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One-year anniversary of the historic Causa Justa ruling, which decriminalized abortion in Colombia up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
The Center’s Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) program works to end sexual violence, expand access to sexual and reproductive health care, and decriminalize abortion. We defend women unfairly punished under strict abortion laws, improve access to maternal care and emergency contraception, and protect reproductive rights during conflict.
Despite progress, reproductive rights remain out of reach for many in Latin America and the Caribbean.
80%
Of sexual violations of girls and adolescents are concentrated in victims between 10 and 14 years old.
4x
Girls under 15 are four times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than an adult woman.
8%
Of women of reproductive age live in countries that prohibit abortion altogether in LAC.
Securing legal victories to expand reproductive rights
The Center’s LAC Program is based in Bogotá, Colombia and has been operating for nearly 20 years. The Center’s LAC Program has achieved many important legal victories in national courts, regional accountability bodies, and international human rights bodies that advance reproductive rights and access.
Along with its partners in the region, the Center takes legal action when governments fail to protect sexual and reproductive rights. We hold governments accountable, push for equal access to justice, and fight for women, girls, and adolescents who face violence or are denied care.
Abortion Access Across LAC
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Green Wave movement has advanced progress in reproductive rights. It’s helping challenge social models built on stereotypes and driving national and global conservations about women’s rights to make their own decisions. The Green Wave is also breaking down barriers that have long limited women’s equality and dignity in society.
Latin America and the Caribbean have some of the world’s strictest abortion laws. There are still countries in the region that have a total ban on abortion and others where access is still restricted, even though voluntary termination of pregnancy is legal in specific cases.
Learn more about the Center’s work advancing reproductive rights in the LAC region.
