Criminal law and the risk of harm: a commentary on the impact of criminal laws on sexual and reproductive health, sexual conduct and key populations

The ESC Madrid Declaration: promoting evidence-based SRHR policies with respect for human rights

“…The Madrid Declaration also refers to the oppressive effect of criminal law in many countries. Criminalisation of adultery, same-sex relations, drug use, abortion, sex work and HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure can have a severely negative impact on health and human rights [9]. For example, in case of criminalisation of sex workers, sex workers are driven underground and therefore less likely to seek the health care they need.…”

Why a good law is not always good enough: a global review of restrictions to supportive laws for sexual and reproductive health and rights

“…However, even where a specific service is legally available, there may be restrictions in the law regarding who can access it that exclude, for example, minors or women who have not secured spousal consent 7–13. Some laws may also criminalise seeking, obtaining or providing certain SRH services, particularly abortion, further impeding an individual’s bodily autonomy and access to services 14 15. The WHO recommends the full decriminalisation of abortion as part of ensuring access to safe abortion 16.…”

“… 7–13 Some laws may also criminalise seeking, obtaining or providing certain SRH services, particularly abortion, further impeding an individual’s bodily autonomy and access to services. 14 15 The WHO recommends the full decriminalisation of abortion as part of ensuring access to safe abortion. 16 Human rights bodies have also stated their support for decriminalisation.…”