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Front Lines
January 2026
News from the global fight for reproductive rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights works globally to protect and advance reproductive freedom. Through strategic litigation and advocacy, we challenge restrictive policies and promote equitable access to reproductive health care worldwide. Below is a snapshot of our recent efforts:

United States

Trump's (Second) First Year: New and Emerging Threats to Repro Rights

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Photo Credit: Eliyahu Parypa

In the first year of his second term, President Trump has escalated attacks on reproductive freedom–in the U.S. and around the world–through sweeping executive actions. Our new report outlines three urgent trends:
* Rolling back nationwide protections including emergency abortion care guidance, safety from clinic violence, and data privacy rules
* Targeting access even where abortion remains legal by undermining veterans' care, Medicaid, and Title X family planning programs
* Fueling misinformation to justify restrictions on abortion, birth control, and IVF
These actions endanger patients and providers, cut off access to essential health care, and heighten the risk of criminalization and violence. Our report also breaks down what to expect next as these threats continue into 2026.
🔗 Read our report: Trump's (Second) First Year: New and Emerging Threats to Reproductive Rights [[link removed]]
READ MORE [[link removed]]

Trump Admin Expands Anti-Abortion Policy, Threatening Humanitarian Work Worldwide

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The Trump administration announced an expansion of the Global Gag Rule , blocking U.S. foreign aid from going to any domestic or international organization that supports abortion care, gender-affirming care, or participates in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Historically, the Global Gag Rule has blocked foreign organizations receiving U.S. funds from providing, counseling, or referring for abortion services in their own countries. Research shows the policy reduces access to contraception, maternal and child health care, HIV prevention and treatment, and other essential services—while unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and preventable deaths increase.
👉 Learn more about the Global Gag Rule [[link removed]]
LEARN MORE [[link removed]]

Global

Zambia Court Overturns Conviction, Affirms Reproductive Justice

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Photo Credit: bergserg

This month, we secured a landmark victory when Zambia's High Court ruled in favor of our client, Violet Zulu [[link removed]] , ordering her immediate release from prison and affirming that the charges brought against her for securing her own abortion were unlawful and unjust.
Violet, a single mother of two and a domestic worker, was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison after ending her pregnancy on her own. [[link removed]] She had been unable to access affordable contraception or abortion care at a local health facility. The cost of contraception (about $2) and a safe abortion (approximately $35) was out of reach.
When Violet was charged in January 2024, she had no legal representation and the lower court did not explain the charges against her, the consequences of pleading guilty, or that Zambia’s Termination of Pregnancy Act allows abortion on socio-economic grounds. The Center for Reproductive Rights and our partners filed her appeal.
The High Court’s ruling sets a major legal precedent and underscores the Center’s role in using the law to defend women’s rights, uphold due process, and advance reproductive freedom worldwide. [[link removed]]
🔗 Read more about Violet’s case [[link removed]]
READ MORE [[link removed]]

“President Trump and his anti-abortion administration would rather let people starve to death in the wake of famine and war than let anyone in the world get an abortion – or even receive information about it.”
Rachana Desai Martin
Chief US Program Officer

Front Lines is dedicated to keeping you informed about the global fight for reproductive rights. We value your thoughts.
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The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.

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