Catalysts: A Bold, Unapologetic, Africa-Led Alliance Advancing Abortion Rights in Africa
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate the constitutional right to abortion resulted in widespread concerns about its implications well beyond U.S. borders. The ruling dismantled a key safeguard, raising alarms about potential setbacks in reproductive rights internationally.
In response to these developments and their potential impact on sexual and reproductive health rights for women and girls in Africa, a coalition of key organizations came together to preserve the hard-won gains and expand access to abortion services in Africa.
Recognizing the need for a unified approach, these organizations initiated a broad consultation process leading to the formation in June 2024 of Catalysts, a coalition spearheaded by five prominent organizations:
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The Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR);
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International Planned Parenthood Foundation-Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR);
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Ipas Africa Alliance (AA);
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Population Council-Kenya; and the
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International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).
The goal of Catalysts is to develop a coordinated strategy to advance abortion rights in Africa, leveraging diverse expertise and resources to drive meaningful change.
Since its launch, Catalysts has shared impactful interviews on social media to raise awareness about abortion rights in Africa. This alliance is crucial for protecting and advancing abortion rights in the region, especially as opposition and anti-rights movements gain momentum. Connecting and amplifying African voices and efforts towards universal abortion rights and care is at the heart of our mission. By coordinating efforts among key stakeholders, Catalysts is amplifying advocacy and shifting the narrative on abortion rights in Africa.
Join the Catalysts movement.
We invite you to join us in our quest to advance access to high-quality, rights-based abortion services.
By joining, you can play a role in driving meaningful change and amplifying the work done by individuals, organizations and networks pushing for reproductive justice for all women and girls throughout Africa. Join Catalysts today!
Learn why Catalysts’ work is critical to women’s development from Salima Namusobya, Vice President for Africa, Center for Reproductive Rights:
“I see Catalysts being able to create an environment where everybody looks at abortion more from the woman’s perspective and not more from their own perspective or the perceptions that they may have around abortion.”
Salima Namusobya
