Trends in Abortion Policies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human Rights Law
• Reproductive Health Policy

Background:

• Abortion decisions stem from limited sexual autonomy, contraceptive access issues, or health needs.
• Despite being a human right, abortion access faces global contestation from conservative political, religious, and patriarchal influences.
• Criminalization and policy incoherence contribute to unsafe abortion procedures, even where legal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review global trends in abortion policy within low- and middle-income countries.
• To identify priority areas for enhancing women's reproductive rights and ensuring safe abortion access.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of abortion policies in low- and middle-income countries.
• Analysis of geopolitical influences on reproductive rights legislation.
• Identification of policy gaps and best practices.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in abortion policies exist across low- and middle-income nations.
• Political and cultural factors heavily influence the accessibility and legality of abortion.
• Gaps in policy coherence often lead to unsafe practices.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening reproductive rights requires addressing political and social barriers to abortion access.
• Policy reform is crucial to ensure safe and legal abortion services globally.
• Prioritizing women's autonomy and health is essential for advancing reproductive justice.