Gynaecology and the Law

Approved Nebraska abortion law 'may not come into effect'

A groundbreaking abortion law that was recently approved in Nebraska in the US may not actually come into effect any time soon, legal experts have said.

The law, which will ban abortions from taking place at and after 20 weeks, is meant to be implemented this October.

Unsafe abortions 'causing maternal deaths in Africa'

More than half of all maternal deaths in Africa can be attributed to unsafe abortions, it has been claimed.

Uganda outlaws female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation has been officially outlawed in Uganda, it has been reported.

Under the new parliamentary act, individuals who are found to have been involved the cutting of females' reproductive organs face ten years' imprisonment.

In instances where the practice results in the death of a young woman, perpetrators can be given a life sentence.

Gender violence 'a major concern in Ethiopia'

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is just one of the threats Ethiopian women face at the hands of their intimate male partners, it has been claimed.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the country has one of the highest rates of both sexual and physical violence against women in the world.

Support offered for nursing degree plan

Greater education requirements for nurses are a positive move which can only lead to better patient care, it has been claimed.

According to Rosie Doy, deputy head of the University of East Anglia School of Nursing and Midwifery, UK, the decision to make nursing a degree-only entry profession in England is a positive move for the health services.

Faith-based organisations 'can help promote female health'

The inclusion of faith-based organisations (FBOs) in the campaign to promote female sexual and reproductive health can ensure greater international progress, it has been claimed.

According to Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, religion is "the final frontier" in attempts to promote human rights, including those of women.

Women 'need higher social status to improve health'

Without a higher social status, women will continue to face difficulties protecting their own health and that of their families, it has been claimed.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lack of access to education, decision-making positions and income all limit female empowerment.

Maternal health 'a right for all'

Maternal health is a human right that should be available to all irrespective of location, it has been claimed.

Birth choice 'not always a reality in the developed world'

A new report has indicated that the vast majority of women in the UK are not able to choose where they give birth.

Despite living in one of the world's most developed countries, 95.8 per cent of pregnant women in Britain do not have the choice they are promised by the government, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) says.

Abused women 'more likely to suffer health complications'

Women who have suffered at the hands of their partners are more likely to experience health difficulties than those who have been free from abuse, according to a new study.

World Congress 2012