FIGO calls for total decriminalisation of safe abortion

Global evidence demonstrates that restricting abortion with laws does not lead to fewer abortions, but to an increase in unsafe abortions and preventable maternal deaths and disability. Likewise, decriminalisation does not result in an increase in the abortion rate but rather to a shift from unsafe abortion to safe abortion, often accompanied by comprehensive services that allow women to receive contraceptive counselling that further prevents unwanted pregnancies.