Remark:

• While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements.

KEY HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO THIRD-PARTY AUTHORIZATION

• States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women.
• Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services must be provided in a way that ensures privacy and confidentiality.
• States may not regulate abortion in a manner that forces women to resort to unsafe abortion.
• States must take steps, including revising laws, to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, and to effectively protect women and girls from the physical and mental risks associated with resorting to unsafe abortion.
• Everyone has a right to privacy and confidentiality in accessing SRH services.
• Availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality must be central to the regulation of SRH services.