Dear supporter,

A year ago today, Colombia became the eighth country in Latin America and the Caribbean to decriminalize abortion during the initial stages of pregnancy.

Team, YOU helped make this victory possible in one of the most hostile environments for reproductive rights. The decision in Colombia came in response to a powerful movement of more than 90 organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, called Causa Justa. This group—and a Green Wave of supporters across the region armed with bullhorns, green bandanas, and determination—sought to:

• Eliminate abortion as a crime.
   
• Reduce barriers to access legal abortion care.
   
• Transform public opinion to end social stigma around abortion.
   
• End the risk of criminal prosecution for those seeking abortion care and health care workers providing care.

Many people in Colombia and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean have been fighting for the recognition of their abortion rights for years. Until recently, Colombia was home to one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. However, persistence, advocacy, the legal expertise of organizations like the Center, and your committed support, resulted in a groundbreaking victory. This historic win demonstrates that even in the most regressive and life-threatening environments, progress is possible with your support.

But the Center’s work is far from over. Our teams are working hard to ensure that the Green Wave for abortion liberalization doesn’t end in Colombia but continues to reach the over 80% of women and girls in the region that still live in countries with restrictive abortion laws, and beyond.

Because of your support—por tu apoyo—we made history.

¡Somos históricas!

Catalina Martínez Coral
Senior Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean