FIGO, October 2021.

The right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential part of the right to life, the right to health, the right to education and the right to equality and non-discrimination. Access to health services is a critical component of enabling women and girls to achieve the highest standards of health and wellbeing.

Countries across the world have committed to ensuring that women and girls have the right to make decisions about their health, bodies and lives. Yet several legal, policy, socio-cultural and systemic barriers continue to hinder access to lifesaving SRH procedures such as safe abortion, which is time-sensitive, essential health care. A significant barrier occurs when providers and allied staff have a conflict of conscience and claim the right to refuse safe abortion services.

Source: International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)