Latest items for ABO-PRACTICE-1
Aug. 21, 2025, 10:47 p.m.
Countries: Colombia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Today, Colombia has one of the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and globally. However, access remains unequal, varying by region, and stigma persists, leading to ongoing reports of obstacles and discrimination" (Para 4). "[D]ecriminalization of abortion has led to a drop in clandestine abortions, which was a very common practice until three years ago" (Para 10).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Today, Colombia has one of the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and globally. However, access remains unequal, varying by region, and stigma persists, leading to ongoing reports of obstacles and discrimination" (Para 4). "[D]ecriminalization of abortion has led to a drop in clandestine abortions, which was a very common practice until three years ago" (Para 10).
Aug. 21, 2025, 9:55 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Even when abortion is fully legal, the legal system, health-care institutions, and social stigma limit access. Chinese law does not explicitly grant minors the right to consent to their own medical treatments. To avoid being held liable, public hospitals usually only perform abortions on underage patients if they are accompanied by parents or guardians. Young women who do not want to inform their parents of their pregnancies thus visit private clinics, some of which charge sky-high fees and are unscrupulous in their medical practices" (Para 15). "Chinese health authorities’ interest in curbing the prevalence of abortions stems in part from the emphasis on youshengyouyu (优生优育), which generally means to improve...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Even when abortion is fully legal, the legal system, health-care institutions, and social stigma limit access. Chinese law does not explicitly grant minors the right to consent to their own medical treatments. To avoid being held liable, public hospitals usually only perform abortions on underage patients if they are accompanied by parents or guardians. Young women who do not want to inform their parents of their pregnancies thus visit private clinics, some of which charge sky-high fees and are unscrupulous in their medical practices" (Para 15). "Chinese health authorities’ interest in curbing the prevalence of abortions stems in part from the emphasis on youshengyouyu (优生优育), which generally means to improve...more
Aug. 21, 2025, 1:18 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Amina (played by Achouackh Abakar Souleymane) is a single mother and practicing Muslim whose 15-year-old daughter, Maria (Rihane Khalil Alio) is pregnant. On the outskirts of Chad’s capital of N’Djamena, the unwanted pregnancy is a grave concern. It means certain ostracism for Maria — the same stigma that her mother knows herself. 'When I’m in Chad,' says Haroun,' I have a lot of people telling me: ‘You have to make a film about this subject. You are the filmmaker. You have to become our spokesman and make this film, this subject. We can’t, because we are afraid of the government. You can.''" (Para 5-7).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Amina (played by Achouackh Abakar Souleymane) is a single mother and practicing Muslim whose 15-year-old daughter, Maria (Rihane Khalil Alio) is pregnant. On the outskirts of Chad’s capital of N’Djamena, the unwanted pregnancy is a grave concern. It means certain ostracism for Maria — the same stigma that her mother knows herself. 'When I’m in Chad,' says Haroun,' I have a lot of people telling me: ‘You have to make a film about this subject. You are the filmmaker. You have to become our spokesman and make this film, this subject. We can’t, because we are afraid of the government. You can.''" (Para 5-7).
Aug. 21, 2025, 1:06 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Lack of access to health and contraceptive services cause women to seek unsafe abortions – with potentially grave complications – rather than carry a child to term" (Para 3).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Lack of access to health and contraceptive services cause women to seek unsafe abortions – with potentially grave complications – rather than carry a child to term" (Para 3).
Aug. 20, 2025, 7:11 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Although legislation permitted abortions in cases of rape, some women continued to resort to illegal and dangerous clandestine abortions" (Page 2).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Although legislation permitted abortions in cases of rape, some women continued to resort to illegal and dangerous clandestine abortions" (Page 2).
Aug. 20, 2025, 1:30 a.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The implication of this ruling is that it brings relief for women in their decision making process. It will provide access to safe medical pregnancy termination from public and private health facilities. By accessing I mean cost and availability. Clandestine procedures are known to be expensive. On the other hand the services will be moving from hidden to publicly available in health facilities. In some cases, access to safe abortion ensures that serious consequences of unsafe abortion are averted. However, it is important to note that the ruling of the law on its own is not enough for women to access the medical abortion services. There is a lot to...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The implication of this ruling is that it brings relief for women in their decision making process. It will provide access to safe medical pregnancy termination from public and private health facilities. By accessing I mean cost and availability. Clandestine procedures are known to be expensive. On the other hand the services will be moving from hidden to publicly available in health facilities. In some cases, access to safe abortion ensures that serious consequences of unsafe abortion are averted. However, it is important to note that the ruling of the law on its own is not enough for women to access the medical abortion services. There is a lot to...more
Aug. 20, 2025, 12:19 a.m.
Countries: Cameroon
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Abortions were performed either at home or in small health facilities by medical personnel. Due to restrictive abortion laws, women often turn to providers with limited skills or to facilities lacking basic medical standards. Additionally, challenging socioeconomic conditions have led some health workers to view abortion as an opportunity to earn extra revenue. Suction curettage and misoprostol were the primary methods used for abortion (89%), likely because physicians were the main providers and most were trained in these techniques. Similar findings were reported by Ngowa et al. in Cameroon. Additionally, Wonkam and Hurst noted an increasing acceptance of voluntary abortion among medical trainees in Cameroon, with acceptance rising from preclinical...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Abortions were performed either at home or in small health facilities by medical personnel. Due to restrictive abortion laws, women often turn to providers with limited skills or to facilities lacking basic medical standards. Additionally, challenging socioeconomic conditions have led some health workers to view abortion as an opportunity to earn extra revenue. Suction curettage and misoprostol were the primary methods used for abortion (89%), likely because physicians were the main providers and most were trained in these techniques. Similar findings were reported by Ngowa et al. in Cameroon. Additionally, Wonkam and Hurst noted an increasing acceptance of voluntary abortion among medical trainees in Cameroon, with acceptance rising from preclinical...more
Aug. 19, 2025, 11:57 p.m.
Countries: Canada
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite being legal, abortion remains one of the most divisive issues of our time" (Para 1). "Abortion is now legal in Canada. But it is still a hot-button issue. Opinion polls show Canadians divided on the matter. In 2010, an EKOS/Globe and Mail poll found that 52 per cent of Canadians were pro-choice. It found that 27 per cent were pro-life. The other 21 per cent did not side with either camp. Since 1990, federal parties and governments have steered clear of abortion. They prefer to let the Supreme Court have the last word on the subject. Several private members bills on both sides of the issue have been tabled...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite being legal, abortion remains one of the most divisive issues of our time" (Para 1). "Abortion is now legal in Canada. But it is still a hot-button issue. Opinion polls show Canadians divided on the matter. In 2010, an EKOS/Globe and Mail poll found that 52 per cent of Canadians were pro-choice. It found that 27 per cent were pro-life. The other 21 per cent did not side with either camp. Since 1990, federal parties and governments have steered clear of abortion. They prefer to let the Supreme Court have the last word on the subject. Several private members bills on both sides of the issue have been tabled...more
Aug. 17, 2025, 11:34 p.m.
Countries: Cambodia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite abortion being legal in Cambodia up to 12 weeks’ gestation, there is still stigma about seeking abortion services. 'Some clients are afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed when seeking an abortion service, because they are unmarried or still studying. Some feel embarrassed after getting the service a few times,' said Sthada. 'That’s why they might try to buy pills on their own at random places or seeking unsafe abortion service secretly provided by untrained or unprofessional individual, which then becomes very life-threatening.'" (Para 8-10).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite abortion being legal in Cambodia up to 12 weeks’ gestation, there is still stigma about seeking abortion services. 'Some clients are afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed when seeking an abortion service, because they are unmarried or still studying. Some feel embarrassed after getting the service a few times,' said Sthada. 'That’s why they might try to buy pills on their own at random places or seeking unsafe abortion service secretly provided by untrained or unprofessional individual, which then becomes very life-threatening.'" (Para 8-10).
Aug. 17, 2025, 11:17 p.m.
Countries: Cambodia
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Furthermore, the Minister stressed the need to prevent social stigma and discrimination against women and girls who have experienced harassment, as such factors can push victims toward unsafe and unqualified abortion services. He also addressed the pros and cons of technological advancements in women’s and girls’ access to information and knowledge in rural areas" (Para 8).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Furthermore, the Minister stressed the need to prevent social stigma and discrimination against women and girls who have experienced harassment, as such factors can push victims toward unsafe and unqualified abortion services. He also addressed the pros and cons of technological advancements in women’s and girls’ access to information and knowledge in rural areas" (Para 8).
Aug. 16, 2025, 9:15 p.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"[C]ultural barriers further limit access to abortion for marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities" (Para 4). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are financial, the stigma associated with abortion, the lack of qualified health workers—especially in rural areas—and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are ... the stigma associated with abortion ... and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Since 2023, Argentina has also been facing a new political atmosphere. In...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"[C]ultural barriers further limit access to abortion for marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities" (Para 4). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are financial, the stigma associated with abortion, the lack of qualified health workers—especially in rural areas—and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Some of the obstacles to the implementation of the law are ... the stigma associated with abortion ... and conscientious objection and opposition from conservative and religious sectors, all of which hinder access to safe abortion" (Para 11). "Since 2023, Argentina has also been facing a new political atmosphere. In...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 9:10 p.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"A woman in Argentina accused of killing her baby after suffering an obstetric emergency has had her case dismissed. La China, a migrant from Venezuela and mother of two, told the court she did not know she was pregnant when she expelled what she thought were blood clots in December 2020 while at home in the capital. La China has polycystic ovary syndrome, which results in severe pain and irregular heavy periods, along with what medical experts diagnosed as pregnancy denial, a psychological condition. She had lived through previous obstetric emergencies, and had been unaware of other pregnancies. The ruling was a victory for women’s rights activists who had been...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"A woman in Argentina accused of killing her baby after suffering an obstetric emergency has had her case dismissed. La China, a migrant from Venezuela and mother of two, told the court she did not know she was pregnant when she expelled what she thought were blood clots in December 2020 while at home in the capital. La China has polycystic ovary syndrome, which results in severe pain and irregular heavy periods, along with what medical experts diagnosed as pregnancy denial, a psychological condition. She had lived through previous obstetric emergencies, and had been unaware of other pregnancies. The ruling was a victory for women’s rights activists who had been...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 8:55 p.m.
Countries: Burma/Myanmar
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The threat of significant jail time for people in Myanmar who have an abortion has given rise to a network of black market abortion pills and providers. Some of the resulting underground abortions are dangerous, and because of the looming threat of strict sentences, people who undergo them likely choose not to seek post-abortion care, exposing themselves to potential long-term medical and psychological consequences" (Para 5). "One group, the Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, recently published a recipe for a homemade medical abortion pill online. Like the Jane Collective’s underground procedures, these do-it-yourself abortion pills can carry serious risks. They could have dangerous interactions with other medications or conditions, and they...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The threat of significant jail time for people in Myanmar who have an abortion has given rise to a network of black market abortion pills and providers. Some of the resulting underground abortions are dangerous, and because of the looming threat of strict sentences, people who undergo them likely choose not to seek post-abortion care, exposing themselves to potential long-term medical and psychological consequences" (Para 5). "One group, the Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, recently published a recipe for a homemade medical abortion pill online. Like the Jane Collective’s underground procedures, these do-it-yourself abortion pills can carry serious risks. They could have dangerous interactions with other medications or conditions, and they...more
Aug. 16, 2025, 8:43 p.m.
Countries: Burma/Myanmar
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In Myanmar, having an abortion can be a life or death situation. According to the United Nations Population Fund, abortion complications are one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country" (Para 16). "Myanmar feminists say that unjust laws and decades of deeply rooted patriarchal culture make accessing safe options nearly impossible, and the laws often force people with unwanted pregnancies to turn to dangerous alternatives" (Para 18). "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people with unwanted pregnancies could circumvent Myanmar’s anti-abortion laws by traveling to Bangkok or Singapore. Today, however, with borders closed throughout Asia, more women are forced to perform the procedure on themselves through risky, often unhygienic...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In Myanmar, having an abortion can be a life or death situation. According to the United Nations Population Fund, abortion complications are one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country" (Para 16). "Myanmar feminists say that unjust laws and decades of deeply rooted patriarchal culture make accessing safe options nearly impossible, and the laws often force people with unwanted pregnancies to turn to dangerous alternatives" (Para 18). "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people with unwanted pregnancies could circumvent Myanmar’s anti-abortion laws by traveling to Bangkok or Singapore. Today, however, with borders closed throughout Asia, more women are forced to perform the procedure on themselves through risky, often unhygienic...more
Aug. 15, 2025, 4:24 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Nearly three in ten women who reported an abortion indicated experiencing a potential severe complication, and only half of these women accessed postabortion care at a facility for treatment. 75% of women were unaware that abortion could be accessed safely in certain situations under the law in Burkina Faso" (Page 1). "Over half of abortions were most unsafe (51%)3, involving a non-clinical provider (i.e. not a public or private health facility) and a non-recommended method (i.e. something other than abortion surgery or misoprostol with or without mifepristone). Unsafe abortions were most common among women with no education, unmarried women, and the oldest women" (Page 3).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Nearly three in ten women who reported an abortion indicated experiencing a potential severe complication, and only half of these women accessed postabortion care at a facility for treatment. 75% of women were unaware that abortion could be accessed safely in certain situations under the law in Burkina Faso" (Page 1). "Over half of abortions were most unsafe (51%)3, involving a non-clinical provider (i.e. not a public or private health facility) and a non-recommended method (i.e. something other than abortion surgery or misoprostol with or without mifepristone). Unsafe abortions were most common among women with no education, unmarried women, and the oldest women" (Page 3).
Aug. 15, 2025, 3:53 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite recent increases in contraceptive use and continued legal restrictions, abortion remains common in Burkina Faso and is largely unsafe, with evidence of potential disparities" (Page 1). "Based on the initial WHO abortion safety definition, 8.9% of respondent abortions were safe, 45.3% were less safe, and 45.0% were least safe" (Page 9).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Despite recent increases in contraceptive use and continued legal restrictions, abortion remains common in Burkina Faso and is largely unsafe, with evidence of potential disparities" (Page 1). "Based on the initial WHO abortion safety definition, 8.9% of respondent abortions were safe, 45.3% were less safe, and 45.0% were least safe" (Page 9).
July 30, 2025, 9:11 p.m.
Countries: Jamaica
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The intermittent debate on abortion in Jamaica has been reopened with the current pro-life campaign launched by local group Love March Movement in association with global Christian organisation 40 Days for Life" (Para 1).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The intermittent debate on abortion in Jamaica has been reopened with the current pro-life campaign launched by local group Love March Movement in association with global Christian organisation 40 Days for Life" (Para 1).
July 28, 2025, 5:04 p.m.
Countries: Italy
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"But easy access to abortion isn’t always guaranteed. The law allows health care personnel to register as conscientious objectors and refuse to perform abortions, and many have — meaning women sometimes have to travel far to have the procedure" (Para 7). "The new tensions over abortion in Italy come against the backdrop of developments elsewhere in Europe going somewhat in the opposite direction ... At the same time, Italy’s left fears the country might go the way of the U.S., where states are restricting access after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down landmark legislation that had guaranteed access to abortion nationwide" (Para 12-13).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"But easy access to abortion isn’t always guaranteed. The law allows health care personnel to register as conscientious objectors and refuse to perform abortions, and many have — meaning women sometimes have to travel far to have the procedure" (Para 7). "The new tensions over abortion in Italy come against the backdrop of developments elsewhere in Europe going somewhat in the opposite direction ... At the same time, Italy’s left fears the country might go the way of the U.S., where states are restricting access after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down landmark legislation that had guaranteed access to abortion nationwide" (Para 12-13).
July 22, 2025, 12:39 p.m.
Countries: Israel
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"'Abortion is something that is relatively easy to get in Israel but not easy to talk about,' explains a hospital insider who asked to remain anonymous" (Para 5). "It is reforms to these committees that are the focus of activists, even as they acknowledge the pitfalls in attempting to change, or even draw attention to, a fairly permissive and liberal system in a country that is becoming increasingly traditional and socially conservative. 'It really bothered me that I had to go through a committee, that other people had to give their approval,' says Bailey. While the committee discussed her abortion case, she and her boyfriend sat in the adjacent hallway,...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"'Abortion is something that is relatively easy to get in Israel but not easy to talk about,' explains a hospital insider who asked to remain anonymous" (Para 5). "It is reforms to these committees that are the focus of activists, even as they acknowledge the pitfalls in attempting to change, or even draw attention to, a fairly permissive and liberal system in a country that is becoming increasingly traditional and socially conservative. 'It really bothered me that I had to go through a committee, that other people had to give their approval,' says Bailey. While the committee discussed her abortion case, she and her boyfriend sat in the adjacent hallway,...more
July 11, 2025, 1:50 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Overall, the attitude of medical students towards abortion was fairly positive. 60.8% of participants reported that abortion should be allowed if there is a threat to maternal physical and/or mental health; 59.2% if the pregnancy is due to rape and/or incest; 46.6% if the woman is a minor; 46.6% if the fetus has malformations; 5% of medical students reported that abortion should not be allowed under any circumstances (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants agreed that the mother (95.8%) should have the authority to decide whether or not to have an abortion, but a significant number of students believed that the father (39.2%) and the healthcare provider (31.7%)...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Overall, the attitude of medical students towards abortion was fairly positive. 60.8% of participants reported that abortion should be allowed if there is a threat to maternal physical and/or mental health; 59.2% if the pregnancy is due to rape and/or incest; 46.6% if the woman is a minor; 46.6% if the fetus has malformations; 5% of medical students reported that abortion should not be allowed under any circumstances (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants agreed that the mother (95.8%) should have the authority to decide whether or not to have an abortion, but a significant number of students believed that the father (39.2%) and the healthcare provider (31.7%)...more
July 10, 2025, 3:52 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The strict abortion laws in Brunei have led to discussions and varying opinions among its citizens. Some support the legality of abortion, especially in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. Others oppose abortion, citing religious and moral grounds. There are also concerns about the lack of access to safe abortion procedures, with some resorting to illegal methods that can cause harm to their health. While abortion is illegal in Brunei, there have been reports of people travelling to neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, to undergo the procedure" (Para 6-7).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The strict abortion laws in Brunei have led to discussions and varying opinions among its citizens. Some support the legality of abortion, especially in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. Others oppose abortion, citing religious and moral grounds. There are also concerns about the lack of access to safe abortion procedures, with some resorting to illegal methods that can cause harm to their health. While abortion is illegal in Brunei, there have been reports of people travelling to neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, to undergo the procedure" (Para 6-7).
July 10, 2025, 3:32 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In June, thousands of people protested a bill that would make abortions after 22 weeks equivalent to homicide, even after rape" (Para 38).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In June, thousands of people protested a bill that would make abortions after 22 weeks equivalent to homicide, even after rape" (Para 38).
July 9, 2025, 2:18 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"We get daily reports of girls and women who go to seek legal abortions here in the city and they hear nonsense from the hospital staff that appear to act like the police" (Para 9).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"We get daily reports of girls and women who go to seek legal abortions here in the city and they hear nonsense from the hospital staff that appear to act like the police" (Para 9).
July 9, 2025, 1:25 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The drivers of unsafe abortion in Botswana are multifactorial, and there is significant overlap with the drivers of unintended pregnancy. The 2020 Strategic Assessment (MoHW Botswana and Phologolo T. 2020) highlighted several key drivers of unsafe abortion in Botswana, including: Poverty and financial constraints leading to concerns about ability to provide for the child. Gender inequality and gendered power imbalances leading to coercion into unsafe sex and/or unsafe abortion. Sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, incest or defilement. Lack of access to and knowledge about contraception services, including emergency contraception. Limited knowledge of the existing law surrounding safe, legal abortion. Multiple barriers to obtaining a safe, legal abortion" (Page 2)....more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"The drivers of unsafe abortion in Botswana are multifactorial, and there is significant overlap with the drivers of unintended pregnancy. The 2020 Strategic Assessment (MoHW Botswana and Phologolo T. 2020) highlighted several key drivers of unsafe abortion in Botswana, including: Poverty and financial constraints leading to concerns about ability to provide for the child. Gender inequality and gendered power imbalances leading to coercion into unsafe sex and/or unsafe abortion. Sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, incest or defilement. Lack of access to and knowledge about contraception services, including emergency contraception. Limited knowledge of the existing law surrounding safe, legal abortion. Multiple barriers to obtaining a safe, legal abortion" (Page 2)....more
July 8, 2025, 3:34 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Because of the country’s heavy decentralization, activists report that access to abortion is uneven for women across the two entities (Krupalija, 2020). It is not uncommon for some hospitals to refuse to perform the procedure for elective reasons and for others to not have the proper equipment or expertise to be able to perform it at all (Krupalija, 2020). The human rights organization Sarajevo Open Center also reports concern over the rising cost of legal abortions and an increase in underground clinics in small towns and villages which may drive poor and rural women to use these resources" (Para 12). "Abortion rates in Bosnia are high due to the lack...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Because of the country’s heavy decentralization, activists report that access to abortion is uneven for women across the two entities (Krupalija, 2020). It is not uncommon for some hospitals to refuse to perform the procedure for elective reasons and for others to not have the proper equipment or expertise to be able to perform it at all (Krupalija, 2020). The human rights organization Sarajevo Open Center also reports concern over the rising cost of legal abortions and an increase in underground clinics in small towns and villages which may drive poor and rural women to use these resources" (Para 12). "Abortion rates in Bosnia are high due to the lack...more
July 2, 2025, 10:33 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"So, in 2023, my team and I interviewed and surveyed staff at health institutions and health care facilities, as well as 163 people who have had abortions. This research reveals a number of problems with access. For example: Abortion for non-medical reasons is not covered by health insurance and prices vary wildly in different areas; Misoprostol is not registered, so medication abortion is rare; Some clinics have a lack of resources/staff and very few people are offered counselling support (only 3% of those surveyed); Doctors can (and do) refuse to provide abortions, and the rules on ‘conscientious objection’ are not consistent across the different areas of the country. Doctors are...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"So, in 2023, my team and I interviewed and surveyed staff at health institutions and health care facilities, as well as 163 people who have had abortions. This research reveals a number of problems with access. For example: Abortion for non-medical reasons is not covered by health insurance and prices vary wildly in different areas; Misoprostol is not registered, so medication abortion is rare; Some clinics have a lack of resources/staff and very few people are offered counselling support (only 3% of those surveyed); Doctors can (and do) refuse to provide abortions, and the rules on ‘conscientious objection’ are not consistent across the different areas of the country. Doctors are...more
June 29, 2025, 2:26 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"However, it is important to note that the ruling of the law on its own is not enough for women to access the medical abortion services. There is a lot to do including developing policies for the implementation of the law, working with health professionals to reduce the number of those who are likely to refuse to offer such services using conscientious objection" (Para 25).
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"However, it is important to note that the ruling of the law on its own is not enough for women to access the medical abortion services. There is a lot to do including developing policies for the implementation of the law, working with health professionals to reduce the number of those who are likely to refuse to offer such services using conscientious objection" (Para 25).
June 29, 2025, 1:58 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Still, in Benin, many women now feel more at liberty to inquire about the procedure, health workers said, although the authorities have yet to provide official statistics on abortion rates. 'Women bluntly tell us, ‘I want to abort,’' said Serge Kitihoun, the director of medical services at the Beninese branch of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. 'That would have been unthinkable years ago'" (Para 15-16). "In interviews with four women who recently had abortions, only one said she had felt comfortable telling a friend or a relative about it. 'Aborting is like being different. It’s like you’re not a saint anymore,' said Précieuse, 24, a student who received an abortion...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Still, in Benin, many women now feel more at liberty to inquire about the procedure, health workers said, although the authorities have yet to provide official statistics on abortion rates. 'Women bluntly tell us, ‘I want to abort,’' said Serge Kitihoun, the director of medical services at the Beninese branch of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. 'That would have been unthinkable years ago'" (Para 15-16). "In interviews with four women who recently had abortions, only one said she had felt comfortable telling a friend or a relative about it. 'Aborting is like being different. It’s like you’re not a saint anymore,' said Précieuse, 24, a student who received an abortion...more
June 23, 2025, 7:11 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In the Taliban’s Afghanistan, Rodabeh’s horror story is all too common. The New Arab found many women with similarly torturous experiences with dangerous, criminal abortions" (Para 8). "For a sizable fee, aka a bribe, health centres and midwives will attempt to perform an abortion, either surgically or medically via pill" (Para 10). "Black-market demand for Misoprostol tablets has increased exponentially in the past year, according to a Kabul-based nurse The New Arab spoke to on condition of anonymity. For women without a prescription, which is nearly all of them, the price of pills has skyrocketed to 100 times the 2021 price. Only the wealthy can afford a medical abortion. Meanwhile,...more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"In the Taliban’s Afghanistan, Rodabeh’s horror story is all too common. The New Arab found many women with similarly torturous experiences with dangerous, criminal abortions" (Para 8). "For a sizable fee, aka a bribe, health centres and midwives will attempt to perform an abortion, either surgically or medically via pill" (Para 10). "Black-market demand for Misoprostol tablets has increased exponentially in the past year, according to a Kabul-based nurse The New Arab spoke to on condition of anonymity. For women without a prescription, which is nearly all of them, the price of pills has skyrocketed to 100 times the 2021 price. Only the wealthy can afford a medical abortion. Meanwhile,...more
April 30, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Countries: Iran
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Iran's Health Ministry has suspended the issuance of licenses for the production and import of first trimester prenatal screening kits, in what critics in the medical community called a thinly veiled attempt to help boost flagging population growth and a risk to expecting mothers. Hadi Yazdani, a doctor and member of the Nation's Union Party, called out the government on social media, saying the step appears to be yet another move to restrict women's rights and their access to abortions" (par. 1-2). "'First, they said screenings should not be done for everyone and would be possible only with the request of the family and the opinion of a specialist doctor....more
Variables: ABO-PRACTICE-1
"Iran's Health Ministry has suspended the issuance of licenses for the production and import of first trimester prenatal screening kits, in what critics in the medical community called a thinly veiled attempt to help boost flagging population growth and a risk to expecting mothers. Hadi Yazdani, a doctor and member of the Nation's Union Party, called out the government on social media, saying the step appears to be yet another move to restrict women's rights and their access to abortions" (par. 1-2). "'First, they said screenings should not be done for everyone and would be possible only with the request of the family and the opinion of a specialist doctor....more