Leila Hessini

Ipas / Global Fund for Women

Leila Hessini is the Director of Community Access at Ipas, an international NGO that works to advance women’s sexual and reproductive rights and to expand access to safe abortion care. She is also the joint founder and steering committee of the International Network for the Reduction of Abortion Discrimination and Stigma (www.endabortionstigma.org)

Destigmatizing and Decriminalizing Abortion: That’s Our Collective Work

On this Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, we celebrate the millions who make a decision that is the right one for them, their families, and their communities. We celebrate the providers who are committed to truly providing patient-centered care regardless of age, sexual or gender orientation, marital status, reason for abortion, or ability to pay. And we celebrate policymakers and activists who have worked tirelessly to overturn laws that criminalize and penalize women.

Confronting Abortion Stigma

Abortion stigma is a form of gender discrimination and punishment, and it represents social control of both women who need abortions and providers who provide them.