Iulia-Elena Cazan Associate Director of UN Government Relations and International Youth Coalition (IYc) | The Center for Family and Human Rights

As the United Nations conducts a campaign against gender-based violence, its Western European regional office has proposed expanding the definition of "femicide" to include deaths related to unsafe abortions. Traditionally, femicide is understood as the intentional murder of women, usually by men.

The term "femicide" was introduced in 1976 by feminist activist Diana Russell. However, according to the UN Western European office, the concept has become more complex over time, leading to inconsistent definitions across different regions and countries.

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) described femicide as generally involving the intentional murder of women. This definition is widely used in policies and research. However, broader interpretations sometimes include any killings of women or girls.

Sex-selective abortion is often considered part of femicide definitions because it involves intentionally terminating pregnancies based on gender. The inclusion of deaths from abortion complications in this category is a newer and more controversial idea.

A 2017 survey by the European Institute for Gender Equality examined definitions of rape, femicide, and intimate partner violence across Europe. It found that while some countries define deaths from female genital mutilation or unsafe abortion as separate crimes, none classify them as femicides. The only source suggesting such inclusion was Rashida Manjoo, a former UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

In her 2012 report to the UN General Assembly, Manjoo referred to "gender-related killings," including deaths from poorly conducted or clandestine abortions as an indirect category. She also mentioned maternal mortality and deaths linked to organized crime and human trafficking.

Including deaths from indirect causes could dilute the concept of femicide and shift focus away from those who intentionally murder women. However, it provides abortion activists with a new way to pressure countries into changing their laws. A fact sheet published during the 16 Days campaign against gender-based violence discusses "femicide due to unsafe abortions." It does not mention prosecuting those who perform unsafe abortions but instead argues that restrictive abortion laws force women into dangerous situations.

The WHO defines "unsafe" abortions as procedures carried out by unqualified individuals or in inadequate environments. Since WHO sets medical standards for abortion practices, this definition aligns with its pro-abortion stance.

Notably, WHO does not label all illegal abortions as unsafe if they meet certain standards. The fact sheet on "femicide due to unsafe abortions" highlights groups like Women on Waves that provide access to abortion pills in countries where it is restricted.

UN member states aiming to protect women from intentional violence may grow skeptical of redefining femicide if it becomes associated with broader issues like abortion rights advocacy.