Dear team,

The war in Ukraine has had devastating effects on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of millions of people, including those who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries. A significant majority of the refugees who have left Ukraine because of the war are women and girls who are facing a range of serious challenges and barriers in accessing essential reproductive health care in some host and transit countries. This includes abortion and emergency contraception.

In response to these challenges, the Center for Reproductive Rights, alongside partner organizations on the ground in Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are implementing a joint initiative that identifies and addresses barriers in access to sexual and reproductive health care as a result of the war. The Center is also providing institutional and operational support for key partner organizations who are providing information and assistance to refugees.

Restrictive laws and policies on abortion and emergency contraception in some of these countries are impeding refugees' access to essential reproductive health care. Among other things, this joint initiative will pinpoint the key challenges they face and provide recommendations to governments, international bodies and humanitarian actors to improve their response plans.

This work is vital to protecting their reproductive rights and we're only able to take it on with your partnership and support.

You can learn more about the joint initiative here.

Onwards,

Leah Hoctor
Senior Regional Director for Europe