Reproductive rights

A pink sign in the forefront of a largely female crowd that reads in Spanish "Swiftie No Vota Milei"

In Argentina, ‘Swifties Don’t Vote For Milei’

Just days before the presidential elections in Argentina, Taylor Swift fans wanted to make sure their voices were heard. Pink posters with the caption: "Swifties Don't Vote for Milei” were spotted all around the country’s biggest stadium, where the pop star recently performed three sold-out concerts. Javier Milei is a far-right libertarian candidate who has proposed radical changes if elected.

In Argentina, ‘Swifties Don’t Vote For Milei’
Women in a small group holding signs with text written in Spanish

This tiny country is home to Europe’s toughest abortion ban

This tiny country is home to Europe’s toughest abortion ban
a black and white photo of apregnant woman holding her belly and wearing a large coat standing in front of a bridge

Motherhood and motherland: One woman’s pregnancy experience in Russia

Motherhood and motherland: One woman’s pregnancy experience in Russia
close-up shot of Honduran President Castro wearing a mask

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times
two men and a baby

Italy debates new anti-surrogacy law 

Italy debates new anti-surrogacy law 
Posters with a message that read in Spanish "Free abortion."

Founding fatherhood: Part II

Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, takes a deep dive this week into the decriminalization of abortion in Colombia, in the context of the country's legacy of war.

Founding fatherhood: Part II
Pregnant women hold their medical cards and wait for their turn to be examined at a government hospital on World Population Day in Hyderabad, India, Friday, July 11, 2014. 

As India becomes the world's most populous nation, engaging men in family planning ‘will be a game changer'

The United Nations projects that next year, India will surpass China and claim the title of the world’s most populous country. India’s population growth has actually been slowing down for many decades, thanks to comprehensive family planning — but the burden mostly falls on women.

As India becomes the world's most populous nation, engaging men in family planning ‘will be a game changer'
woman near a machine

‘They’re hurting themselves’: In Lebanon, women risk their lives to get an abortion illegally 

In Lebanon, a pregnancy can only be terminated if three doctors agree that a woman's life is at risk. But this doesn't stop abortions from happening. 

‘They’re hurting themselves’: In Lebanon, women risk their lives to get an abortion illegally 
Anti-abortion demonstrators outside the U.S. Supreme Court on the day the court overturned the landmark Roe v Wade abortion laws.

Opinion: Roe v. Wade overturned: Will more Americans travel to Canada and Mexico for abortions?

After the ruling by the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, will more Americans travel for abortions? Inequalities created by this controversial decision will be revealed at border points.

Opinion: Roe v. Wade overturned: Will more Americans travel to Canada and Mexico for abortions?
Anesthesiologist Liu Jianmin prepares for an abortion at a clinic run by Marie Stopes International in Xi'an in central China's Shaanxi province

Abortion access in China has changed drastically amid declining birth rate

For more than 30 years, the Chinese government had restricted most people to having only one child. Illegal and forced abortions were common, and it led to a massive drop in the country’s birth rate. A new policy that started last year allows couples to have up to three children now, but many people aren't interested.

Abortion access in China has changed drastically amid declining birth rate
A group of women's rights activists with a sign reading "Abortion Without Borders" protesting Poland's strict anti-abortion law, outside the top constitutional court, in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022.

Poland’s ‘pregnancy registry’ will further restrict abortion access, activists say

The Polish government says it is establishing a national medical database, following a directive from the EU Commission, promising to ensure the protection of people's privacy. But in a country with a near-total abortion ban, rights activists are not so convinced.

Poland’s ‘pregnancy registry’ will further restrict abortion access, activists say
a woman enters the Supreme Court in London

Northern Ireland decriminalized abortion 3 years ago. But services are still difficult to access.

Despite the decriminalization of abortion in Northern Ireland several years ago after presiding over some of the harshest legislation in the world, access is far from straightforward. And campaigners on both sides of the issue are rallying after last month’s US Supreme Court leak that's suggested the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Northern Ireland decriminalized abortion 3 years ago. But services are still difficult to access.
children in front of a mural

Kenya’s abortion debate

In Kenya, a recent court case there has revived the abortion debate. Conflicting legislation has stirred confusion about what is and is not illegal. The World’s Halima Gikandi brings us more from Nairobi.

Kenya’s abortion debate
protest with signs

Roe v. Wade highlights the important role of high courts in democratic societies

The potential reversal of Roe v. Wade should serve as a stark warning to the power the high courts hold to transform societal conditions.

Roe v. Wade highlights the important role of high courts in democratic societies
a woman near a banner

Mexico's abortion laws have become more accessible

Mexico has slowly made reproductive health services more accessible over the last 20 years.

Mexico's abortion laws have become more accessible