Honduras Fails to Meet its International Human Rights Obligations

Today, lawmakers in Honduras ratified an amendment that incorporates the total prohibition of abortion into article 67 of their Constitution.

Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights said:

“Against the global trend of respecting and advancing women’s rights, Honduras moved backward today with this dangerous and cruel amendment to the Honduran Constitution, which completely prohibits abortion in every circumstance.

“This reform violates international human rights standards that guarantee access to abortion when a woman’s life or health is at risk, when the pregnancy is the product of rape or incest, or when a pregnancy is not viable.

“Honduras is not only failing to comply with its international obligations, but is also putting the lives, health and safety of women and girls at risk. Honduras has the second-highest teen pregnancy rate in Latin America. Evidence shows that bans on abortion lead to an increase in the number of unsafe abortions, maternal mortality and morbidity.

“As detailed in the Center for Reproductive Rights’ research (see World Abortion Laws Map), countries around the world, including in Latin America, have liberalized their abortion laws in the past 25 years. Between 1994 – 2020, over 50 countries have liberalized their laws, and 18 have removed total bans. The Center urges the Honduran State to comply with its international obligations to protect, respect and fulfill reproductive rights as fundamental human rights. We stand in solidarity with women in Honduras, especially those living in vulnerable conditions in rural areas, and will work with them to right this injustice.”

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