Dear Colleague,

From "global warming" to "climate change" to "climate crisis," concern about global temperatures and the environment is escalating.  Policymakers' attention and billions in public funding are being directed toward climate policies, and everyone wants a piece of the pie, including abortion groups.  Some insist that funding "reproductive rights" is important to build resilience in the face of natural disasters.  Others go further and argue that reducing fertility is a necessary part of mitigating climate change.

This month's Definitions examines how rising concerns about climate are colliding with the existing clash over abortion in international politics, from the opportunistic efforts of some abortion groups to tap into climate funding to the reawakening of population control rhetoric that led to suffering and human rights abuses in the past.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Oas, Ph.D.
Director of Research

As concern about climate change occupies an increasing amount of space in global policy discussions, and billions of dollars are allocated to climate-related measures, the international abortion advocacy movement is angling to get in on the action—and funding. Meanwhile, some groups seeking ways to mitigate climate change are eyeing fertility reduction, which some would call population control, as part of the solution. Mainstream groups promoting “sexual and reproductive health and rights” (SRHR)—including abortion—have taken pains to distance themselves from the excesses of the population control movement of past decades. However, those groups that have remained steadfastly committed to promoting a small family norm and reduced fertility are being once again emboldened by the current climate-related fears.  Read more >>>