Fact Sheets

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Fact Sheet: A, B and C v. Ireland

In 2005, three women challenged the Irish law on abortion after being forced to travel abroad to obtain an abortion. The Irish law currently only allows abortion when a woman's life is in danger, and this exception is vague and difficult to interpret…

Blunt Amendment Would Eviscerate Health Care Coverage for Millions

Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)…

The Contraception Controversy: A Comprehensive Reply (PDF Download)

The Obama Administration’s recently announced policy to require insurers to cover contraception as women’s preventive health care has prompted many over-heated…

The “Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act”: A Dangerous and Cynical Attack on Women’s Health and the Right to Safe Abortion

Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ) has proposed the Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, H.R…

Fact Sheet: Reproductive Rights in Nepal

In 2002, abortion was decriminalized on broad grounds in Nepal…

Factsheet: Demand Healthcare Fairness for New York’s Finest

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) and Detectives Endowment Association (DEA) offer prescription health insurance plans that don’t cover prescription contraceptives (birth control) but provide otherwise comprehensive prescription drug plans…

Proposed Global Gag Rule Threatens Women's Health and Lives; Undermines Democratic Values

The House of Representatives-proposed Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2012 would reinstate a failed Bush-era policy -- the "Global Gag Rule" -- that would silence overseas community groups and health experts, preventing them from discussing access to safe, legal abortion - even when this…

The Gains of the New Constitution: Stronger Protections for the Lives and Health of Women in Kenya

Kenya’s new constitution demonstrates several gains for the women of Kenya, including stronger protections for their health and lives…

Fact Sheet: Nepal Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision Upholding the Right to Abortion

The Center has authored a new fact sheet on an important decision from the Supreme Court of Nepal in the case of Lakshmi Dhikta v.

House Budget Bill Would Strip 60,000 Low-Income Women in the District of Columbia of Access to Abortion Services

The draft budget bill (H.R. 1) passed by the House of Representatives would overrule the decision of 400,000-plus voters in the District of Columbia to fund medically necessary abortions for low-income women…

New Abortion Ban Bill Would Deny Abortion Coverage to Millions of Women and Allow Healthcare Providers to Deny Life-Saving Care to Women in Emergencies

On January 20, 2011, Representative Joe Pitts (R-PA) introduced an extreme anti-choice bill for consideration by Congress.  Subsequently, on February 3, 2011, Rep. Pitts made public a revised bill.  Key problems with the bill include: …

A Bait-and-Switch Attack on Reproductive Health: Radical New Anti-Choice Bill Would Deny Insurance Coverage to Millions of Women

On January 20, 2011, Rep. Chris Smith (R.-NJ) introduced extreme anti-choice legislation for consideration by Congress. While it is misleadingly called the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” (H.R…

Fact Sheet: Salenta v. Uttar Pradesh

Snehelata “Salenta” Singh v. The State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. concerns a case of preventable pregnancy-related injury…

Fact Sheet: Datar v. Union of India

Nikhil Datar v. Union of India concerns the denial of an abortion to a woman whose fetus was diagnosed with severe abnormalities after twenty weeks…

Repeal the Ban on Abortion for Women in the Military

For the past fifteen years, the United States government has banned almost all abortion services at United States military hospitals and medical facilities overseas.* These facilities are barred from providing any abortion "except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus…

What’s Wrong with the Executive Order on Abortion Restrictions?

On Sunday, March 21, 2010, as part of the negotiations over the healthcare reform bill, President Barack Obama promised to issue a new Executive Order on abortion restrictions upon passage of the bill by the House…

Debunking Myths on Funding Firewalls and Healthcare Reform

Question: Does Healthcare Reform Actually Provide Federal Funding for Abortion?

Answer: No…

A.S. v. Hungary: Informed Consent: A Signature is Not Enough

A.S., a Hungarian woman of Roma origin, underwent surgery at a public hospital in connection with a miscarriage. Minutes after being admitted to the hospital in a “state of shock” and while on the operating table, A.S. was asked to sign a statement of consent to a caesarean section…

Tysiąc v. Poland: Ensuring Effective Access to Legal Abortion

Alicja Tysiąc, a Polish woman, was suffering from severe myopia. Pregnant for the third time, she consulted three ophthalmologists who concluded that carrying the pregnancy to term constituted a serious risk to her eyesight…

Beijing+15: No Equality Without Full Enjoyment of Women’s Sexual and Reproductiv

Beijing+15: No Equality Without Full Enjoyment of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights

In 1995, representatives of 189 governments and more than 2,100 non-governmental organizations attended the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, where the international community reaffirmed and built upon the commitments set forth within the International

Facts on Abortion in the Philippines: Criminalization and a General Ban on Abortion

The Center for Reproductive Rights works nationally and internationally to expand access to reproductive healthcare for women around the world. We have conducted years of investigative research into the status of reproductive rights in the Philippines…

Nelson Amendment Goes Far Beyond Current Law with New Restrictions on Abortion Services Coverage

New, far-reaching restrictions on abortion services coverage that are now part of the House and Senate bills on healthcare reform threaten to turn back the clock on access to abortion

Abortion: Parental Consent & Notification by State

Parental involvement laws require young women to obtain the consent of or notify one or both parents in order to obtain an abortion, forcing those who are unable to comply with the requirements to delay obtaining appropriate medical care…

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment Goes Far Beyond the Already-Punishing Restrictions in the Hyde Amendment

The Stupak-Pitts amendment, added to the House of Representative's healthcare reform bill in last-minute maneuvers on the House floor, is sometimes described as a mere extension of current restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortion (known as…

Senate Should Maintain Fair and Balanced Conscience Clause Provisions on Abortion Services Coverage in Health Reform Bill

There are three main reasons that the conscience clause contained in section 1303 of the Senate healthcare reform bill — and not the conscience clauses in the House of Representatives' version of the bill — should be included in the final bill:…

Why the Stupak-Pitts Abortion Ban Is An Unprecedented and Damaging Assault on Wo

Why the Stupak-Pitts Abortion Ban Is An Unprecedented and Damaging Assault on Women’s Health

The House-passed Stupak-Pitts Amendment is a serious assault on women’s health, yet many remain unaware of its radical scope and dangerous implications. …

World Abortion Laws 2009 Factsheet

World Abortion Laws 2009 Fact Sheet

Currently, 61% of the world's people live in countries where induced abortion is permitted either for a wide range of reasons or without restriction as to reason. In contrast, about 26% of all people reside in countries where abortion is generally prohibited…

Slovakia: Access to Contraceptives - The Social and Economic Benefits and Role in Achieving Gender Equality

The Center is working with its partners in Slovakia to advocate for the government to provide subsidized access to contraceptives for the most vulnerable populations…

Slovakia: European Standards on Subsidizing Contraceptives

The Center is working with its partners in Slovakia to advocate for the government to provide subsidized access to contraceptives for the most vulnerable populations…

Slovakia: Setting the Record Straight on Contraceptives

The Center is working with its partners in Slovakia to advocate for the government to provide subsidized access to contraceptives for the most vulnerable populations…

Slovakia: International Standards on Subsidizing Contraceptives

The Center is working with its partners in Slovakia to advocate for the government to provide subsidized access to contraceptives for the most vulnerable populations…

ICPD + 15: Commemorating Advances, Calling for Greater Accountability

The Center for Reproductive Rights commemorates the 15 year anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), celebrating advancements for women's human rights and highlighting the ICPD's role in promoting recognition of reproductive rights as…

Women in the District of Columbia Should Have Equal Access to Abortion Services

Women in the District of Columbia Should Have Equal Access to Abortion Services: Congress Should Repeal the Ban on Abortion Funding in the District of Columbia…

Federal Employees Deserve Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care

Federal Employees Deserve Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care: Congress Should Remove the Prohibition on Abortion Coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan…

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992): Three Judicial Views on Abortion Restrictions

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992): Three Judicial Views on Abortion Restrictions…

Why Senators Should Ask Supreme Court Nominees About Their Views on Abortion Rights

Why Senators Should Ask Supreme Court Nominees About Their Views on Abortion Rights…

The Legal Right to Abortion in Puerto Rico

The Legal Right to Abortion in Puerto Rico…

U.S. Supreme Court Case Summaries: Griswold and Leading Abortion Cases

  1. Griswold v. Connecticut
  2. Roe v. Wade
  3. Bellotti v. Baird II
  4. Harris v. McRae

Myths and Realities: Debunking USAID’s Analysis of the Global Gag Rule

The global gag rule, or "Mexico City Policy," restricts foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive U.S. family planning assistance from advocating for or providing abortion-related services, even with their own, non-U.S.

Emergency Contraception: An Important Component of Women's Rights

Read our EC briefing paper (PDF) also available in Spanish

EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS WHEN WOMEN CONSIDER EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Voices from Nepal: Excerpts from Abortion in Nepal: Women Imprisoned

Nepal’s punitive approach to abortion has threatened women’s lives and health, reinforced entrenched gender discrimination, and interfered with women’s decision-making on a matter with immense personal implications.

World Abortion Laws 2008 Fact Sheet

Currently, over 60% of the world's people live in countries where induced abortion is permitted either for a wide range of reasons or without restriction as to reason. In contrast, about 26% of all people reside in countries where abortion is generally prohibited…

An International Human Right: Sexuality Education for Adolescents in Schools

An International Human Right: Sexuality Education for Adolescents in Schools…

What If Roe Fell? 2007

Download the factsheet summarizing the main points in the Center's comprehensive report, What if Roe fell? 2007.

 …

Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP): Avoiding the TRAP

"TRAP" laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) target the medical practices of doctors who provide abortions, and impose on them burdensome requirements which are different and more stringent than the legal requirements imposed on other

Emergency Contraception for Rape Survivors

Emergency contraception ("EC") is a form of birth control that is taken after sexual intercourse…

U.S. Supreme Court Case Summaries: Privacy Law 1891-Present

The 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v…

Roe v. Wade - Then and Now

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court struck down the State of Texas's criminal abortion laws, finding that the right to decide whether to have a child is a fundamental right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The 7-2 decision in Roe v.

Parental Consent and Notice for Contraceptives Threatens Teen Health and Constitutional Rights

Currently, no state or federal laws require minors to get parental consent in order to get contraception.

Emergency Contraception (EC): A Safe and Effective Way to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancy

It is estimated that over three million American women have unplanned pregnancies each year, and over half of these end in abortion…

First-Ever Federal Ban on Abortion Violates Women's Rights

On June 28, 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a sweeping state ban on abortion. Despite that ruling, Congress passed an almost identical law that was signed by President George W. Bush on November 5, 2003.

The Teen Endangerment Act (H.R. 748; S.8,396,403): Harming Young Women Who Seek Abortions

The Teen Endangerment Act, also called the "Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act" (CIANA) or the "Child Custody Protection Act" (CCPA), will harm young women who face unwanted pregnancies. The Teen Endangerment Act (H.R. 748, S.

Contraceptive Equity Bills Gain Momentum in State Legislatures

In the United States almost 50% of pregnancies are unintended…

Yet Another Anti-Abortion Scare Tactic: False Claims of Breast Cancer Risk

Some anti-abortion activists rely upon phony medical claims as a way to deter women from choosing abortion. Motivated by their desire to overturn the United State Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v.

Title X Family Planning

America Must Continue Its Commitment to Reproductive Health

Forced Parental Involvement Defeats the Goals of the Title X Program

Adolescents in America must continue to have access to affordable and confidential family planning services.

CEDAW Advances Women's Human Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is the only comprehensive international treaty guaranteeing women’s human rights and the prevention of discrimination against women.

Contraceptive Coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

In 1998, Congress voted to ensure that all Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) participants have access to comprehensive contraceptive coverage in the FY 1999 Treasury, Postal Service and…

Laws and Regulations Affecting Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is a safe and effective non-surgical method of early pregnancy termination. The FDA has approved one drug specifically for use in early abortions.1 Mifepristone (also known as RU 486) is now available under the trade name Mifeprex.

The Bush Global Gag Rule: Endangering Women's Health, Free Speech and Democracy

On January 22, 2001, on his first business day in office (and the 28th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to an abortion), President George W. Bush re-imposed the Global Gag Rule on the U.S.

Trends in Reproductive Rights Jurisprudence in Latin America

All Latin American countries have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women…

International Family Planning and Reproductive Health

International family planning and reproductive health and programs funded by the U.S.

The Global Gag Rule's Effects on NGOs in 56 Countries

The Global Gag Rule penalizes non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in 561 countries that receive family planning assistance funds from the U.S. These NGOs are prohibited from providing abortion-related services, including counseling and referrals, and/or lobbying on abortion issues…

Contraceptive Coverage for All: EPICC Act is Prescription for Women’s Equality

In the United States almost 50% of pregnancies are unintended. Contraceptive equity legislation could reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion by providing affordable and reliable contraception for women…

Common Reproductive Health Concerns in Anglophone Africa

May 2002

Key findings and regional trends from Women of the World: Laws and Policies Affecting Their Reproductive Lives, Anglophone Africa Progess Report 2001, reveal the continuing gaps in governments’ compliance with international standards on

State of Denial: Adolescent Reproductive Rights in Zimbabwe

Using a human rights fact-finding methodology, researchers from the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Child and Law Foundation in Zimbabwe documented legal, policy and social barriers to Zimbabwean adolescents’ enjoyment of their international human right to access dual…

Mandatory Parental Consent and Notification Laws

Although the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the right to choose abortion in Roe v. Wade in 1973, and reaffirmed that right in June 1992 in Planned Parenthood v.

Ensuring the Reproductive Rights of Adolescents

February 1999

Who Are Adolescents?

  • People 10 - 19 years of age

     

  • 1 in 5 of world's population

DEFINING ADOLESCENCE