International Safe Abortion Day 2019

September 28^th is the International Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion. This campaign originated two decades ago in Latin America and the Caribbean, where women’s groups first organized to demand that their governments decriminalize abortion and provide access to safe, affordable services. They also aimed to end abortion stigma and discrimination towards those who chose to terminate their pregnancies.

Originally called Campaña 28 de Septiembre por la Despenalización del Aborto, the day continues to fuel commitment to these causes in the region. September 28^th was chosen to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Brazil (where people first noticed the effectiveness of misoprostol in terminating pregnancies), and the movement continues to this day to demand safe, legal abortion for all who need it.

This September 28^th, Women Help Women would like to spotlight self-managed abortion with pills! Medical abortion is a safe, effective method that involves taking two different types of pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. Research has shown that terminating a pregnancy with mifepristone and misoprostol, even without medical supervision, is safe and effective.

In the face of regulations, more and more people are choosing to self-manage their abortions. The Guttmacher Institute found that the number of self-managed abortions increased from 12% of all abortions in 2014 to 18% in 2017. The public view of self-managed abortion is shifting from one of dangerous last resort to a safe, empowered act of feminist self-care.  

People may choose to self-manage an abortion with abortion pills because it is difficult to get to an abortion clinic or because of laws prohibiting abortion. “DIY” abortion with pills is safe and effective if you have accurate information, support, and can ask questions. It is also important to understand the laws in each state. Abortionpillinfo.org offers a secure website with information about safe abortion with pills and a secure portal where people can get information about how to self-manage their abortion safely, minimizing legal risk, and with dignity.