The Advocates Condemns Dobbs, Calls for Vigilance in Ensuring U.S. Does Not Violate Human Rights
Minneapolis, MN
The Advocates for Human Rights condemns today's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization. "Congress and every state legislature must act to ensure that the United States does not violate international law," says Robin Phillips, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights.
The criminalization of abortion and the universal prohibition of safe abortion services are violations of international human rights law. Authoritative treaty interpretations indicate:
The right to health, including sexual and reproductive health, is a fundamental human right.
Interference with safe access to abortion services endangers women and potentially violates their rights to life and security of their own bodies.
Prohibitions on safe abortion services have a disparate impact on poor, minority and marginalized communities and constitute discrimination.
Prohibitions on access to safe abortion services may violate the right to privacy when the state prohibits a woman from making an autonomous decision about her own reproductive health.
Prohibitions on access to safe abortion services that force women to travel to obtain these services may be a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The Advocates for Human Rights calls on elected officials at all levels of government to ensure that U.S. abortion laws conform to international human rights law.
###
