FSRH Position Statement on Access to Safe Abortion Globally

Our beliefs

Universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare is crucial to the health and well-being of women and men.

Safe abortion care is integral to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Globally, it is estimated that more than half of all unintended pregnancies lead to a termination, and more than 25 million unsafe abortions happen every year.  

FSRH believes women have the right to access safe and legal abortion care wherever they live worldwide.

All women should be able to receive prompt access to abortion services, which should include good pregnancy decision-making support and access to post-abortion contraception by trained healthcare professionals if required.

Our Vision

We would like to see a world where women have legal, confidential and open access to safe and high-quality abortion care free from harassment and stigma as part of a wider holistic approach to good sexual and reproductive healthcare. We also envision a world where healthcare professionals can provide abortion care without fear of criminal sanctions, stigma and harassment.

Decriminalisation of abortion globally

FSRH supports the removal of criminal sanctions associated with abortion in any country. Abortion should be subject to appropriate professional standards and regulatory frameworks.

FSRH supports use of abortion medication at home (or a place of the woman’s choice) where there are no known medical reasons for supervision.

The data mentioned in the second paragraph is from the latest report on abortion globally by the Guttmacher Institute, which can be accessed here.