Stereotyping in Reproductive
Health Gender stereotyping refers to the treatment
of the sexes according to social and cultural
constructions of women and men, due to their
different physical, biological, sexual and social
functions, not according to their individual
attributes. This presentation will examine how
wrongful stereotyping of women harms their
dignity and prevents them from accessing abortion
services according to their own individual needs
and circumstances. It will explain how international
and regional human rights treaty bodies and
national constitutional courts are holding states
legally accountable for failing to eliminate harmful
gender stereotypes. In conclusion, it will explore
what implications the evolving law against harmful
gender stereotyping might have for abortion laws
and policies more generally.