Yemeni society is unique and the country is run based on a complex legal and tribal system. Above all, Yemeni society is governed by a set of patriarchal customs, traditions and laws. In this society, the role of women is to meet the sexual needs of men and give birth to children in order to fulfil the stereotypical image of marriage in the tribe. On top of that, women are subject to systematic legal, religious and social violations that curtail their legal status and rights guaranteed to them under the national constitution and by international law.
Among the violations women in Yemen are subject to is the ban on abortion. The issue of abortion is a big taboo here, both legally and on the societal level. According to Yemeni law, women are not allowed to have an abortion except in the case of fatal deformity or if the pregnancy threatens the life of the woman. On the societal level, abortion is completely frowned upon and there is no understanding of why abortion should be a right. Abortion is also punishable by law as is committing adultery.
Men of law and religion here justify these penalties by arguing that they are needed to preserve the honour of people and families as well as protecting women and children. They simply ignore that the right to abortion for women should not necessarily be based on only the few reasons they set out. A woman may find herself pregnant due to rape or pregnant from a husband whom she does not want to continue her life with. Maybe the woman wishes to complete or continue her education instead or improve her economic situation by working. Isn’t it unfair to bring a child into this world that is the result of a sexual crime or be forced to give birth to a child in light of an extremely difficult economic situation and overall destruction in the country? Isn’t abortion in Yemen humane and compassionate for both the child and the mother under these circumstances?
The right to abortion is not a blessing bestowed on women by Yemeni law. It is a global and basic human right. Legislation in Yemen must be amended and provide rights and justice to Yemeni women in order to avoid adverse effects affecting these women´s right to life, health, safety and dignity.
