At the Center for Reproductive Rights, we're committed to defending reproductive freedoms around the world. Whether it's the intersection of climate change and reproductive health, legislative challenges in Europe, or ongoing battles in the U.S., we're working tirelessly to safeguard reproductive rights. Here's a snapshot of our most recent efforts:

Global

The Impact of Climate Change on Reproductive Rights

As the climate crisis intensifies, so do its threats to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Natural disasters, forced migration, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect women and girls, limiting access to essential health care and increasing vulnerability to violence. Partnering with civil society organizations throughout the world, the Center is:

• Advocating at the United Nations to strengthen norms and create greater accountability for SRHR violations related to climate change and environmental racism.
• Providing expert guidance to governments and local organizations seeking to ensure SRHR in responding to climate change.
• Tackling toxic chemical exposure and its impact on SRHR across Latin America.
• Leveraging regional human rights mechanisms to hold states accountable, including litigating an environmental case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

🔗 Learn more about how climate change threatens reproductive rights

UN Report Highlights Abortion Access Crisis in Poland

Poland's near-total abortion ban continues to draw international scrutiny. A three-year investigation conducted by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) condemned the country's actions, highlighting the severe impact on women's rights.

The Center is at the forefront of efforts to hold Poland accountable. The CEDAW inquiry into Poland’s abortion law was initiated after submissions by the Center for Reproductive Rights, in collaboration with Polish civil society organizations including the Foundation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) and the Karat Coalition.

🔗 Read about our work on abortion rights in Poland

United States

Three Years Under Texas' Abortion Ban

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court stripped away the constitutional right to abortion—a shocking reversal of a fundamental liberty. But a year before that, in 2021, Texas set the stage with S.B. 8, one of the country’s most extreme abortion bans. Now, three years later, the devastating effects of this law are more evident than ever. Vigilante laws like S.B. 8 have been enacted in other states, and currently 14 states prohibit abortion entirely.

With your support, we continue to fight for every person's right to make decisions about their own body. This fight is at the heart of Zurawski v Texas, a documentary that follows the story of three women who, alongside the Center, sued the state of Texas after being denied abortion care during life-threatening pregnancy complications. Hosted by Alamo Drafthouse, the film was screened nationwide on September 25th. The documentary has received widespread acclaim. Variety called it "powerful" and "disquieting," while the Los Angeles Times listed it among the best films at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival.

Molly Duane, one of the brilliant attorneys behind the Center's fight in Zurawski v Texas, was recently recognized as one of the 100 esteemed individuals named to TIME's 2024 TIME100 Next list. A tireless advocate, Molly has been at the forefront of challenging Texas’ cruel abortion bans, fighting not only for plaintiffs like Amanda Zurawski and Kate Cox but for a generation of women reclaiming their right to determine their own futures.

🔗 Learn more about the effects of Texas' SB8 abortion ban

"It's clear that Texas's S.B. 8 abortion ban has had a far-reaching and devastating impact on pregnant people, infants, and families...And what's worse is that even in the face of such evidence, anti-abortion extremists will stop at nothing until abortion is banned entirely, nationwide."

—Marc Hearron, Senior Counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, who argued the Center's challenge to SB8 at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Front Lines is dedicated to keeping you informed about the global fight for reproductive rights. We value your thoughts—let us know what you think! 🌍💬