UN on abortion in the United States: “It is a big step back from 50 years”

The High Commissioner of the UN for Human Rights, Michelle Bacheletpointed out that the decision of the Supreme Court of USA of annulling the protection of the right to abortion “marks a huge step backwards after five decades of protecting sexual and reproductive health”.

LOOK: Abortion in the United States: where will it be prohibited or restricted to terminate pregnancy in the country?

The measure taken by the court, with a conservative majority, “it is a huge blow to women’s human rights and gender equality”, said Bachelet, who between 2010 and 2013 was executive director of the UN-Women agency.

“Access to safe, legal and effective abortion is firmly rooted in international human rights law, and is crucial to the autonomy of women and girls to be able to make decisions about their own bodies free from discrimination, violence and coercion.”, added the former Chilean president.

LOOK: Missouri, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota are the first states to ban abortion in the US.

With its decision, the US Supreme Court “strips that autonomy from American women, especially those with low incomes and those belonging to ethnic minorities”, he assured.

Bachelet recalled that in the last 25 years, more than fifty countries with previously restrictive laws on abortion have liberalized their legislation in this regard, “a trend from which the United States is unfortunately moving away today”.

The Supreme Court ruling annuls a protection in force since 1973, in a historic decision that will allow each state to decide whether to maintain it or prohibit it.

The magistrates underlined in their opinion that the Constitution “does not grant” this right and returns the authority to legislate on abortion to the “village” and its “elected representatives”.

LOOK: US Congress approves gun control law: a pact that waited 30 years

UN Women also spoke

UN Women reiterated this Friday that reproductive rights are an integral part of women’s rights and human rightsand recalled that it is a fact supported by international agreements and reflected in laws in different parts of the world.

The United Nations organization reacted in this way after hearing today the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States that annulled the protections of the right to abortion in force in the country since 1973.

UN Women said in a statement that in order to exercise their human rights and make essential decisions, women must be able to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children, and have access to information, education and services.

She warned that when safe and legal access to abortion is restricted, women are forced to resort to less safe methods, all too often with harmful or disastrous results, especially for those affected by poverty or marginalization.

He also highlighted that the ability to control what happens to their body is associated with the roles they can play in society, whether as a member of the family, the workforce or government.

“UN Women remains steadfast in its determination to ensure that the rights of women and girls are fully respected and enjoyed around the world, and we look forward to continued evidence-based engagement with our partners everywhere to support rapid progress towards universal enjoyment of universal rights“, he claimed.

The decision of the US Supreme Court revokes the ruling known as “Roe versus Wade”, agreed 49 years ago, which protected the right to abortion throughout the country; and another 1992 ruling, “Planned Parenthood versus Casey,” which reaffirmed that protection but allowed states to set regulations on the process.

With information from EFE.

Source: Elcomercio

Ronald Payne

I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.