9 September 2025
World Health Organization
International Safe Abortion Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safe, respectful and rights-based abortion care as a fundamental part of health and human rights. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN’s Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) remain committed to ensuring that all people have access to quality abortion care as part of universal health coverage and essential health services.
Unsafe abortion continues to be a major public health concern. Globally, nearly half of all abortions (45%) are unsafe, leading to preventable illness and death. When carried out using WHO-recommended methods, abortion is a simple and safe intervention. Ensuring access to abortion care reduces maternal mortality, improves health outcomes and protects the dignity and rights of women and girls worldwide.