Introduction
The subject of women’s abortion rights is a rather crucial topic. In the wake of such events as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the Polish ban, discussions surrounding the matter have been triggered. This is because society is alarmed by the negative implications of such cases. While it is often assumed that banning abortion is a benevolent thing, it imposes multiple severe risks for women. This is precisely why women’s abortion rights should be respected and not violated.
Abortion Restrictions in the World
The subject of women’s abortion rights is taken rather seriously. Unfortunately, there are 24 countries where the procedure is illegal. However, most countries implement a more lenient approach, as they implement a gestational limit. This means that the fetus cannot be aborted after a specific development stage.
In 37 countries, the procedure is illegal unless it is life-saving for the mother or helps preserve her health. In Brazil, for example, abortion is a crime, unless the pregnancy is incestuous, detrimental to the mother’s life, or caused by rape (World Population Review). Such exceptions are standard in many countries with abortion restrictions. Poland’s example is more depressing, as it is a near-total ban that invalidates abortion access for cases with severe congenital disabilities or incurable life-threatening diseases in fetuses (Human Rights Watch). Such cases are rather devastating for abortion rights and women’s rights in general.
Negative Implications
The effect of abortion restrictions or total bans can lead to worse consequences. For example, women will resort to unsafe abortions, i.e., they will either perform them at home or illegally (World Population Review). They are significantly more dangerous than the ones performed in a safe clinical setting by professionals.
Another problem that is caused by abortion rights violations is the damage it causes to women’s bodily autonomy. Their ability to decide what to do with their bodies is tied to their societal roles, whether career-related, governmental, or familial (UN News). This creates a more devastating environment for women and may open grounds for further discrimination regarding other matters.
Implemented Measures
Fortunately, some measures help support women’s abortion rights. For example, in 1994, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development was signed by 179 countries, including the US (UN News). It identified how fatal unsafe abortions are and forced all countries to grant post-abortion care as a life-saving measure, regardless of the legal status of abortion. Moreover, the file emphasized people’s right to acquire high-quality data regarding their reproductive health and contraceptives.
The United Nations Population Fund supports the right of all people and couples to make decisions on the number, timing, and spacing of their offspring. It has been warned that if more unsafe abortions take place, the US will be at risk of violating Sustainable Development Goal 3 regarding maternal health (UN News). This may set a foundation for better protection of women’s abortion rights.
Conclusion
Women’s abortion rights are a highly crucial matter, as they defend their bodily autonomy and equality. Unfortunately, there have been some events that are damaging to the matter, such as the overturning of Roe v Wade and the near-total abortion ban in Poland. This may increase risks of discrimination, violate bodily autonomy, and increase the number of unsafe abortions.
Fortunately, there are some measures implemented to improve women’s abortion rights. For example, the 1994 ICPD requires providing life-saving post abortion care, regardless of its legal status. This could help promote better opportunities for women’s abortion rights.
Works Cited
Human Rights Watch. “Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal Rolls Back Reproductive Rights.” Human Rights Watch. 2020. Web.
UN News. “Overturning of Roe V Wade Abortion Law a ‘huge Blow to Women’s Human Rights’ Warns Bachelet.” UN News, 2022. Web.
World Population Review. “Countries Where Abortion Is Illegal 2022.” World Population Review. Web.