This statement by ARROW and the Safe Abortion Advocacy Initiative Global South Engagement (SAIGE) was delivered at the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Health. Watch the video statement here.
Distinguished members of the Human Rights Council,
We welcome the recommendations made by SR on health that rightly identifies the crucial role played by digital innovation and technologies in promoting the right to sexual and reproductive health, as well as on the impact of digital technologies on privacy and the use of data. We urgently request to address the issue of limited access to telemedicine and medical abortion in the Global South and emphasize on the pressing need for governments to prioritize equitable access to these vital healthcare services.
Telemedicine is a proven means of providing abortion with medications safely, as health care providers can use telemedicine to provide abortion counseling and assessment, access to abortion medication via pharmacies or mail, and clinical guidance throughout the abortion process. But steps to expand telemedicine generally do not necessarily affect the provision of abortion care. People who need abortion services and health workers who provide them are encumbered by a raft of legal and regulatory requirements that go well beyond the requirements of other health care services. The digital divide perpetuates inequalities, with a significant proportion lacking the financial means to afford necessary technology and reliable internet connectivity (UNESCO, 2022). This hinders their access to telemedicine services.
Moreover, rural communities suffer from limited healthcare facilities and reduced access to specialized reproductive services due to geographical disadvantages (World Bank, 2021).
Governments play a pivotal role in addressing these inequalities and upholding human rights. It is imperative that governments prioritize policies and allocate resources to bridge the digital divide, ensuring affordable internet access and necessary technology for marginalized groups (International Telecommunication Union, 2021). Culturally sensitive healthcare services must be made accessible, tailored to the specific needs of ethnic and racial minorities (World Health Organization, 2020). Investments in healthcare infrastructure are vital to expanding access for remote communities (World Bank, 2021).
We urgently call upon the Human Rights Council to urge governments to fulfill their obligations in promoting access to telemedicine and medical abortion specially for the vulnerable and most marginalized. By taking decisive action and addressing these disparities, governments can uphold the fundamental human rights to healthcare and achieve equitable access for all.
