Today is International Safe Abortion Day, and the truth is abortion is essential healthcare.
Across Africa, there has been progress in protecting reproductive rights, including through the Maputo Protocol, which recognizes access to safe abortion in specific circumstances. Yet restrictive laws, criminalization, stigma and systemic barriers continue to prevent many women and girls from accessing the care they need.
Unsafe abortions continue to contribute to preventable complications and maternal deaths, while uncertainty in the law discourages healthcare providers from providing care.
We call on African governments and policymakers to act urgently to:
🔴 Reform restrictive abortion laws and remove vague and punitive provisions
🔴 Recognize safe abortion as essential healthcare, accessible without stigma, discrimination or unnecessary barriers
🔴 Strengthen health systems and equip healthcare providers to deliver safe abortion and post-abortion care
🔴 Ensure accurate, non-judgmental information on abortion and reproductive health
🔴 Expand access to contraception and comprehensive sexuality education to support informed reproductive choices
Safe abortion saves lives. It is healthcare, a human rights issue and a matter of justice.
Read the full Joint CSO Statement —
reproductiverights.org/news/…
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