Healthcare workers and activists around the world who support the right to abortion are being stigmatized, attacked, and subjected to unjust prosecutions, making their work increasingly difficult and dangerous.
A new report by Amnesty International sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who defend the right to abortion. Titled “An Unstoppable Movement: A global call to recognize and protect those who defend the right to abortion,” the report highlights the abuse, arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment that healthcare workers, activists, advocates, and accompaniers face for supporting women, girls, and all individuals’ access to abortions. The report reveals a prevailing environment of fear and intimidation, even in countries where abortion is partially allowed by law, creating significant barriers for those in need of abortion care.
The Right to Abortion as an International Standard
The report emphasizes that the right to abortion is not a matter of opinion but is supported by international standards and legal norms. It is a right that is underpinned by various human rights, including the rights to physical and mental integrity, health, and freedom from unlawful and arbitrary harm. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, asserts that defending and enabling the exercise of this right is essential for the dignity of all women, girls, and individuals who can become pregnant. However, many countries persist with policies that over-regulate and criminalize abortion, creating hostile and dangerous environments for those who support the right to abortion.
Targeted by Anti-Abortion Rhetoric and Policies
The report highlights how anti-abortion rhetoric, policies, and laws place a target on the backs of health workers and advocates. Stigmatization, abuse, discrimination, criminalization, and even violence are used against those who defend the right to abortion. This hostile environment not only affects the defenders themselves but also creates significant barriers for women, girls, and marginalized individuals who require abortion care. The promotion of disinformation and toxic narratives further impedes access to safe and legal abortions.
Isolation and Lack of Support
The report reveals that healthcare workers and advocates often feel isolated and unsupported in their work. Their contributions are not recognized, and they live in constant fear of criminalization, harassment, stigmatization, verbal threats, and violence. Some have even experienced personal details being leaked online, leading to concerns for their safety. The report features stories and information shared by frontline and grassroots organizations, highlighting the concerns raised by global healthcare organizations. It calls for recognition of abortion providers as human rights defenders and emphasizes the urgent need to stand up for those who risk their lives to ensure choice remains possible.
Caught in the Conflict
Criminalizing abortion is a significant contributing factor to the estimated 35 million unsafe abortions that occur each year. Healthcare staff find themselves caught in the conflict between their ethical and professional duty to provide the best available care and the fear of being criminally liable if they do not follow harmful laws. Restrictive abortion laws and attitudes create hostile environments that perpetuate abortion-related stigma, painting healthcare providers and those seeking abortion care as criminals. The report highlights the experiences of healthcare providers who have battled stigma, career blocking, intimidation, physical attacks, imprisonment, and, in extreme cases, even murder.
Midwives at Risk
Midwives, trusted health professionals that women turn to for help during pregnancy, are also put at risk. Their duty of care includes supporting access to abortion care and upholding women’s right to make decisions about their reproductive health. However, midwives face undue risk, violence, abuse, and personal harm for simply doing their job. State and health authorities have a duty to ensure the protection of all health workers, including midwives.
Conclusion:
Amnesty International’s report exposes the challenges faced by defenders of the right to abortion worldwide. It calls on states to fulfill their obligations to protect the right to safe and legal abortion for all individuals. Additionally, the report urges the recognition of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) working on access to safe abortion as legitimate and integral to the promotion and realization of sexual and reproductive rights. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and supporting these defenders in the workplace. As the report highlights, abortion is essential healthcare, and those who provide care must be part of the movement for safe access to abortion.
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