“The woman has the freedom to decide whether she wants to be a mother at the moment.” (Paula de Sousa, MSF midwife in Mozambique)
Abortion; derived from the the latin word abortionem, meaning ‘miscarriage’ and aborior meaning ‘to miscarry’. Abortion has been at the forefront of the movement for social justice regarding reproductive rights for women (and those who can get pregnant), for the past few decades; its recent attention had been catalysed by the pro-life legislations carried out by the Texan government in 2020 (Najmabadi, 2021). While the views towards the matter varies in a multitude of ways, Amnesty International holds firm beliefs surrounding the rights for abortion- these points can be read in the most recent document released by the organisation (Amnesty, 2020). While such a read is vital, this article will be outlining the main points within the document and its justification within our current social backdrop. This will hopefully inform you of the current climate surrounding abortion; as well as the stance held by Amnesty International.
One of the most important points outlined within the policy focuses on the rights surrounding Safe Abortions. A safe abortion refers to the method of terminating a pregnancy in accordance with WHO health guidelines (WHO, 2021) and with the use of safe, appropriate tools and techniques. This not only grants the individual the right to a clean, well managed abortion; but it also allows them to retain their dignity within a supportive environment, during a potentially stress- inducing, overwhelming experience. If women cannot access this service, many refer to the unsafe, unhygienic and potentially fatal techniques for termination. “Around 47,000 women die each year as a result of seeking unsafe abortions.” Said by Amnesty International’s Senior Director of Research and Advocacy, Rajat Khosla. The process of unsafe abortions is extensive and ineffective- with 45% of all abortions in 2019 being unsafe (Amnesty, 2020). This results in long lasting, damaging consequences for the mental and physical state of the individual getting the abortion. Notably, over 7 million women are admitted to hospitals every year in developing countries due to unsafe abortions (MSF, 2019); this number must decline if we want to see a future that protects the lives of those who seek abortions and consequently, a future that respects reproductive rights for those who can get pregnant.
As proven, the conditions of an abortion determines the mental and physical state of the individual; but it also holds secondary consequences for the healthcare system as a whole. If abortion rights continue to be disrespected and unrepresented; the number of cases regarding abortion- led injuries will rise; thus affecting the demographic and usage of the healthcare system. With access to safe abortions, the healthcare system can redistribute their funding to ensure the latter is carried out in a safe, supportive atmosphere- thus avoiding the repercussions brought upon by unsafe termination (Amnesty, 2020). Amnesty International appreciate that this will be a long and arduous journey for the reproductive rights of those who seek abortions; but the fight is necessary for the formation of a world that respects the choices made by individuals regarding their own bodies and their own lives.
Following the previous point, Amnesty International believes that the decriminalisation of abortions is key in establishing a safe and respectful backdrop for abortions. Said by an Amnesty Representative “… the global tragedy will not end until abortion is fully decriminalised and made accessible and affordable to everyone…the Amnesty movement has been informed by years of research and engagement with women and girls whose lives have been shattered by restrictive laws” (Amnesty, 2020). This movement towards criminalisation can be witnessed in Argentina, with recent reproductive laws restricting the autonomy of those seek abortions; barring exceptional circumstances eg. rape, in theory. In practice, the law saw the degrading treatment of women, the rise in unsafe abortions and new wave of oppression for reproductive rights condoned by the Argentinian government (Vivanco, 2021). This highlights the prevalence of said issue in our current political landscape; this manner of treatment must be brought to the attention of the masses and understood as a violation of essential human rights- including the right to live without fear and the right for power over one’s own body. It is our responsibility as humans to ensure that the autonomy of others isn’t undermined, or disrespected.
The BMA argue that that decriminalisation of abortions is essential in facilitating an atmosphere of safe, non- stigmatised abortions in which the individual is heard and their needs are recognised. The organisation argue that the act should not be regarded as criminal, but as a medical issue that must be treated clinically and under the narrative of freedom of choice (BMA, 2019). The views of Amnesty focuses on abortion as a ‘deeply complex subject… in which punitive approaches do not address the many social, economic and personal issues’ (Amnesty, 2020) present within the woman’s decision to terminate the pregnancy; this must be taken into account when posing criticisms against said individuals. Therefore, the views towards abortion cannot be compartmentalised; they must be appreciated within the unique environment an individual finds themselves in. Thus the decriminalisation of abortion is not only vital in the humanisation of those who seek abortions, but it also permits us to form a society which recognises the different experiences felt by women and those who can get pregnant; creating a more compassionate and reflective community.
In conclusion, abortion is still a highly discussed and stigmatised topic within society. However, through the power of the masses, we can stand up for the rights of those who seek abortions. Now, more than ever, Amnesty believes that defending those rights will enable a strong, humanitarian movement that sets a basis for a thriving future regarding reproductive rights all over the globe.
Websites and links with more information about abortion and abortion rights around the globe:
Abortion access around the world
Abortion facts beyond the basics
Key facts on Abortion
Unsafe Abortions
Citations: