This month we’re placing a spotlight on some of our campaigners: Klervi, Ray, and Mira who want to talk about abortion rights. They’ve chosen this topic given the growing concerns following the US’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and are hoping to bring some clarity to some of these concerns.
Why is abortion so important?
An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.
It should not be a crime. It is a vital part of healthcare that is needed across the world and which protects the bodily autonomy of women, girls and others who can become pregnant. Gender equality, autonomy, and the lives of all those affected are at risk without it.
While the need for abortion is common, it is clear even in the present day that access to safe and legal abortion services is far from guaranteed. The World Health Organisation estimates that 25 million unsafe abortions take place each year, the vast majority of them in developing countries. Moreover, 23,000 women die of unsafe abortion each year and tens of thousands more experience significant health complications. Abortion has improved the lives of women, girls, and people who can become pregnant, by increasing access to education, helping them escape poverty, and protecting their health. Removing the right to abortion restricts the equality and empowerment of women.
One thing that is clear is that abortion restrictions do not stop abortions. Instead, without access to safe and legal options, abortions will still take place but in a way that poses high risk to the health of the pregnant person.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a US-based reproductive health non-profit, the abortion rate is 37 per 1,000 people in countries that prohibit abortion altogether or allow it only in instances to save a woman’s life, and 34 per 1,000 people in countries that broadly allow for abortion, a difference that is not statistically significant.
When legal access to abortion is removed, women of colour and women in lower economic situations disproportionately suffer the impacts. Forced pregnancies have serious consequences such as:
- Enduring serious health risks from carrying pregnancies to full term and giving birth
- Making it harder to escape from poverty
- Derailing education, career and life plans
- Making it more difficult to leave an abusive partner
What does abortion access look like around the word?
As of now, abortion is probited altogether in 24 countries. This means that the laws of the countries in this category do not permit abortion under any circumstances, including when the woman’s life or health is at risk. 90 million (5%) women of reproductive age live in countries that prohibit abortion altogether.
970 million women, representing 59% of women of reproductive age, reside in countries that generally allow abortion. While a majority of women live in countries where they can exercise their right to abortion, 41% of women live under restrictive laws. 700 million women of reproductive age are impacted by the inability to access safe and legal abortion care.
Here is a useful link to visualise abortion laws around the world.
Even in countries where abortion is legal, many women face obstacles to obtaining safe procedures; difficulty in locating healthcare professionals who will perform abortions, poor conditions in medical facilities, ignorance of the legal status of abortion, and fear over being stigmatised for terminating a pregnancy.
Why worry about this now?
On June 24th, the US Supreme Court abolished the constitutional right to abortion. The ruling was a terrible blow and a stark reminder of the larger battle we are facing in seeking equality for those who are less privileged. Moreover, while some of us may have been comforted by the fact abortion rights still seem safe in the UK, it appears it might not be the case. The UK held an intergovernmental conference on the 5th and 6th July, during which it amended a multinational statement committing to the fundamental rights of women and girls. The UK government removed any mention of ‘sexual and reproductive health and rights’ and ‘bodily autonomy’ from the statement, drawing backlash from the UN, human rights organisations, and some of the 22 countries who had signed the statement before the amendment. This suggests abortion rights are more fragile than we think.
How to help
But the battle isn’t over. Far from it. Many people are rallying to protect sexual and reproductive rights around the world and here in the UK. In fact, in the UK 85% of people believe women should have the right to abortion. Let’s make sure the law reflects that. Here are ways you can help safeguard sexual and reproductive rights.
- Donate to Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood is the leading sexual and reproductive healthcare provider in the US and also operates globally. As a non-profit, it heavily relies on donations to function. Find ways to donate here. - Sign petitions and make your voice heard.
Here is a petition by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service urging our foreign secretary to condemn the US Supreme Court ruling. Here is one supporting the introduction of buffer zones outside clinics in the UK. Here is another asking the government to make abortion a medical issue rather than a criminal offence in the UK.
- Support Abortion Rights UK.
Abortion Rights UK is the UK’s only national grassroots pro-choice campaign. You can support them by becoming a member here. - Join solidarity protests.
You can often find community groups that organise events and protests around you. Groups often announce their activities online and they can be a great way to connect with people and feel less alone in your anger or frustration. If you can’t find a group, why not set up your own? - Raise awareness.
Abortion has long been a tabboo relegated to the domestic sphere, a ‘personal issue’. The more informed people are about an issue, the easier it is to create change. Talking about abortion rights (either online or with your friends and family) can destigmatise and normalise it as a health and repoductive rights issue.
If you can think of other ways to help the cause please do leave a reply below this post!
One thing to remember when fighting for abortion rights is that this can be a difficult subject to tackle. If you feel like mental health is suffering, reach out. Talk to your loved ones or find support here. You’re not alone in this!
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