The Frames of Safe and Legal Abortion Movement in Thailand 2550-2564 B.E.

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to analyze the framing of the "Safe and Legal Abortion Movement" in Thailand from 2007 to 2021. Alongside the objective of enhancing access to safe and legal abortion services for women in need, the movement also involves a significant struggle over the interpretation and persuasive communication of the term "abortion." Leaders and activists within the movement are tasked with constructing a thoughtful framework to redefine the concept of abortion based on principles such as bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and the right to choose. This research is a qualitative study using document analysis and in-depth interviews with activists from social movements.

The research findings reveal that: Safe and legal movement’s frames are categorized into three crucial aspects: legal, policy, and cultural issues. The master frame is an injustice frame. Despite variations in activities, organization members, and target groups within the movement, they operate in harmony but embracing diversity. Moreover, scientific and medical data are utilized as empirical evidence to substantiate the ethical foundation of this thought framework. The advocacy for safe and legal abortion rights and the reinterpretation of abortion follows a gradual and progressive trajectory. This is attributed to the fact that the subject of abortion is intricately entwined with ethics and deeply rooted beliefs, which have persisted for a considerable period.