The top U.N. human rights official called on Friday for countries with the Zika virus to make available sexual and reproductive health counselling to women and uphold their right to terminate pregnancies.
UN rights boss urges abortion right upheld in outbreak
The virus has been linked to microcephaly, a condition that leads to babies being born with small heads and birth defects.
U.N. rights boss urges abortion right upheld in Zika outbreak
Recommended articles
"Laws and policies that restrict her access to these services must be urgently reviewed in line with human rights obligations in order to ensure the right to health for all in practice," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.
His spokeswoman, Cecile Pouilly, asked about countries such as El Salvador that criminalise abortion, told a news briefing: "That's why we are asking those governments to go back and change those laws because how can they ask these women not to become pregnant? But also not offer them first information that is available but also the possibility to stop their pregnancies if they wish so."
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
How we reduced road traffic crashes by 42% – FRSC boss
Motorists express worry as long fuel queues resurface in FCT
Reno's $10,000 Challenge: I didn't build any school in Anambra, Obi opens up
Bullied student threatens Abuja school with lawsuit if abusers are not punished
EFCC withdraws appeal against Yahaya Bello
Gov Zulum wants Army to establish military base in Sambisa forest
2 Wike loyalists exit Fubara's cabinet as Governor reshuffles
Ganduje believes APC is the answer to Nigeria’s problems
Spate of deaths strikes Nigerian movie industry, Nigerians calls for action
ADVERTISEMENT
