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ADULT CONTENT • B2+ LEVEL
September 28th • Rights & Healthcare

International Safe Abortion Day

International Safe Abortion Day is a global day of action aimed at ensuring that reproductive rights are recognised as human rights. It advocates for universal access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion care. This is one of the most polarising and complex topics in modern society, involving deep ethical, religious, and legal debates. Today, we discuss the concept of bodily autonomy, the impact of restrictive laws on public health, and how the global landscape of reproductive rights has shifted in recent years.

A symbolic image of freedom and choice

Speaking Discussion

  • What is your understanding of the term bodily autonomy? Why is this concept so central to the debate on reproductive rights?
  • Why do you think abortion remains one of the most controversial topics in politics today, even in highly secular countries?
  • In your opinion, what is the role of the government in regulating private healthcare decisions? Where should the line be drawn?
  • How do restrictive laws regarding reproductive health affect the most vulnerable members of society (e.g., those with low incomes)?
  • Do you think that international organisations (like the UN or WHO) should have more power to set global standards for reproductive rights?
  • How has the debate on this topic changed in your country over the last 20 years? Is the society becoming more liberal or more conservative?

Activity 1: The human rights Manifesto

The Task: You are a Human Rights Advocate. You have 3 minutes to present a manifesto for universal healthcare rights to a panel of international judges.

What are your 3 core principles?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "I believe that bodily autonomy is..."
  • "The most important part of healthcare is..."
  • "In my opinion, global human rights are..."