On International Safe Abortion Day, we come together to demand the right of people to make their own choices about their bodies, free from stigma and political interference. Abortion rights aren’t just about healthcare—it’s about autonomy, dismantling systems of oppression, and ensuring everyone – regardless of gender, class, or identity – has access to safe, comprehensive, and compassionate care. Today, alongside our zine, we dive into the urgent call for reproductive justice for all.
Abortion stigma is more than just whispered judgments or uninformed opinions—it’s a deep-rooted social process that upholds systems of oppression and our preconceived ideas about who abortion is for, whose care is accessible, and our ideas of when/why people access abortion care. Stigma is very much a tangible obstacle in the way of accessing an available amenity. When we recognize that stigma is systemic, we can start dismantling it—not just in our minds, but in our communities, social institutions, and public policies. When we recognize that stigma is structural – not just individual – we can start dismantling it, not just in our minds, but in our work, our communities, and hopefully our public policies and laws around the world.
Abortion, at its core, is a healthcare service that gives people autonomy over their bodies and futures. Access to abortion does not exist in a silo, but ripples out to inform decision making over menstrual health management, contraceptive options, family planning, infertility mediation, and so on. The WHO defines abortion as a healthcare intervention, and it’s typically performed through either medical or surgical methods. Both are safe, but the choice depends entirely on individual circumstances and preferences, such as how far along the pregnancy is and personal comfort with medical procedures.
Historically, the discourse around abortion has centered the experiences of cisgender women. This needs to evolve as abortion care must be accessible to everyone who can become pregnant and the discourse needs to reflect the sum experiences of all, not just some. This includes trans men, nonbinary people, those with disabilities, and numerous other abortion seekers who do not find themselves represented in the mainstream image of a pregnant person. To achieve reproductive justice, we need to expand our understanding of who this fight is for and ensure the movement is truly inclusive.
Abortions are as diverse as the people who get them. No two people’s experiences of abortion are the same, and that diversity should shape how we approach advocacy. People’s needs and barriers differ, depending on factors like gender identity, disability, and socio-economic status. By being inclusive, we not only uplift each other but also build a stronger, more resilient movement.
This International Safe Abortion Day let’s do more than talk—let’s act. Whether it’s advocating for policy change, supporting local abortion funds, or simply having conversations with your community, we all have a role to play in achieving reproductive justice for everyone. Our zine is a starting point that covers the foundations of abortion information, so dive in and explore the resources we’ve compiled to aid the fight for safe equitable access to abortion care.
