PINSAN condemns Roe v. Wade overturn; demands Philippine government to protect abortion rights, women’s healthcare rights.

In an online solidarity action conducted last 4th July, 2022, Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (PINSAN) expressed its utmost condemnation of the United States Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, effectively restricting access to safe abortion. PINSAN strongly asserted that the Philippine government must not follow this dangerous precedent, and instead prioritize protecting women’s healthcare rights, and the right to safe and legal abortion. “A woman’s decision pertaining to her health, life, and future should be respected, after all, it is hers which is on the line” said Arnel Rostom Deiparine, PINSAN Steering Committee member. “If a woman’s realities on abortion could not be acknowledged or supported, she should neither be vilified, judged, nor treated like a criminal!" PINSAN said legislation restricting access to abortion forces women to seek unrsafe procedures that result in preventable hospitalizations, and even deaths. This dire situation is further exacerbated by socio-economic constraints. “In the Philippines, it’s the poor women and adolescent girls who are unable to access safe abortion. We are pushing for abortion to be decriminalized in the country” said Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, spokesperson of PINSAN and executive director of EnGendeRights. PINSAN seeks to replace outdated law in favor of those which protect both women and providers. “We are pushing for abortion to be decriminalized in the country,” said Atty. Padilla. “In 2020, PINSAN launched the Decriminalization of Abortion Bill to Save the Lives of Women, Girls, and Persons with Diverse Gender Identities that I drafted. I urge people to read it and join the clamor to decriminalize abortion.” While the decriminalization of abortion will surely save women’s lives, long-term solutions to the problem of access to abortion and women’s health do not begin and end with legislature. Misogyny and sexism strongly contribute to the stigma towards abortion, and decisively addressing this is just as critical. Jihan Jacob, Senior Legal Adviser for Asia of the Center for Reproductive Rights and Steering Committee member of PINSAN said that, “laws denying people from access to safe abortion perpetuate misogyny. They disproportionately affect women and are intended to deny them of their right to make decisions for themselves. Calling people to action, Jacob added that, “every day that we do not act to repeal our laws, at least 3 women die from unsafe abortions. Give people the care they need and deserve. Get more people to care.” ###

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