Abortion rates around the world have stayed the same since the 1990s—except in countries where abortion restrictions have been newly introduced. Tarah Demant, Interim National Director of Programs, Advocacy and Government Affairs at Amnesty International USA, sits down to talk with us about the countries that have recently introduced abortion restrictions, the countries that have protected abortion care for decades, and what the future of global abortion access looks like moving forward.  

 

The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a major loss for abortion rights. Even still, in the last 50 years, there is an unmistakable trend of the liberalization of abortion laws across the world. In fact, the vast majority of countries permit abortion in at least some circumstance, and these countries continue to move toward further liberalization of abortion laws. In all, 60 countries have liberalized their abortion laws, with only four countries having rolled back their abortion laws since 1994. The countries that have rolled back abortion laws include the United States, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Poland. In each of these countries, maternal deaths rates, criminalization of people seeking healthcare, and rapidly spreading chilling effects among providers, has increased.

 

The Dobbs case has been and will continue be used as a framework for general anti-rights policy around the world. Similarly, the U.S.’ narrative lead on anti-abortion ideology has the ability to influence other countries’ narratives and political confidence to pass equally restrictive laws. Dobbs and its ideology has also coincided with an emboldening of the global anti-gender and anti-LGBTQI+ movement.

 

Links

Tarah Demant on Twitter

Amnesty International USA on Twitter 

Amnesty International USA on Facebook

Fos Feminista Fact Sheet: The Global Impact of the Dobbs Decision

 

Take Action Items

 

Follow Amnesty International on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Stay engaged and take heart. The majority of people around the world—3 out of 5—believe that abortion should be legal. Talk about abortion, how it’s normal, safe, healthcare and a human right. 

 

If you have money to give, give to an abortion fund! If donating isn’t an option, figure out a way to become involved—whether going to events, volunteering, or more!

 

Reach out to your local council members and elected officials, and make sure they know that abortion access is important to you as a constituent. You can also call your federal elected officials! The Capitol Switchboard is 202-224-3121.

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