Women's Rights Team

The choice to get an abortion is a woman’s personal decision. Yet, abortion remains an issue that provokes moral outrage and political polarisation. Even with Roe v. Wade (1973), American women’s choice for abortion is only possible in the first trimester. Once a foetus is considered viable, the state can interfere and set limitations based on its beliefs in the second and final trimester. Therefore, despite Roe v. Wade guaranteeing women the right to choose, states like Arkansas (banning abortion after twelve weeks) or Texas (restricting the supply of abortions) take steps to restrict abortion.

March has a massive connection with women’s rights and gender equality in many countries. In countries like the U.S, March is used to celebrate female historical figures that are often overlooked or marginalised in society, history, and culture. March is an even more critical time as the month starts with celebrating International Women’s Day hosted on March 8.

This monthly report aims to present an overview of the evolution of women’s rights and the violations of the rights worldwide during the month of February 2022. This report also seeks to raise awareness about these violations, while also recognising the new developments in various parts of the world. Moreover, it also aims to ensure that women’s voices are heard, so that they are not left in the dark or forgotten.

This report presents a comparative analysis of the situation with regard to pregnancy discrimination in China, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan. The authors also analyse the national legislation of each country and provide examples of unfair practices towards women.