Access to Knowledge and the Global Abortion Policies Database

International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018; 142: 120–124

11 Pages Posted: 5 Oct 2018

See all articles by Joanna N. Erdman

Joanna N. Erdman

Dalhousie University - Schulich School of Law

Brooke R. Johnson

Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO

Date Written: 2018

Abstract

Research shows that women, healthcare providers, and even policy makers worldwide have limited or inaccurate knowledge of the abortion law and policies in their country. These knowledge gaps sometimes stem from the vague and broad terms of the law, which breed uncertainty and even conflict when unaccompanied by accessible regulation or guidelines. Inconsistency across national law and policy further impedes safe and evidence‐based practice. This lack of transparency creates a crisis of accountability. Those seeking care cannot know their legal entitlements, service providers cannot practice with legal protection, and governments can escape legal responsibility for the adverse effects of their laws. This is the context for the newly launched Global Abortion Policies Database — an open‐access repository that seeks to promote transparency and state accountability by providing clear and comprehensive information about national laws, policies, health standards, and guidelines, and by creating the capacity for comparative analysis and cross‐referencing to health indicators, WHO recommendations, and human rights standards.

Keywords: Abortion, Abortion Law and Policy, Human Rights, Safe Abortion

JEL Classification: I18, J13

Suggested Citation

Erdman, Joanna N. and Johnson, Brooke R., Access to Knowledge and the Global Abortion Policies Database (2018). International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018; 142: 120–124, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3188111

Joanna N. Erdman (Contact Author)

Dalhousie University - Schulich School of Law ( email )

6061 University Avenue
6061 University Ave
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H9
Canada

Brooke R. Johnson

Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO ( email )

20 Avenue Appia
Geneva 27, CH-1211
Switzerland

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