Recursos

10 public health facts to understand the need to decriminalize abortion

TOPICS: Abortion, legal and regulatory frameworks | Abortion, myths and stigma | Sexual and reproductive rights

COUNTRIES: Argentina | Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica | Ecuador | El Salvador | Guatemala | Honduras | Mexico | Nicaragua | Panama

Abortion is a public health, social justice and human rights issue. Arguments based on scientific evidence show that decriminalization of abortion increases the number of safe procedures performed, decreasing the mortality and morbidity rate. Safe abortion also decreases the hospital burden and complication costs.

Legal access to abortion benefits the health and lives of women and other persons with gestational capacity, as well as public health systems.