what we're recommending."

A simple sonogram can easily detect whether an unborn child is suffering from microcephaly, but women in Brazil are torn between the legality of terminating their pregnancy or the risk delivering the baby with the deformation. Meanwhile, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already warned pregnant citizens of the U.S. to delay or avoid traveling to regions where the Zika epidemic is present.

In a statement, the CDC said, "Until more is known and out of an abundance of caution, pregnant women should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to these areas should talk to their doctors or other healthcare providers first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip."

Brazil is not the only country who deems abortion as illegal. El Salvador punishes women and doctors who perform the abortion with up to 40 years of imprisonment. Cases of stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth are also suspected as forms of abortion in El Salvador.

According to 9News, symptoms of the Zika virus include lack of energy, joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, headaches and pinkeye. An infected individual may start noticing these symptoms after two to 12 days after they are bitten by a mosquito, but unlike the dengue fever, Zika does not post a fatal threat to adults and children.