Parallel paths: abortion access restrictions in the USA and Iran

Reproductive rights, including access to abortion, contraception, and comprehensive healthcare, are critical for gender equality and public health. However, these rights remain contentious and heavily influenced by cultural, religious, and political ideologies, creating barriers to equitable care and justice globally. This narrative review examines and compares both abortion laws and policies in the United States and Iran, two ideologically distinct nations with striking parallels in their restrictive approaches. This narrative review identifies key similarities, including the politicization of abortion, the influence of cultural and religious doctrines, and the disproportionate burden of restrictive policies on marginalized populations, leading to unsafe abortions. It also explores major differences, such as the decentralized, state-specific legal variability in the United States versus Iran's centralized theocratic governance, where demographic goals drive restrictions. These findings highlight how geopolitical and ideological contexts shape reproductive governance and health outcomes. Despite ideological contrasts, the United States and Iran exhibit analogous restrictive trends, revealing global challenges in advancing reproductive justice. Addressing these barriers requires a dual approach: targeted legal and policy reforms within national contexts, particularly in the U.S. and Iran, and alignment with international advocacy efforts promoting reproductive autonomy and human rights. The findings provide critical insights for policymakers and healthcare providers aiming to reform reproductive health frameworks and ensure equitable, rights-based care.