Staff Reports
A recent report from the Charlotte Lozier Institute shows that the United States stands out among most countries in the world for its permissive abortion laws. The report highlights that the U.S. is one of only eight countries that allow abortion “on demand without any gestational limits” at the federal level. This places the U.S. in a minority, as the vast majority of countries impose gestational limits on abortion procedures.
The report authors, Mary Harned and Mia Steupert, stressed that the U.S. is unique in its approach to abortion when compared to other nations. They noted that the absence of federal gestational limits and the practice of abortion on demand past 15 weeks in 29 states make U.S. abortion laws far more permissive than those of most countries in the world. They argue that the U.S. should be a leader in upholding human rights and the dignity of life.
US one of eight UN members that allows abortion ‘on demand without any gestational limits’: Report – Washington Examiner https://t.co/HukZHpsSen
— Melanie (@MellieMAGA) April 30, 2024
Furthermore, the report indicates that the U.S. is among a small number of countries that permit abortion past 15 weeks of gestation. Only 15 countries in the United Nations allow abortion beyond this point, with only four European member countries allowing abortion at the same stage. However, none of these European countries permit abortion up until the moment of birth, as the U.S. does.
While some states have moved to restrict abortion following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, others have expanded access to the procedure. The report highlights that in 29 states and Washington, D.C., abortion is permitted past 12 weeks, a practice that is only permitted by 12 U.N. member countries.
The report’s conclusion emphasizes a need for the United States to move away from ultra-permissive policies and align its abortion laws with the majority of U.N. member countries, which range from protecting the unborn to allowing abortion after 15 weeks of gestation. This indicates a divergence between the U.S. and the prevailing global approach to abortion laws.
Moreover, the report also sheds light on the federal government’s involvement in making abortion accessible, particularly through government-run health facilities such as those operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Additionally, significant funds from federal and state taxpayers have been directed to major abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
In summary, the Charlotte Lozier Institute’s report underscores the distinctive nature of the United States’ abortion laws and suggests a departure from the prevailing global norms. It calls for a reevaluation of the U.S.’s approach to abortion and a shift towards policies that align with the standards upheld by the majority of U.N. member countries.
