1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

The denial of safe and legal access to abortion is a violation of human rights. Criminalizing abortion does not stop it from occurring, it only makes it more dangerous by forcing people to seek out unsafe methods. Nearly every death and injury from unsafe abortion procedures is preventable. Unsafe abortions remain a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and result in millions of preventable injuries and disabilities each year according to the World Health Organization. Access to safe abortion is essential for protecting the rights to life, health, equality, non-discrimination, and freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Abortion is a crucial part of reproductive healthcare and bodily autonomy. Denying this vital service discriminates against women, girls, transgender and non-binary individuals who can become pregnant. It violates their human rights, including privacy, liberty, and the right to make decisions about their own bodies free from coercion or violence. Marginalized communities already face significant barriers to accessing reproductive health services, and criminalizing abortion only exacerbates these injustices. Legalizing abortion is a necessary step to safeguard human rights and uphold medical ethics. It enables healthcare providers to offer comprehensive reproductive care in line with best practices without fearing criminal penalties. Decriminalization is vital, but it must be accompanied by efforts to address persisting social, economic and systemic barriers that impede equitable access to safe abortion services. A human rights-based approach to abortion recognizes it as a matter of bodily autonomy, health, equality and dignity for all.