Around the Around the world, those defending abortion rights are under attack, including activists, advocates, educators, clinic escorts, accompaniers, doulas, and healthcare workers. They are exposed to stigmatization, physical and verbal attacks, intimidation and threats, and are criminalized through unjust prosecutions, investigations and arrests. Despite hostility and lack of recognition, they continue their work, helping countless women, girls and all people who can become pregnant access their right to abortion. They are a truly unstoppable movement
Individuals and groups working to defend the right to abortion are Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) - defined as women, girls and gender diverse people defending any human right, and people of all genders defending women’s rights and rights related to gender equality, including LGBTI rights. They often face attacks not just because of the issues they work on, but also based on who they are as women, girls, LGBTI people, people who are racialised, and others who experience intersecting forms of oppression. In a world in which gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms continue to be prevalent, WHRDs are exposed to additional risks because they challenge harmful social, cultural and gender norms that dictate restrictive gender roles, heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity, and undermine sexual and reproductive rights (SRR)
This report provides an overview of how WHRDs who defend the right to abortion are attacked worldwide.These attacks are not just a violation of the state obligation to protect and provide them with a safe and enabling environment, but also a powerful barrier to safe abortion for those who need or want it. As such, this report is part of Amnesty International’s global campaign to promote the right to abortion for all.
