UN Special Rapporteur Milestone for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
A report presented to the United Nations General Assembly this morning by Anand Grover, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, which exposes the adverse effects criminalization and legal restrictions have on various health issues, is an important milestone for those working to promote sexual and reproductive health and human rights worldwide. Building on existing research and analysis, this report poses a fundamental challenge to laws and policies that limit access to abortion, dictate a woman’s conduct during pregnancy, restrict comprehensive sexuality education, and act as a barrier to contraception and family planning information and services. It examines the disproportionate impact these laws and policies have on those who already suffer human rights violations and the denial of adequate heath care (e.g., women, impoverished peoples) and emphasizes individuals’ right to dignity and autonomy in health-related decision making.
Grover calls for the immediate removal of all impeding restrictions to abortion, full access to modern contraceptive methods, and complete and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health.
Below is a round-up of media coverage about this report.
Rights – not criminalization – for girls and women, says UN health expert | Amnesty International
Sexual And Reproductive Rights: More Than Just Health | AWID
UN Special Rapporteur: Abortion Restrictions Don't Work | RH Reality Check
The Criminalization of Abortion is an Abuse of State Power | RH Reality Check
How HR 358, the Let Women Die Act 2011, Violates International Human Rights Standards | RH Reality Check
The Word on Women - Unprecedented Gains for Sexual Rights and Reproductive Rights at the UN Today | TrustLaw
UN states told they must legalise abortion | Guardian
