Healthcare workers and activists advocating for abortion rights are being targeted and subjected to unjust prosecutions, hindering their vital work and endangering their lives.
Amnesty International has released a new report titled “An Unstoppable Movement: A global call to recognize and protect those who defend the right to abortion.” The report sheds light on the alarming rise in stigmatization, intimidation, and attacks faced by individuals who support and provide essential abortion services. Even in countries where abortion is partially legal, defenders of abortion rights are facing abuse, arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment. This hostile environment not only silences and stigmatizes those advocating for access to abortion but also creates significant barriers for women, girls, and marginalized individuals who need abortion care.
Anti-abortion rhetoric and laws fuel hostility towards defenders of abortion rights
The report highlights how anti-abortion rhetoric, policies, and laws contribute to the targeting of healthcare workers and advocates. These individuals face stigmatization, abuse, discrimination, and even violence. The promotion of disinformation and toxic narratives further obstructs access to safe abortion care. Smear campaigns aimed at those defending the right to abortion hijack public discourse and create an atmosphere of fear and hostility.
Isolation and lack of support for abortion rights defenders
The report emphasizes the isolation and lack of support experienced by healthcare workers and activists defending the right to abortion. Many of them feel unrecognized and unsupported in their work. They live in constant fear of criminalization, harassment, stigmatization, verbal threats, and violence. Some have even had their personal details leaked online, while others are unsure if they will make it home safely. The report features stories and concerns raised by frontline organizations, reflecting the experiences of those on the ground.
Real-life examples of defenders facing persecution
The report shares several harrowing accounts of defenders of abortion rights who have faced persecution for their work. In Venezuela, teacher and human rights defender Vannesa Rosales was criminalized for helping a woman and her 13-year-old daughter access abortion services. In Poland, Justyna Wydrzyńska, a member of Abortion Without Borders and the Abortion Dream Team, was convicted for assisting a woman in obtaining abortion pills. In Ghana, advocates for sexual and reproductive rights have experienced physical violence and public shaming for educating people about contraception.
The impact on healthcare providers and midwives
Criminalizing abortion has serious consequences for healthcare providers who are caught between their ethical duty to provide the best care and the fear of being held criminally liable. The report underscores the harm caused by restrictive abortion laws and attitudes, which create hostile environments and perpetuate abortion-related stigma. Midwives, trusted professionals whom women turn to for help during pregnancy, are also at risk. They face violence, abuse, and personal harm for simply doing their jobs.
Recognizing the work of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)
Amnesty International calls on states worldwide to fulfill their obligations to protect the right to safe and legal abortion for all individuals. The organization also emphasizes the need to recognize the legitimate role of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) working on access to safe abortion. It is crucial to ensure that WHRDs are not criminalized, intimidated, or attacked, and that those who target them are brought to justice.
Conclusion:
The report by Amnesty International sheds light on the increasing stigmatization, intimidation, and threats faced by defenders of the right to abortion. Healthcare workers and activists advocating for abortion rights are enduring abuse, arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment, hindering their vital work and jeopardizing their lives. The international community must recognize the importance of protecting the rights of those who defend and enable access to abortion services. It is imperative to create an environment that respects and supports the work of these defenders and ensures the right to safe and legal abortion for all individuals.
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