Source: Amnesty International –
Responding to today’s conviction of a woman who had an abortion later in pregnancy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said:
“Abortion is essential healthcare and a human right under international human rights law and standards – it is not a crime. Today’s ruling highlights the impossible position pregnant people and medical providers are placed in due to the ongoing legal vacuum surrounding abortion in South Korea.
“The National Assembly has failed to reform abortion laws in line with the Constitutional Court’s orders in 2019, which has deprived pregnant people of access to vital healthcare. Due to this lack of regulation, pregnant people might be pushed towards exploitative and unregulated medical practices, experience undue delays or lack access to essential healthcare altogether.
“The dignity of women and girls, and of everyone who can become pregnant, must be respected and placed at the core of any legal framework on abortion. The South Korean government must immediately amend the Mother and Child Health Act, dismantling all barriers that deny women and girls their sexual and reproductive health and rights.”