WHO Criticized for Abortion Recommendations

A new manual by the World Health Organization on how to do abortions is facing criticism for advocating substandard medical care and a ban on all limits to abortion. Aimed particularly at poor women in developing countries, the manual downplays medical oversight and recommends disposing of the “waste,” including babies’ remains, in sewers or latrines.

In addition to lax medical standards, the WHO also urges worldwide liberalization of abortion laws, claiming it is part of a “human rights approach” despite international agreements and national laws that limit abortion and recognize the right to life.

The WHO also recommends conducting abortions on women before doing an ultrasound to determine if a pregnancy is ectopic and urges worldwide liberalization of abortion laws.