A new study published Wednesday by the Guttmacher Institute reports that some 214 million women, mostly in the developing world, lack access to modern methods of contraception and other reproductive services routinely available in the West.
The U.S. has rejected a UN resolution aimed at preventing violence against women because it included language on access to safe abortions. The resolution expressed “outrage at the persistence and pervasiveness of all forms of violence against women and girls worldwide” and called on countries to take immediate steps to prevent gender-based violence and discrimination.
A vaginal ring that is designed to prevent both HIV and pregnancy – two of the greatest threats to women’s health – will be tested on women to see whether the novel dual-protection approach works and is safe.
Every year, lack of access to contraception causes about 85 million unplanned pregnancies and a host of negative associated health outcomes. One expert said this global health crisis can be mitigated with apps that allow women to understand and track their fertility.
The U.S. has withdrawn funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an agency that promotes family planning for millions of women and families in more than 150 countries.
Hundreds are gathering today in Washington, D.C., to protest President Donald Trump’s Global Gag Rule, which critics say will threaten the health of millions of the world’s most vulnerable women and families.
Less than a month after President Donald Trump reinstated the Global Gag Rule, banning federal funding for international organizations that provide or offer information about abortion, eight countries around the world are attempting to replace hundreds of millions in lost funding for reproductive health.
A coalition of women’s rights groups has filed a lawsuit against new abortion restrictions in Texas that would require medical providers to bury fetal and embryonic tissue from miscarriages and abortions.
The contentious issue of abortion came up during the final U.S. presidential debate on Wednesday. Hillary Clinton affirmed women’s right to abortion while Donald Trump said he would appoint judges to the Supreme Court who oppose it. Clinton countered by looking internationally to the consequences of governments circumventing reproductive rights.
Many women in developing countries wish to avoid pregnancy, but do not use contraceptives. The usual advocacy angle is that…