The change represents a temporary relaxation of Catholic rules, and will only begin in December and run until late November 2016. The change will also have no affect on Catholics in England, Wales and Scotland, as priests there can already forgive abortion without seeking permission from a bishop.
Societal stigma, stringent laws, and lack of access to safe abortion in some countries has led to unsafe abortion remaining the biggest threat to maternal health around the world. In 2014 we worked to extend choice to over 18 million women, and averted 3.9 million unsafe abortions.
Find out more about our work with safe abortion and post-abortion care.