From the WHO: Conscientious objection to provision of legal abortion care

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2013 Dec;123 Suppl 3:S60-2. doi: 10.1016/S0020-7292(13)60004-1.

Conscientious objection to provision of legal abortion care.

Johnson BR Jr¹, Kismödi E², Dragoman MV³, Temmerman M³.

Author information

• ¹UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: johnsonb@who.int.
• ²Independent International Human Rights Lawyer, Geneva, Switzerland.
• ³UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract

Despite advances in scientific evidence, technologies, and human rights rationale for providing safe abortion, a broad range of cultural, regulatory, and health system barriers that deter access to abortion continues to exist in many countries. When conscientious objection to provision of abortion becomes one of these barriers, it can create risks to women's health and the enjoyment of their human rights. To eliminate this barrier, states should implement regulations for healthcare providers on how to invoke conscientious objection without jeopardizing women's access to safe, legal abortion services, especially with regard to timely referral for care and in emergency cases when referral is not possible. In addition, states should take all necessary measures to ensure that all women and adolescents have the means to prevent unintended pregnancies and to obtain safe abortion.