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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation

International Safe Abortion Day: Safe Abortion Is A Human Right! #IntersectionalFeminism


#AbortionRights🚺 September 28th marks International Safe Abortion Day. It is a global moment where activists unite to demand universal access to safe and legal abortion as essential healthcare and as a human right. #MyBodyMyChoice ✨From Michelle Obama to Billie Eilish, women have spoken to decriminalize abortion! Check their powerful words! ⤵️









Want to learn more about Thailand and Abortion Rights? 


In October 2022, Thailand expanded its abortion law to allow termination up to the 20th week of pregnancy 🗓️, building on earlier amendments from 2021 that permitted abortion within the first 12 weeks. This change followed a landmark 2020 ruling by the Constitutional Court ⚖️, which declared section 301, previously criminalizing abortion, unconstitutional. However, despite these reforms, abortion remains a criminal offense if performed beyond the 20-week limit 🚫, as outlined in the Thai Criminal  Code 📜. In 2022, more than 12,500 pregnant people received safe abortion services under the UCS, as reported by the National Health Security Office.


Although abortion is decriminalized, many doctors are simply refusing to perform abortion, in spite of the unequivocal wording of the law.


 “There are a number of doctors who refuse to provide the service. They’re still attached to their values or religious beliefs that see abortion as immoral,” said Ms Nanthakan Sungsuman Woodham, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand.


Did you know that limiting access to abortions doesn't actually decrease their occurrence? What it does do, however, is increase the danger of these procedures, and increase stigma around the topic. 


📣 Our Call to Action: 


▶️ Enforce the Abortion Law: We call on the government to ensure that public hospitals and healthcare providers comply with the expanded abortion laws and provide safe, accessible services to those in need.


▶️ Educate and Train Healthcare Providers: We urge medical professionals to receive proper training and education on reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of safe abortions as a part of comprehensive healthcare.


▶️ End Stigma: We demand an end to the stigma surrounding abortion, which can only happen through education and open conversations. Everyone should have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies without fear of judgment or discrimination.


▶️ Universal Access: We advocate for equal access to safe abortion services for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, identity, or geographic location.


▶️ Protect Reproductive Rights: We insist on the full recognition of abortion as a fundamental human right, calling for policy changes that support and protect those seeking abort


Together, let's build a world where safe and legal abortions are accessible to all. ✊ Manushya Foundation supports the movement to demand better Reproductive Rights, and to ensure equal access to healthcare for all as #AbortionIsAHumanRight 


Learn more about Manushya’s work on Safe Abortion: 

  • Thailand's Third Universal Periodic Review Cycle 29 September 2021: Here


#WeAreManushyan ♾ Equal Human Beings




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