Original Source: www.figo.org
On International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, FIGO has joined forces with various allies to advocate for enhanced protection for individuals providing abortion care. Together with Amnesty International, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Ipas, MSI Reproductive Choices, ODAS Centre, and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), FIGO contributed to the guidelines aimed at safeguarding frontline abortion rights defenders, including healthcare professionals.
The newly released guidelines, titled “Key Principles and Actions to Safeguard Abortion Care Providers as Human Rights Defenders,” offer vital recommendations for governments. These recommendations emphasize the necessity of ensuring that healthcare workers, as defenders of abortion rights, can operate without fear of attacks or hostility, particularly in light of a 2023 Amnesty International report describing the threats faced by these defenders.
Prof. Kihara Anne Beatrice, FIGO’s President, highlighted the dire conditions in which healthcare providers operate, stating that their roles are often met with discrimination and violence merely for delivering essential healthcare. Restrictive abortion laws foster a stigmatizing atmosphere, labeling providers and patients as criminals. Tragically, many healthcare professionals have encountered intimidation, physical danger, or even tragic ends in their pursuit of care for those seeking abortion services.
Fernanda Doz Costa, Director of Gender, Racial Justice, Migrants & Refugees at Amnesty International, acknowledged that, despite global strides towards sexual and reproductive health rights, including the decriminalization of abortion in some nations, defending these rights continues to pose severe risks for many healthcare workers. The fight for safe and accessible abortion services remains fraught with challenges and dangers.
The article discusses a significant initiative led by FIGO and partnered organizations to protect abortion service providers. It highlights the launch of guidelines aimed at improving safety for those who advocate for and provide abortion care. The context underscores the ongoing violence and stigma faced by these individuals globally, while emphasizing the importance of human rights in healthcare access.
In summary, FIGO’s collaboration with various organizations marks a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of abortion care providers. The newly released guidelines serve as vital recommendations for governments to protect healthcare professionals against violence and discrimination. With persistent threats to their safety, it is essential to continue advocating for their rights and acknowledging their critical role in delivering essential healthcare.
