Safe and legal abortion
Banning abortion does not reduce the need for abortions, it only increases the risk of unsafe abortions. A quarter of the world's population live in countries where abortion is prohibited. Every year, tens of thousands of women die and millions have to receive medical treatment due to complications from unsafe abortions.
In Sweden, support for the Swedish abortion law is strong. But we cannot take this for granted. There are still those who want to restrict our abortion rights, and we have to remain vigilant to that threat. Historically, religious and conservative groups have represented the strongest opposition to abortion. Today they are supported by right-wing extremists.
What would RFSU like to see?
Everyone has the right to high quality abortion care from experienced staff, and to be treated with respect. No one who wants to terminate an unwanted pregnancy should have to face health professionals who refuse to provide care.
It is important that Swedish foreign aid provides support for safe abortions. Humanitarian aid must also take into account the specific problems of access to safe abortion in areas affected by armed conflicts and disasters.
What is RFSU doing for abortion rights?
RFSU participates in important negotiations within the UN. We build alliances with civil society organisations and governments all over the globe. For example, we work to ensure that more people have access to medical abortions, which are both cheaper and less intrusive than surgical abortions.
One of our priorities in Sweden is lobbying for a change in the law that would enable people to self-manage their abortion at home. We also develop methods for public education on abortion. RFSU works to raise awareness of abortion rights within civil society and has a key role to play in mobilising public opinion to protect the strong abortion rights we have today.