The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that safe and legal access to abortion is a fundamental right of women and girls, and is a critical component of their sexual and reproductive health and rights. WHO guidelines on abortion emphasize the importance of providing safe and legal abortion services as well as ensuring access to appropriate post-abortion care.
According to WHO, unsafe abortion is a major public health concern and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. An estimated 25 million unsafe abortions occur each year, with the majority taking place in developing countries where access to safe and legal abortion services is limited.
WHO recommends that countries should ensure that all women have access to safe and legal abortion services, and that these services should be provided by trained health care providers in an appropriate and safe setting. The organization also recommends the provision of post-abortion care, including counseling and follow-up care, to ensure that women are able to fully recover and prevent complications.
WHO also stresses the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health, including information on contraception and safe abortion. The organization also recommends that countries should ensure that laws and policies do not restrict access to safe and legal abortion services, and that penalties for providing or obtaining an abortion should be abolished.
In addition, WHO also promotes the use of modern methods of abortion, such as medical abortion (using drugs to end a pregnancy) which is safe, effective, and can be provided in a wider range of settings. Medical abortion can be done up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and is a good alternative for women who live in remote areas or have difficulty accessing surgical abortion services.
WHO also recommends the provision of comprehensive sexuality education and the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women as key strategies to reduce the need for abortion.
In conclusion, safe and legal access to abortion is a fundamental right of women and girls and a critical component of their sexual and reproductive health and rights. WHO guidelines on abortion emphasize the importance of providing safe and legal abortion services, as well as ensuring access to appropriate post-abortion care. The organization also recommends that countries should ensure that laws and policies do not restrict access to safe and legal abortion services, and the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women as key strategies to reduce the need for abortion.
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