The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended this Tuesday that women and girls “can access abortion and family planning services when they need it” noting that the restrictions do not reduce the number of abortions, but rather increase the risks.
This is stated in a statement by Craig Lissner, head of the WHO sexual and reproductive health unit, who reviewed all of his health recommendations on abortion procedures and their environment, such as advice and follow-up, the AFP agency reported.
Several countries drastically limit the right to abortion and reserve it for situations in which the health of the mother is in danger.
The fears of abortion access advocates have lately focused on the United States, where several states have adopted restrictive measures and where the Supreme Court seems inclined to reconsider the idea that abortion constitutes an inalienable right.
The WHO also recommended “remove medically unnecessary restrictions,” citing “criminalization, mandatory waiting periods, the imposition of third-party or institutional consent, or the prohibition of abortion beyond a certain stage of pregnancy.”
Such restrictions have not led to a drop in the number of abortions, the WHO noted, citing a study published in 2020 by the Lancet Global Health.
On the contrary, “restrictions above all push women and young people to resort to dangerous interventions”warned the WHO.
By resorting to illegal abortions, women put their health at risk, while procedures performed according to the rules are extremely safe, according to the WHO.
