Bodily autonomy, dignity and freedom of choice must be respected, say UN experts

World Contraception Day, 26 September 2024

International Safe Abortion Day, 28 September 2024

Bodily autonomy, dignity and freedom of choice must be respected, say UN experts

GENEVA (25 September 2024) – States must respect the bodily autonomy, dignity and freedom of choice of women and girls, UN experts* said today. Ahead of World Contraception Day on 26 September and International Safe Abortion Day on 28 September, the experts issued the following statement:

“While sexual and reproductive health rights are recognised as priorities in some countries, many others continue to neglect these vital rights or face potential setbacks.

The incredible power that modern contraceptives provide women and girls goes beyond biomedical dimensions or mere options: when services are provided with dignity and are of quality, they enhance the ability of women and girls to fully participate and realise their economic, social and political rights. Despite the global gender backlash, which have a detrimental effect on the lives of women and girls, we firmly reiterate the necessity for them to have access to sexual and reproductive services that are available, accessible, acceptable and of high quality. Fundamental to the right to health, such services unlock opportunity in multifaceted areas of life, including to access education, economic participation and increase opportunities in the social and political spheres.

These rights are directly linked with equitable and sustainable development and the attainment of the SDGs, including Goal 1 on ‘no poverty’, Goal 3 on ‘good health and wellbeing’ and Goal 5 on ‘gender equality’.

We should not only focus on quantitative data but also connect the achievement of such targets with the respective upholding of people’s rights to bodily autonomy, dignity and their freedom of choice.

Furthermore, women and girls should be guaranteed a sustained supply of modern contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception, and access to safe abortions. These require scientific development and equitable investment in research, development, and innovation on options of modern and sustainable procurement methods.

Healthcare providers who provide safe abortion and post-abortion care services, must not be at risk of being the target of intimidation, incarceration and attacks, as this has a chilling effect on the provision of these services and therefore negatively affects the protection of women and girls’ rights.

We reiterate that the key human rights principles of non-discrimination, equality, empowerment, participation and accountability must be respected. In addition, experts stress that states must establish clear standards for regulating conscientious objection and ensure alternative accessible safe abortion services for women. These standards should be implemented in a respectful and non-punitive manner, and conscientious objection should not be permitted in urgent or emergency situations.

We also remind States that they have an obligation to address the challenges affecting women and girls that impede them from fully enjoying their sexual and reproductive rights without interference and benefiting from research, development and innovation.”