Today, despite the legality and availability of abortion services in public and private health facilities, many women and adolescent girls still opt for clandestine abortion services. This reality challenges us and highlights the persistent gaps in access to reproductive health care and sexual education.
It is alarming to see women and girls turning to clandestine abortion providers when legal and safe options exist. This trend highlights not only the economic and social barriers that limit access to sexual and reproductive health services, but also the lack of awareness and education on these crucial issues.
When women are forced to resort to clandestine abortion services, they run risks to their health and lives. These practitioners are not regulated and the conditions in which these procedures are performed do not guarantee the safety of patients. It is imperative to strengthen legal abortion services and increase awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights.
Furthermore, it is essential to invest in comprehensive sexuality education and population awareness to prevent unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible sexual behaviors. Empowering women and adolescent girls, by providing them with information and tools to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, is essential to reduce the use of clandestine abortions.
Finally, it is essential to combat the stigma surrounding abortion and promote equitable and respectful access to reproductive health services. Women and girls must be supported in their reproductive choices and have access to quality health care, without discrimination or judgment.
In conclusion, the persistence of the use of clandestine abortion services despite the legality of pregnancy termination highlights the urgency of improving access to reproductive health care, strengthening sexuality education and promoting respect for sexual and reproductive health rights. It is imperative that effective policies and programmes are put in place to ensure that all women and adolescent girls can access dignified and safe health care, legally and securely.