At the Center for Reproductive Rights, we're fighting to protect and advance reproductive freedoms worldwide. From confronting restrictive abortion policies to championing equity on the global stage, we are dedicated to creating a future where everyone has access to the health care they deserve. Here's a snapshot of our most recent efforts:

Global

The Girls Win! United Nations issues historic decisions protecting girls from forced motherhood.

On January 20, the United Nations Human Rights Committee held Ecuador and Nicaragua accountable for severe human rights violations against three young survivors of sexual violence who were forced into motherhood because of abortion bans, ordering the countries to reform their laws to ensure access to abortion.

Brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights and our partners in Latin America's Son Niñas, No Madres (Girls, Not Mothers) Movement, this ruling sets a powerful precedent for over 170 countries under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, protecting the rights of millions of women and girls.

In the face of rising authoritarianism and new threats to the rights of women, girls, and people around the world, feminist-led movements in Latin America and the Global South are setting powerful global precedents in the fight for bodily freedom and dignity. The Son Niñas, No Madres victories are proof that, globally, law, policy, and popular opinion are bending toward justice.

🔗 Learn more about these landmark decisions

🔗 Lee la versión en español aquí

United States

United States withdraws from the World Health Organization in a devastating setback for public health globally.

For the second time, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision threatens to unravel critical global health efforts.

WHO plays a vital role in setting global health standards, coordinating emergency responses, and providing technical support to countries worldwide. With the U.S. withdrawal:

• Global health responses weaken: WHO's ability to combat crises will be jeopardized.
• Marginalized communities suffer most: Low-income countries will face even greater barriers to accessing essential care.
• Sexual and reproductive health sidelined: Deprioritizing global health, including maternal health, HIV/STI treatment, and access to sexual and reproductive health care further stigmatizes this essential care.

This decision isolates the U.S. when unity is crucial and will have devastating consequences for the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.

🔗 The United States withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Trump administration reinstates "Global Gag Rule" to restrict abortion worldwide

As part of President Donald Trump's first week in office, he reinstated the "Global Gag Rule"—a sweeping policy that will decrease abortion access in countries around the world. This policy defunds health organizations in other countries that provide abortion services or even information, regardless of circumstances, including in cases of sexual assault.

The new executive order reflects Project 2025's agenda to expand the Global Gag Rule even further, targeting an estimated $51 billion in foreign assistance, including humanitarian aid. If implemented, this expansion would have catastrophic effects on global health and human rights. Read more about how this move jeopardizes billions in funding for global reproductive rights.

In response, the Center for Reproductive Rights is relaunching its Global Gag Rule Pro Bono Clearinghouse. First established during Trump's previous administration, this initiative mobilizes leading global law firms to provide pro bono legal support for NGOs impacted by the Global Gag Rule. This vital resource aims to help organizations navigate legal challenges, ensure compliance, and continue their critical work.

🔗 Read more about the harmful and regressive Global Gag Rule

"Women have died—and are continuing to die—as a result of President Trump's actions in his first term. Expecting even more extreme actions in his second term, we are on high alert and prepared to sue at a moment's notice. Our fighting force of lawyers is prepared to block or delay the administration's most harmful actions. We will be in court every day for the next four years, if that's what it takes."

—Nancy Northup, president and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights

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