The World Health Organization (WHO) called on Wednesday to facilitate, as far as possible, women’s access to voluntary termination of pregnancy, noting that the restrictions do not reduce the number of abortions, but rather increase the risks.
“We recommend that women and young girls be able to access abortion and family planning services when they are in need,” Craig Lissner, head of the WHO sexual and reproductive health unit, said in a statement.
President Guillermo Lasso will reveal his decision on abortion for rape next week
The UN agency says it has reviewed all of its health recommendations on abortion procedures and their setting, such as advice and follow-up.
Such recommendations are broad and now include, for example, an incentive to develop counseling teleconsultations, but above all they are an opportunity for the WHO to advocate for fewer restrictions on abortion.
Several countries drastically limit the right to abortion and reserve it for situations in which the health of the mother is in danger. In the case of El Salvador, the ban is total.
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.
Between 12 and 16 weeks the time allowed for an abortion due to rape in Latin American countries ranges
The WHO recommends “eliminating medically unnecessary restrictions”, citing “criminalization, mandatory waiting periods, the imposition of third party or institutional consent, or the prohibition of abortion after 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. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
