Impact of Abortion Bans on Human Rights

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision significantly altered the landscape of abortion rights, granting states the authority to legislate access to abortion care. A recent report by Amnesty International sheds light on the personal experiences of patients and healthcare providers affected by these new restrictions. The report emphasizes that such bans can infringe upon various human rights, with individuals facing dire circumstances due to limited access to necessary medical care. The report features testimonies from women like Sheila, who became pregnant after her birth control failed and was unable to afford a new implant or travel out of state for an abortion. It highlights the complexities faced by individuals navigating the legal and medical systems, particularly in cases of rape, where misinformation can lead to further trauma. Amnesty argues that the U.S. is failing to meet international human rights standards by not ensuring accessible and affordable abortion care for all pregnant individuals. Moreover, the report underscores the disproportionate impact of abortion restrictions on marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous women, who already face systemic barriers to healthcare. The findings suggest that existing federal restrictions on the Indian Health Service exacerbate these challenges, effectively limiting access to abortion services. Amnesty International calls for urgent reforms to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have equal rights to access abortion care, reinforcing the principle that human rights should be universally available.