Human Rights Council Passes a Resolution to Decriminalize Abortion!

The Human Rights Council recently managed to pass a resolution that decriminalizes abortion. It took some time and some drama but they managed to do it in the duration of two days’ worth of sessions.

The resolution was proposed by Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Argentina. While at the start their group seemed smaller compared to the other block, their resolution passed with 13 countries in favor, 9 against, and 3 abstains. Compared to the other block’s draft resolutions, which received only 8 countries in favor, 12 against, and 5 abstains.

The resolution acknowledges the thousands of women who die because of unsafe abortions, keeps in mind the repercussion rape victims suffer, strives to implement access to safe abortion as a human right, and recognizes the self-determination of every person.

First off, the resolution makes sure to recommend states to decriminalize abortion in multiple cases (moral danger to the mother, court proven rape). Starting the resolution by addressing the main topic directly is a good start to a successful sound resolution.

Secondly, the resolution recommends to use WHO Abortion Care guidelines to enhance trainings of doctors, and improve education and awareness on alternatives of abortion.

Furthermore, the resolution makes sure to recognize the right of each state to decide for themselves, but encourages the implementation of additional requirements such as: medical consultation, approval from two medical professionals before the operation, and parental consent in case of minors.

Then, the resolution encourages countries to criminalize marital rape, spread awareness through sex education, provide access to preventives of unwanted pregnancies, reinforce security for women, and train professionals in proper women health care.

Lastly, the resolution acknowledges the financial problems that may hinder these implementations in developing countries, and so they support the United Nations Population Fund as a reproductive health agency to aid national healthcare systems.

The committee touched on multiple subjects related to the difficulties that may come while decriminalizing abortions, made sure to address it all and provide solutions. This resolution is promising and will help protect the human rights of women and provide them with security, as is expected from a successful UNHRC debate.