World Abortion Day: a continuing battle for women’s rights
September 28 marks World Right to Termination of Pregnancy (Abortion) Day, an opportunity to highlight advances and persistent challenges in this area. While many countries have adopted more liberal abortion laws, the fight to guarantee women’s right to decide over their own bodies is far from over.
In many African countries, access to abortion remains limited, or even illegal. It is estimated that more than 9 million abortions are performed on the continent each year, with tragic consequences for women’s health and lives. Legislation varies from country to country, with some authorizing abortion only in exceptional cases such as rape or risks to the mother’s life.
Yet despite the obstacles, there are signs of hope. In Tunisia, for example, where abortion has been legal since 1973, progress has been made in access to abortion services and sex education. Likewise, countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Benin have adopted laws allowing unrestricted access to abortion.
However, even in countries where abortion is legal, women face major challenges. Medicine shortages and social ostracization are worrying realities that hinder women’s access to safe, quality care. In addition, social conservatism, including within the medical profession, continues to pose problems for the effective implementation of laws in favor of abortion.
It is essential to recognize that banning abortion does not reduce the number of abortions, but pushes women to perform them in unsafe conditions. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Center for Reproductive Rights emphasize the importance of ensuring safe and legal access to abortion, to protect women’s health and rights.
In conclusion, World Abortion Day is an opportunity to remember that the fight for women’s rights does not stop with the legalization of abortion. It is necessary to continue advocating for progressive laws, equitable access to abortion services and comprehensive sexuality education, so that every woman can make informed and autonomous decisions about her reproductive health.