Abortion is essential healthcare-Position Statement: Abortion is essential health care

Position Statement: Abortion is essential health care

Pdf Summary

The Society of Family Planning affirms that abortion is an essential part of comprehensive healthcare and must be accessible equitably to all individuals who seek it. Abortion care, provided by clinicians through evidence-based, person-centered practices, is safer than childbirth and can be delivered via various methods, including medication abortion through both in-person and telehealth services. Safe abortions may even occur outside formal healthcare settings. The primary threats to abortion safety and quality arise from laws and regulations that disregard evidence and fail to center patient needs.<br /><br />The Society strongly supports expansive, inclusive protections for abortion access and opposes any legislation that restricts abortion care. Beyond legal barriers, it advocates against stigma, fear, institutional obstacles, and misinformation that limit access. The organization emphasizes that no exception to abortion restrictions eliminates their harms, as all restrictions impede just and equitable abortion care. Denying wanted abortions correlates with adverse social and health consequences.<br /><br />The Society prioritizes centering individuals most affected by systemic oppression and abortion restrictions, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, low-income individuals, those with disabilities or chronic conditions, and young people. Committed to a vision of equitable, science-informed abortion care, the Society pledges to continue advocacy and collaboration to overcome barriers and support the rights and health of all seeking abortion services.

Keywords

abortion access

comprehensive healthcare

evidence-based care

person-centered practices

medication abortion

telehealth services

legal barriers

abortion stigma

equitable healthcare

systemic oppression