International Safe Abortion Day

Protecting Choice, Protecting Lives

Every year on 28 September, the world marks International Safe Abortion Day. It is a day to affirm a fundamental truth: every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and future. Yet around the globe, this right is under threat, restricted by law, stigma, and social pressure.

For many Black and minoritised women, access to safe abortion is not simply a healthcare issue—it is an issue of survival, autonomy, and dignity. Restrictive policies, cultural taboos, and systemic barriers can turn an already difficult situation into one of danger and isolation.

When Choice Is Life-Saving

Access to safe abortion is not controversial—it is lifesaving. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and women in vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected. Restricting access does not reduce need; it increases risk.

For survivors of abuse or coercion, control over reproductive choices can be a critical step toward reclaiming agency. The ability to decide if, when, and how to have a child is central to healing and autonomy.

Barriers Beyond the Law

Even in countries where abortion is legal, barriers persist. Women may face judgment, misinformation, or logistical hurdles like lack of transportation or childcare. Black and minoritised women often experience additional layers of discrimination or bias when seeking care, leaving them with fewer safe options.

Anah Project sees the impact of these barriers firsthand. Women who come to us often carry layers of trauma—abuse, coercion, or systemic neglect—that intersect with reproductive health. Supporting them means creating environments where they can make informed decisions free from fear or shame.

The Role of Supportive Communities

International Safe Abortion Day is not only about policy—it is about community. It is about dismantling stigma, providing accurate information, and offering compassionate, non-judgmental support. For many women, the knowledge that someone will listen, guide, and respect their choices can make all the difference.

At Anah Project, supporting reproductive autonomy is part of our broader commitment to safety and empowerment. Whether a woman is fleeing abuse or navigating complex social pressures, we work to ensure she can exercise her rights safely and confidently.

A Call to Action

This 28 September, we ask everyone to reflect on the importance of choice, access, and dignity. How can we challenge stigma in our communities? How can we ensure every woman has safe options, regardless of background or circumstance?

Rights mean little without access. Autonomy means little without support. Together, we can help make choice real, tangible, and safe for every woman.