We Stand With the Global Fight for Reproductive Rights Today and Every Day
This International Women’s Day, we honor the fight for reproductive freedom all around the world
On this International Women’s Day, the inextricable link between reproductive freedom and fundamental equality for women is at the top of our minds. 2018 was a year of historic energy and mobilization in the push for reproductive freedom across the globe, with brave activists rising up to change laws, conversations, and culture surrounding reproductive rights. Today, we want to shine a light on the fight for reproductive freedom around the world, honor the victories, and join together as we battle in our own backyard against attacks on our basic rights.
Ireland
Ireland voted overwhelmingly to repeal the Eighth Amendment in its constitution, and legalize abortion, thanks to the tireless efforts of activists stretching back decades. The tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, who was denied an abortion which cost her her life, was the line in the sand and catalyst for the referendum. And while anti-choice organizations in the United States attempted to meddle in the referendum, they couldn’t stop the will of pro-choice activists in Ireland and the thousands of Irish citizens who flew home to cast their vote for reproductive freedom, documenting their journey with the heartwarming hashtag #HomeToVote. The message was clear: the majority of people believe in protecting essential rights and don’t support the extreme anti-choice movement’s backwards agenda — reproductive freedom is more popular than ever.
Argentina
In Argentina, people all across the country rose up for reproductive freedom in unprecedented numbers. Activists held the largest march by women in the country’s history to support a bill to decriminalize abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Although the bill fell just short, it made history as the first to pass through the chamber — a clear sign that the tide is turning. Argentines wearing the green bandanas of the Ni Una Menos (not one less) movement started a national conversation about the fundamental right to control their own lives and determine their own destinies, and are just getting started.
The recent news of the 11 year girl who was denied an abortion after being sexually assaulted and forced to have a C-section is a sobering reminder of how dangerous a world without reproductive freedom can be, and just how much is at stake in this fight.
Brazil
Brazil also took an historic step towards reproductive freedom this past year when its Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether abortion should be legal in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. People all across Brazil rose to the fight, but not without sacrifice — Debora Diniz, a pro-choice leader and law professor at the University of Brasilia, was forced into a witness protection program for her safety. But Brazilians pressed on because they know what is at risk: about 200 people die because of illegal abortion each year in Brazil, many of whom are low income, young, and black. One in five Brazilian women has an abortion by the age of 40. Yet because abortion is criminalized, women are forced to risk their lives, health, and safety to access this essential care. These numbers — and the women and families impacted — prove a devastating truth we already unfortunately know too well: when abortion is criminalized, the number of deaths and injuries to women go up.
Although the court did not rule to legalize abortion, the activists’ historic mobilization around the ruling captured attention and sparked important conversations in Brazil and across the world. While reproductive freedom is still not a reality in Brazil, an important battle was won: activists impacted the broader culture around abortion rights, and paved the way for much more progress to come.
Here at Home
In the United States, 2018 brought us our own set of challenges, heartbreaks, and victories. Brett Kavanaugh became a Supreme Court justice — despite unprecedented opposition, including the largest single-day protest nominee in history. On August 26, women and activists in all 50 states took part in a national day of action to lay a marker in the ground. Attacks on Roe v. Wade also unfolded in statehouses across the country, as the anti-choice movement remained obsessed with overturning Roe, criminalizing abortion, and punishing women. But all hope wasn’t lost: the pro-choice majority in this country also made our support for reproductive freedom unequivocal in the historic 2018 midterm elections. We made gains in Congress — including electing the first pro-choice majority to the U.S. House of Representatives — in Governorships, and in statehouses across the country and elected historic numbers of women to the most diverse congress to date.
And we’re just getting started. NARAL launched our Reality of Roe campaign to educate and mobilize its 2 million members and the majority of Americans who support Roe and our basic rights. We’re fighting on the state level across the country to expand and defend reproductive freedom, putting our elected officials on notice, holding them accountable, and demanding change. We won’t stop until each and every woman has the right to make decisions about her body, life, health, and future.
Onward
At NARAL, we stand with all people around the world who are tirelessly working to advance reproductive freedom. From Ireland to Brazil to Argentina, and in our own backyards here in the U.S., people all across the world are rising up for women’s essential and fundamental rights against all odds.
Inspired by the bravery of those all around us, we know this is the moment NARAL and our 2 million members were made for. The 2018 midterm elections made it clear that as our elected officials take office, they do so with a clear mandate from the American people to protect and expand reproductive freedom. We applaud our champions in Congress who have already rose to the occasion, fighting for women all over the world through bills like the “Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights” Act just introduced in Congress.
Activated by our fellow activists, we are mobilizing and organizing in unprecedented ways. We know this fight to protect Roe is the fight of our lives, and for our lives. So on this International Women’s Day, join us in pledging to fight on, today and every day, at home and abroad.
