Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 104-106
eISSN: 1473-0782
ISSN: 1362-5187
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2434844
Abstract:Purpose: Spousal authorisation for abortion (SA) is in direct conflict with the right to bodily autonomy. The World Health Organisation guideline on abortion specifically recommends that abortion should be available on request without third-party authorisation. The objectives of this study were to: a) determine which countries insist by law on SA, b) describe shared characteristics of these countries, c) assess the impact of such legislation on access to abortion and d) evaluate the chances of repeal of such laws. Methods: Interrogation of known databases on global abortion laws. Grouping of countries with SA laws according to their characteristics. A literature review of material on how mandatory SA relates to reproductive rights. Results: Fifteen countries were found to require SA. Nine of these countries have low freedom and democracy scores. Three South Eastern Asian countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have high freedom and democracy scores and no dominant religion. Broader studies on third-party authorisation for abortion show delayed access to abortion and emphasise the general principle that it is the healthcare seeker alone whose consent should be required for a health intervention. A qualitative study from Türkiye showed specifically how SA requirements could impair access to abortion. Conclusions: Twelve of the countries do not appear to have the necessary government or societal conditions necessary for abortion law modernisation in the near future. In contrast, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are prime candidates for immediate liberalisation of their abortion laws.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: Scopus
Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law.
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 104-106
eISSN: 1473-0782
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2434844
Abstract:PURPOSE: Spousal authorisation for abortion (SA) is in direct conflict with the right to bodily autonomy. The World Health Organisation guideline on abortion specifically recommends that abortion should be available on request without third-party authorisation. The objectives of this study were to: a) determine which countries insist by law on SA, b) describe shared characteristics of these countries, c) assess the impact of such legislation on access to abortion and d) evaluate the chances of repeal of such laws. METHODS: Interrogation of known databases on global abortion laws. Grouping of countries with SA laws according to their characteristics. A literature review of material on how mandatory SA relates to reproductive rights. RESULTS: Fifteen countries were found to require SA. Nine of these countries have low freedom and democracy scores. Three South Eastern Asian countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have high freedom and democracy scores and no dominant religion. Broader studies on third-party authorisation for abortion show delayed access to abortion and emphasise the general principle that it is the healthcare seeker alone whose consent should be required for a health intervention. A qualitative study from Türkiye showed specifically how SA requirements could impair access to abortion. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve of the countries do not appear to have the necessary government or societal conditions necessary for abortion law modernisation in the near future. In contrast, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are prime candidates for immediate liberalisation of their abortion laws.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: PubMed
Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 104-106
eISSN: 1473-0782
ISSN: 1362-5187
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2434844
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: Web of Science (Lite)
Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
eISSN: 1473-0782
ISSN: 1362-5187
Abstract:Purpose: Spousal authorisation for abortion (SA) does not align with modern thinking on respect for autonomy. The World Health Organization guideline on abortion specifically recommends that abortion should be available on request without third-party authorisation. The objectives of the study were to: a) to determine which countries insist by law on SA, b) describe the characteristics of these countries and c) to assess the impact of such legislation on access to abortion.
Methods: Interrogation of known databases on global abortion laws. A literature review of material on how mandatory SA relates to reproductive rights.
Results: Fifteen countries were found to require SA. These include 10 which can be described as those with Islamic values and policies and two of predominantly Christian faith. Three South Eastern Asian countries stand out from the rest as modern, progressive and without strong religious influence: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. These three also have a high degree of freedom in terms of political rights and civil liberties, indicating that there is realistic scope for citizens to influence policymakers. Broader studies on third-party authorisation for abortion show delayed access to abortion and emphasise the general principle that it is the healthcare seeker alone whose consent should be required for a health intervention. A qualitative study from Turkey showed specifically how SA requirements could impair access to abortion. Conclusions: Deeply patriarchal societies will take generations to change. In contrast, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are prime candidates for liberalisation of abortion law.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: Manual
Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law.
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 104-106
eISSN: 1473-0782
ISSN: 1362-5187
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2434844
Abstract:Purpose
Spousal authorisation for abortion (SA) is in direct conflict with the right to bodily autonomy. The World Health Organisation guideline on abortion specifically recommends that abortion should be available on request without third-party authorisation. The objectives of this study were to: a) determine which countries insist by law on SA, b) describe shared characteristics of these countries, c) assess the impact of such legislation on access to abortion and d) evaluate the chances of repeal of such laws.Methods
Interrogation of known databases on global abortion laws. Grouping of countries with SA laws according to their characteristics. A literature review of material on how mandatory SA relates to reproductive rights.Results
Fifteen countries were found to require SA. Nine of these countries have low freedom and democracy scores. Three South Eastern Asian countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have high freedom and democracy scores and no dominant religion. Broader studies on third-party authorisation for abortion show delayed access to abortion and emphasise the general principle that it is the healthcare seeker alone whose consent should be required for a health intervention. A qualitative study from Türkiye showed specifically how SA requirements could impair access to abortion.Conclusions
Twelve of the countries do not appear to have the necessary government or societal conditions necessary for abortion law modernisation in the near future. In contrast, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are prime candidates for immediate liberalisation of their abortion laws.https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: Europe PubMed Central
Mandatory spousal authorisation for abortion: characteristics of countries in which it exists and the potential for modernisation of the law
Authors: Rowlands, S.
Journal: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 104-106
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISSN: 1362-5187
Abstract:Purpose: Spousal authorisation for abortion (SA) does not align with modern thinking on respect for autonomy. The World Health Organization guideline on abortion specifically recommends that abortion should be available on request without third-party authorisation. The objectives of the study were to: a) to determine which countries insist by law on SA, b) describe the characteristics of these countries and c) to assess the impact of such legislation on access to abortion.
Methods: Interrogation of known databases on global abortion laws. A literature review of material on how mandatory SA relates to reproductive rights.
Results: Fifteen countries were found to require SA. These include 10 which can be described as those with Islamic values and policies and two of predominantly Christian faith. Three South Eastern Asian countries stand out from the rest as modern, progressive and without strong religious influence: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. These three also have a high degree of freedom in terms of political rights and civil liberties, indicating that there is realistic scope for citizens to influence policymakers. Broader studies on third-party authorisation for abortion show delayed access to abortion and emphasise the general principle that it is the healthcare seeker alone whose consent should be required for a health intervention. A qualitative study from Turkey showed specifically how SA requirements could impair access to abortion. Conclusions: Deeply patriarchal societies will take generations to change. In contrast, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are prime candidates for liberalisation of abortion law.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/40378/
Source: BURO EPrints