The impact of third-party authorization requirements on abortion-related outcomes: a synthesis of legal and health evidence

Fiona de Londras*, Amanda Cleeve, Maria I. Rodriguez, Alana Farrell, Magdalena Furgalska, Antonella F. Lavelanet

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives: This review synthesizes legal and health evidence to demonstrate the negative health and human rights impacts of third-party authorization requirements (TPAs) on abortion seekers.

Results: The synthesized evidence substantiates the pre-existing position in international human rights law that any requirements that abortion be authorized by third parties like parents, spouses, committees, and courts create barriers to abortion, should not be introduced at all, or should be repealed where they exist.

Conclusions: The review establishes that rights-based regulation of abortion should not impose TPAs in any circumstances. Instead, the provision and management of abortion should be treated in a manner cognizant with the general principles of informed consent in international human rights law, presuming capacity in all adults regardless of marital status and treatment sought, and recognizing the evolving capacity of young people in line with their internationally-protected rights.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2065
Number of pages16
JournalBMC Public Health
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2023

Bibliographical note

This work was supported by the UNDP-UNFPA‐UNICEF‐WHO‐World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a cosponsored programme executed by the WHO (AL) (https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research-(srh)/human-reproduction-programme). FdL also acknowledges the support of the Leverhulme Trust through the Philip Leverhulme Prize (FdL) https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk.

Keywords

  • Abortion
  • Reproductive rights
  • Abortion law
  • Third party authorization requirements

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The impact of third-party authorization requirements on abortion-related outcomes: a synthesis of legal and health evidence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this