In order to realize the vision of expanding access to medication abortion by putting it in the hands of women who need it and decreasing criminalization of self-managed abortion (SMA), a coordinated effort is imperative. As abortion access faces ever more restriction, the medical, legal, and ethical questions surrounding self-managed abortion are coming to the forefront in our field. The medical evidence is clear. Self-management of abortion with medication is safest when individuals are provided with the information, resources and conditions that support their decision. Work toward decriminalization and, ultimately, normalization of self-managed abortion will not be successful without building bridges between the advocacy, legal and medical communities. We envision a future where self-managed abortion is a valid alternative, engaging supporters in public conversations and actions to change the way we talk and think about self-managed abortion.
The Vision: Every woman has the option to safely end her pregnancy when and where she desires. To accomplish this vision, we must:
- Realize the full potential of medication abortion to give every person the option to end a pregnancy in a clinic or at home safely and with support; and,
- Ensure no one risks punishment or imprisonment for their reproductive choices.
We believe that however a person chooses to end a pregnancy, they should able to do so safely, effectively, with dignity & respect.
We acknowledge that although medically safe options exist, women who are self-managing their own abortion in the current U.S. environment, and those who support them, risk arrest and prosecution by politically driven prosecutors.
We understand that the reasons an individual may seek self-managed abortion are varied. Whatever the reason, individuals are seeking options that are safe and fit their circumstances.
signed,
1803
medical professionals and
other supporters of self-managed abortion
