Happy International Women’s Day! 

Yes, our fight for reproductive justice is facing especially hard times, and the path ahead will not be easy. But the truth is that with your help, we’ve already made incredible progress, and we know how to keep moving forward.  

In the past 30 years, 60 countries have changed their abortion laws—and only four decreased access. We at Ipas worked in many of those countries that expanded abortion rights. We saw firsthand that the fight is never easy—and never over. Behind historic gains like abortion law change, health centers that offer high-quality abortion care, and communities that support every person’s bodily autonomy are years of hard work, resistance, persistence and advocates who continue, step by step, toward their goal—no matter what. 

We’re inspired by our staff, partners, and supporters like you around the world who persevere in the face of tremendous challenges: violent conflict, climate crises, oppressive patriarchy and gender norms, intense abortion stigma, restrictive laws, and more. Day by day, these changemakers carry on, making incremental progress that builds over time—knowing there is no choice other than to keep going.  

To energize us all today, we’ve compiled this list of 7 changemakers making progress on reproductive justice. One of those changemakers—Malena Morales, director of Ipas Bolivia, who has resisted and persisted in the fight for reproductive rights with Ipas for over 25 years—offers this sage advice: 

“We need to be completely convinced that our progress on the issue of abortion is not fast or easy, but each accomplishment is invaluable and has a direct impact on women’s quality of life.” 

Thank you for standing with Ipas. We will keep going in this fight together.  

In solidarity, 

Your friends at Ipas