Destigmatising Abortion Day: Putting Compassion, Choice and Rights at the Centre of Care
The Global Day of Action to destigmatise abortion stands as a necessary and urgent response to entrenched myths, discriminatory policies, and persistent barriers. It is a rallying cry to dismantle harmful narratives and demand safe, stigma-free abortion access everywhere. While anti-abortion rhetoric gains traction globally, this day is a firm declaration: every person deserves autonomy over their body and unhindered access to abortion care. Destigmatisation is not only about removing shame, it is about affirming rights, dignity, and compassion in every corner of the globe.
Abortion is a routine, vital component of reproductive healthcare, yet for too many, their experience is obscured by patriarchy, misinformation, and judgement. This toxic mix fosters a dangerous culture of silence, leaving people isolated when clarity, compassion and kindness are most crucial. Destigmatising Abortion Day compels us to shift the conversation back towards care, choice, and dignity, and to confront stigma head-on.
Decriminalising Abortion
The historic vote by the House of Lords on 18th March 2026 to decriminalise abortion for women in the UK represents a profound and overdue shift in legal protections for bodily autonomy. However, achieving true destigmatisation extends far beyond legal reform. It demands confronting ingrained prejudices, harmful attitudes, and restrictive policies that continue to impede compassionate abortion care. Set against a global landscape where abortion remains stigmatised and criminalised, notably evidenced by the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States in 2022, this progress in the UK cannot mask the ongoing disparities and setbacks that persist internationally. Until both access and acceptance are fiercely defended, and until contraception and abortion are recognised and supported as fundamental aspects of healthcare, the fight to destigmatise abortion continues.
A Reality of Many People’s Lives
Abortion is a routine choice made by people from all backgrounds, shaped by their safety, circumstances, and what feels right. Millions worldwide navigate similar decisions, weighing personal needs and health.
Recent data shows that in 2023, abortions in England and Wales reached its highest since the introduction of the 1967 Abortion Act [1]. Numbers highlight demand, but what matters most is how people are met: with compassion, respect, and a system free from shame and unnecessary hurdles. Abortion care is rarely approached in isolation, and many balance work, childcare, education, health issues, and household responsibilities. Some face coercion or unstable relationships, others simply need clarity and time. Our responsibility is to ensure their needs are addressed with dignity.
What We See in London
Londoners continue to access abortion care early, safely, and through trusted providers. Most abortions occur before 10 weeks[1], reflecting accessible pathways and system that is managing well under pressure. Yet disparities persist, and access is not equal everywhere.
As Dr Janet Barter notes, ‘London is not one reproductive health system but many’[2]. Inequality between boroughs reflects broader issues - housing, income, digital access, and health. Destigmatisation requires recognising these structural barriers and shaping services for all.
The London Sexual Health Programme recently held a women’s health action plan workshop event, which highlighted the need to improve access, navigation and equity within abortion pathways across London, with strong support for a Londonwide central booking system to reduce fragmentation and improve consistency. This would provide a single, clear contact for impartial advice, guidance and seamless referral. Which would ensures everyone - regardless of postcode or circumstance - is met with clarity and respect.
Telemedicine could play an indispensable role, with 72% of abortions involving both medications taken at home [1]. Digital was discussed as an important enabler at a system level - supporting clearer navigation, coordination and lowthreshold access - within a digitalfirst, not digitalonly approach. This framing emphasises respect, privacy and choice, while recognising that abortion care must continue to offer safe options that meet people’s clinical and personal needs. However, even with telemedicine, in-person care remains vital, and recognising these realities is key to destigmatising and improving care.
Moving Away from Shame and Towards Support
Stigma does not make abortion safer, it forces silence, delays care and worsens health outcomes. Stigma shapes funding, training, and public dialogue. The backlash against abortion rights impacts access to contraception, sexual health education, and basic care for women.
Normalising dialogue and confronting shame fosters an environment where:
People seek help early and confidently.
Staff provide care without fear of judgement or reprisal.
Services adapt to diverse communities’ real needs.
Decisions remain with the individual.
Destigmatisation is about ensuring people are met with respect and understanding. It’s about defending the right to abortion, contraception and women’s health with unwavering support, reinforcing autonomy and empowering choice.
For more information around destigmatising abortion, please visit Abortion Talk.
[1] Abortion statistics for England and Wales: 2023 - GOV.UK
[2] What London’s 2023 Abortion Data Really Tells Us - by Dr Janet Barter — London Sexual Health Programme (LSHP)