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Reflections about abortion limitation

Reflexões sobre a limitação do aborto

Abstract

The debate on abortion has not yet found a clear solution. In fact, there is still discussion about what the limits of this procedure should be. This uncertainty is related to the lack of a clear definition of human life: when can the product of conception be defined as a human being with full medical-legal rights? Based on the answer to this question, the various world governments have drafted more or less restrictive laws regulating abortion. Since May 2019, some American states have considerably restricted the possibility of carrying out abortion on their territory. Alabama has practically banned abortion in any circumstance (including incest and rape). Obviously, these restrictive policies have had a significant impact on the social, bioethical and legal debate, concerning abortion, globally. This paper analyses the implications of these policies with a focus on women’s fundamental rights: the right to health and the right to self-determination.

Key words:
Abortion; Abortion restriction; Health policy; Women; Fetus

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