Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340, Volume 10, Number 10 (2023): 1-7
© Arya PG College (College with Potential for Excellence Status by UGC) & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
http://apcjournals.com, www.aryapgcollege.ac.in
Women’s Right to Safe Abortion
Lavanayaa Chaudhary
BA LLB Honours’ Student, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
(Uttarakhand), India
Email: chaudharylavanayaa2001@gmail.com
Abstract
With approximately 44 million annual abortions worldwide, a staggering 25 million being unsafe, the paper sheds light on the profound impact of inadequate access to contraception, sexual education, and health services, especially in low-income countries. The right to safe abortion is posited as a fundamental human right, essential for women’s reproductive autonomy. The paper discusses the challenges posed by unsafe abortions, detailing associated health risks and the disproportionate impact on women in regions with restrictive abortion laws. Highlighting the pivotal roles of governments and civil society, the paper advocates for legal frameworks ensuring access to safe and affordable abortion services, coupled with comprehensive sexual education initiatives. In conclusion, the research underscores the imperative of protecting women’s rights, respecting reproductive autonomy, and promoting proactive measures to enhance women’s reproductive health globally.
Introduction
Abortion has been a topic of controversy in many countries and societies. Women's right to safe abortion has been a matter of debate for a long time. Many countries have strict laws prohibiting abortions while others have legal frameworks that promote safe abortions. Women's rights activists argue that access to safe abortion should be a fundamental right of women. This research paper examines women's right to safe abortion and why it is essential for promoting women's reproductive health.
Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable outside the womb. It can be induced by pills, surgery, or other methods. Abortion is one of the most common medical procedures worldwide, with around 44 million abortions performed each year, and it is estimated that 25 million of them are unsafe. Unsafe abortions lead to numerous complications, including health issues, injuries, and deaths. Approximately 22,000 women die annually from complications arising from unsafe abortions. Women in low-income countries are more likely to resort to unsafe abortion due to the inadequate access to contraception, sexual education, and health services.
The Right to Safe Abortion
The right to safe abortion is a fundamental human right that ensures women's reproductive autonomy. The abortion laws in many countries promote stigma, discrimination, and violence against women who seek abortion. In some countries, laws prohibiting abortion force women to resort to unsafe procedures, putting their lives and health at risk.
Access to safe and legal abortion can help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates. When women have access to safe abortion, they can take charge of their reproductive health, often preventing unwanted pregnancy complications. Women should be able to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, empowering them to make choices that are best for their emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
The Challenge of Unsafe Abortions
Unsafe abortions remain a significant challenge affecting women's reproductive health worldwide. Women who do not have access to legal and safe abortion often resort to unsafe methods, which can cause severe health issues and even death. Unsafe abortions lead to complications such as hemorrhage, infections, sepsis, and injury to reproductive organs. The risks of unsafe abortion increase in areas where women have limited access to medical facilities and skilled health providers or live in areas with restrictive abortion laws.
The Role of Governments and Civil Society
Governments and civil society organizations worldwide play a crucial role in ensuring women's right to safe abortion. Legal frameworks must be put in place to ensure that women have access to safe, affordable, and legal abortion services, free from stigma and discrimination.
Health providers should be trained on how to provide safe and legal abortion services for women. Education and awareness-raising campaigns should also be implemented to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with abortion. Governments must also invest in comprehensive sexual education and access to modern contraceptives, such as contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices.
Conclusion
Women's right to safe abortion is a fundamental human right that guarantees reproductive autonomy and improves women's reproductive health outcomes. Unsafe abortions remain a significant challenge and can result in severe complications and even deaths. Governments and civil society organizations worldwide must take proactive steps to ensure access to safe, affordable, and legal abortion services, free from stigma and discrimination, to promote women's reproductive health. Women's rights must be always protected, and their reproductive autonomy should be respected and upheld.
References
1) https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/29/all-women-have-right-to-safe-and-legal-abortion-india-top-court.
2) https://www.hrw.org/legacy/women/abortion.html.
3) https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/all-women-entitled-to-safe-legal-abortion-distinction-between-married-unmarried-women-unconstitutional-supreme-court-210548.
4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10321178/.
5) https://www.reproductiverights.org/sites/default/files/documents/pub_bp_safeandlegal.pdf.
6) https://www.safeabortionwomensright.org/.
