Official Conference Report
Below is the official report of the Internation Conference on Population and Development.
The official report from the conference was issued with the conclusion of the conference and is the most inclusive source of the conference proceedings and outcomes. It includes several sections like “Resolutions Adopted by the Conference,” which includes a detailed program of action for the future; “Attendance and Organization of Work” including attendance, rules of procedure, accreditation of attendees, and the agenda; and a section called “General Debate” detailing which entities spoke when. The bulk of the report is in the first section with the program of action, which states the objectives that the attendees intend to work on (such as addressing overpopulation, gender inequality, high maternal mortality rates, and a brief statement on the purpose of abortion in addressing these issues). At the 25 year reunion conference in 2019, these objectives were reviewed and adjusted.
The statement on abortion:
(chapter VIII, paragraph 8.25)
“In no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning. All Governments and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are urged to strengthen their commitment to women's health, to deal with the health impact of unsafe abortion as a major public health concern and to reduce the recourse to abortion through expanded and improved family-planning services. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies must always be given the highest priority and every attempt should be made to eliminate the need for abortion. Women who have unwanted pregnancies should have ready access to reliable information and compassionate counseling. Any measures or changes related to abortion within the health system can only be determined at the national or local level according to the national legislative process. In circumstances where abortion is not against the law, such abortion should be safe. In all cases, women should have access to quality services for the management of complications arising from abortion. Post-abortion counseling, education and family-planning services should be offered promptly, which will also help to avoid repeat abortions.”