Amnesty International’s report sheds light on the challenges faced by healthcare workers and activists who support the right to abortion.
A new report by Amnesty International titled “An Unstoppable Movement: A global call to recognize and protect those who defend the right to abortion” highlights the stigmatization, intimidation, and unjust prosecutions faced by individuals advocating for the right to abortion. The report reveals that healthcare workers, activists, and advocates around the world are subjected to abuse, arrest, and imprisonment for supporting women, girls, and all individuals’ access to abortions. This hostile environment not only makes their work increasingly difficult but also creates significant barriers for those in need of abortion care.
1. The Chilling Effect on Defenders of Abortion Rights:
Amnesty International’s report underscores how anti-abortion rhetoric, policies, and laws have created a hostile environment for those defending access to abortion. The promotion of disinformation and toxic narratives has led to smear campaigns against abortion rights defenders, silencing their voices and impeding access to safe and legal abortions.
2. The Isolation and Lack of Support for Healthcare Workers:
The report highlights the isolation and lack of support experienced by healthcare workers who provide abortion care. Many of these individuals feel unrecognized and fear criminalization, harassment, stigmatization, verbal threats, and violence. Some have even had their personal details leaked online, leaving them unsure of their safety.
3. Real-life Examples of Intimidation and Prosecution:
The report features stories of individuals who have faced criminalization for supporting access to abortion. For instance, a Venezuelan teacher and human rights defender, Vannesa Rosales, was prosecuted for helping a woman and her 13-year-old daughter access abortion care. In Poland, Justyna Wydrzyńska, a member of Abortion Without Borders, was convicted for assisting a woman in obtaining abortion pills.
4. Violence and Discrimination Against Advocates:
Advocates for sexual and reproductive rights in Ghana have experienced physical violence and public shaming for educating people about contraception. The report emphasizes the need to address the violence and discrimination faced by frontline sexual and reproductive health care providers.
5. The Role of Midwives:
Midwives, trusted health professionals that women turn to for help during pregnancy, are also at risk due to their involvement in providing abortion care. The report emphasizes the duty of care that midwives have in supporting access to abortion care and calls for their protection.
Conclusion:
Amnesty International’s report sheds light on the challenges faced by defenders of the right to abortion worldwide. The criminalization of abortion not only impedes access to essential healthcare but also puts healthcare workers and advocates at risk. It is crucial for states to fulfill their obligations to protect the right to safe and legal abortion and ensure the safety and well-being of those defending this right. Recognizing the legitimacy and importance of their work is essential for the promotion and realization of sexual and reproductive rights. It is time to protect and support these defenders in their crucial role in providing access to safe abortion care.
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