Socialist perspectives on abortion

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Socialist perspectives on abortion vary. In first world regions such as North America, Europe and Australia, some socialist representatives and activists believe in the legalisation and right to elective abortion care^[1] as a public service, whereas others believe that abortion should be limited or not permitted for a number of reasons. In the Third World, there are discussions regarding traditionalists, natalists, Malthusians, and economic voices within society regarding whether (and if so, how) abortion should be permitted.

Socialism influenced a significant number of countries in the 20th century and had long-standing influence on the law of the countries in which it took hold.^[2]

Socialist parties can have diverging perspectives regarding the importance of the issue and where the issue derives from. In particular, feminist socialists believe that the oppression of women in society has resulted in restrictions surrounding abortion. A Marxist group, though, may deem abortion as a secondary issue,^[1] instead focusing more on what it deems primary issues. At times, left-wing governments have restricted abortion due to concerns about the total fertility rate of the population being affected by high abortion rates.