International Safe Abortion Day
International safe abortion day is celebrated on 28th September of every year with an aim of raising awareness on the need for legal and safe abortion.
Since its creation, there have been immense changes on the public’s perception concerning abortions.
With This year’s theme being "uncertain times call for diverse, collective action on many fronts,’’ the campaign calls upon those who support women’s rights and gender justice to speak up.
Additionally, it a appeals to the world to stop stigmatizing abortions, demand access to safe abortions, and be vocal and to share the message on social media as a way to support the day’s campaign.
International safe abortion day began in Latin America and the Caribbean more than 20 years ago before being taken on by Sexual and Reproductive Rights (SRHR) activists all over the world in 2011.
The Women activists globally have been pushing for the need to access safe and affordable abortions, demanding their governments to decriminalize abortions and to bring an end to the stigma that women who opt to have abortions go through.
The date, 28th, was chosen in remembrance of the abolition of slavery in Brazil which is now referred as the day of ‘’free womb’’ demanding for safe and legal abortions for all women.
According to human rights, women are free to decide when to get pregnant, how many children they want to have, and the gap they want to give their pregnancies.
In most of the African countries, abortions are considered illegal and safe abortion is only considered in a situation where the life of the mother needs to be saved, in cases where pregnancy has resulted from rape and in order to prevent the birth of a child with serious deformity or genetic abnormalities.
In Asian countries however, abortion has been permitted by the law .The heavy costs in the provision of an appropriate abortion care is however the major challenge that women face.
Some Anti-abortion laws and policies are grounded in the desire to control women. With an aim of wanting to protect ‘’the new life’’, they fail to check on the safety of women and girls .
The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines in a bid to protect the health of women and girls and prevent over million unsafe abortions that occur annually.
Speaking in a launch on 9th March 2022, Craig Lissner, the acting director for Sexual and Reproductive health said, “Being able to obtain safe abortion is a crucial part of health care.
Nearly every death and injury that results from unsafe abortion is entirely preventable. That’s why we recommend women and girls can access abortion and family planning services when they need them.”
With an eye to keep women and girls safe, WHO released more than 50 recommendations spanning clinical practice, health service delivery and legal policy interventions to support quality abortion.
Abortions are safe if they are done using a method recommended by WHO that is appropriate to the pregnancy duration and if the person providing or supporting the abortion is trained.
Such abortions can be done using medical abortions or outpatient procedures.
In most reported cases, women resort to unsafe abortions when they are not in a position to access safe abortions.
Some of the obstacles hindering them from getting safe abortions include; high costs of the procedure, poor availability of services, restrictive laws, misleading information and stigma.
However, this can be prevented through provision of safe abortions and prevention of unintended pregnancies through the use of contraceptives.
Time has come for the world to stand up together and ensure that all women and girls get affordable, safe and legal abortion! With combined efforts, it is possible to bring change.
Together let’s end stigmatization on abortions!
BY STACY ODHIAMBO
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