Fact Sheets

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

02.23.10 - 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

02.23.10 - 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

02.18.10 - 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

01.28.10 - 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

01.20.10 - 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 care for millions of women and families…

Senate Should Vote Down Casey Amendment on Conscience Clause and Oppose its Inclusion in Final Negotiated Heathcare Reform Bill

12.15.09 - There are three reasons that the Senate health care reform bill should not adopt the antidiscrimination amendment — or language similar to it — proposed by Sen. Robert Casey (D.-Penn.)…

Parental Consent and Notification for Abortion

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

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

12.01.09 - 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

12.01.09 - 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

11.14.09 - 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

10.20.09 - 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

09.29.09 - 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. This fact sheet details Slovakia's obligations under international and European standards to provide access to contraceptives…

Slovakia: European Standards on Subsidizing Contraceptives

09.29.09 - 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. This fact sheet details Slovakia's obligations under international and European standards to provide access to contraceptives…

Slovakia: Setting the Record Straight on Contraceptives

09.29.09 - 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. This fact sheet details Slovakia's obligations under international and European standards to provide access to contraceptives…

Slovakia: International Standards on Subsidizing Contraceptives

09.29.09 - 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. This fact sheet details Slovakia's obligations under international and European standards to provide access to contraceptives…

ICPD + 15: Commemorating Advances, Calling for Greater Accountability

08.21.09 - 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 human rights…

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

07.14.09 - 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

07.14.09 - 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

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

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

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

The Legal Right to Abortion in Puerto Rico

07.07.09 - The Legal Right to Abortion in Puerto Rico…

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

07.01.09 - 
  1. Griswold v. Connecticut
  2. Roe v. Wade
  3. Bellotti v. Baird II
  4. Harris v. McRae
    5. …

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

01.15.09 - 

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.

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Emergency Contraception: An Important Component of Women's Rights

12.11.08 - 

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

EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS WHEN WOMEN CONSIDER EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

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

12.11.08 - 

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.

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World Abortion Laws 2008 Fact Sheet

11.20.08 - 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

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

What If Roe Fell? 2007

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

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Emergency Contraception for Rape Survivors

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

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

11.01.07 - 

"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

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

08.01.07 - The 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v…

Roe v. Wade - Then and Now

07.01.07 - 

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.

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

11.01.06 - 

Currently, no state or federal laws require minors to get parental consent in order to get contraception. Increasingly, however, proposals are being introduced to restrict teens’ access to reproductive health care by calling for parental consent or notification.

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

04.01.06 - It is estimated that over three million American women have unplanned pregnancies each year, and over half of these end in abortion. Emergency contraception (EC), sometimes called the "morning-after pill," is an effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancy.1…

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

02.01.06 - 

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.

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

01.01.06 - 

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.

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Mandatory Delays and Biased Information Requirements

12.09.05 - Status of Mandatory Delay and Biased Information Laws

Unable to ban abortion outright, anti-choice legislators have sought to place roadblocks in the path of women seeking to exercise their right to choose…

Restrictions on Young Women's Access to Abortion Services

11.01.05 - 

Forty-four states have adopted laws requiring a young woman to obtain the consent of or notify one or both parents prior to an abortion, but in nine of those states, the laws are enjoined or not enforced.

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Contraceptive Equity Bills Gain Momentum in State Legislatures

08.01.05 - 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…

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

04.01.04 - 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

01.01.04 - America Must Continue Its Commitment to Reproductive Health…

Forced Parental Involvement Defeats the Goals of the Title X Program

01.01.04 - 

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

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CEDAW Advances Women's Human Rights

01.01.04 - 

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.

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Contraceptive Coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

08.01.03 - 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 General Government Appropriations Bill…

Trends in Reproductive Rights Jurisprudence in Latin America

07.01.03 - 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…

Laws and Regulations Affecting Medical Abortion

07.01.03 - 

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.

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Access to Abortion: Mandatory Delay and Biased Information Requirements

07.01.03 -  Adding to the difficulty of facing an unintended pregnancy, many states have enacted or are considering laws that create barriers to women's access to abortion…

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

07.01.03 - 

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.

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

06.01.03 - 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…

International Family Planning and Reproductive Health

06.01.03 - 

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

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

09.01.02 - 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

05.01.02 -  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 reproductive

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State of Denial: Adolescent Reproductive Rights in Zimbabwe

04.01.02 - 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 protection methods…

Mandatory Parental Consent and Notification Laws

03.01.01 - 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

02.01.99 - 

February 1999

Who Are Adolescents?

  • People 10 - 19 years of age

     

  • 1 in 5 of world's population

DEFINING ADOLESCENCE…