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Abortion is a common medical procedure, concluding six out of ten unplanned pregnancies. Annually, between 40 and 50 million women around the world terminate pregnancies. As of September 28, 2023, over 33 million abortions have already occurred. However, safe abortion is inaccessible to every woman.
Nearly 45% of all abortions are unsafe, with a staggering 97% of them taking place in developing countries. Each year, 4.7% to 13.2% of women face mortality due to unprofessional medical interventions, underscoring the critical importance of accessible safe abortions. They serve as a lifeline for tens of thousands of women, as well as hundreds of thousands who live with long-term complications, including infertility and chronic pain.
About International Safe Abortion Day
It all began in 1990 with a campaign to fight for the decriminalization of abortions in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2011, the Global Network of Women’s Reproductive Rights declared September 28th as an international day. Over more than 20 years, hundreds of events have taken place in dozens of countries across the globe. National and global leaders often make statements supporting this day, and national, regional, and international events are held.
This day brings together human rights advocates, politicians, and healthcare professionals from around the world in a collective call to respect, protect, and fulfill every woman’s right to a safe abortion.
The 2023 Campaign
The theme for this year is “Unstoppable Movement: Movement building, solidarity, and justice for the right to safe abortion.” A subtheme is “Young People’s Leadership in Abortion Justice.” The campaign highlights the contribution of young individuals who bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and an unwavering commitment to change.
This September 28, we celebrate diverse young people and how they are fearlessly taking and creating spaces and employing innovative advocacy strategies to champion safe abortion rights and reproductive justice.
Global Network of Women’s Reproductive Rights
This year, the campaign has engaged over 12 million people from 85 countries around the world. It encompasses 400 different events and activities. International and national reproductive justice organizations and activists are calling on governments, financial institutions, and international bodies to decriminalize abortions. No one should be imprisoned for having an abortion or providing safe abortion care to those in need.
Abortion Care Is Health Care, And Health Is a Human Right
Access to the highest attainable standard of health, including sexual and reproductive health, is a fundamental human right, as affirmed by the statement of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ability to decide if and when to have children, and access to safe, timely, affordable, respectful and person-centred abortion care, including information and post-abortion care, helps to safeguard the health and well-being of women, girls, their families and their communities.
WHO’s statement
Learn all about abortion types, risks, and potential complications in the School’s article Abortion – All You Need to Know.
