Latin America – Catalina Martinez Coral Reflects on International Safe Abortion Day

This International Safe Abortion Day 2026, Center for Reproductive Rights Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Catalina Martinez Coral, emphasized the power of a global abortion rights movement.

September 29, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

In a piece published by the renowned El País magazine, Martinez Coral said,
“As we mark the Global Day of Action for Safe and Legal Abortion this September, we look beyond borders. Despite the narrative of regression that certain sectors are trying to push, data from the Center for Reproductive Rights’ World Abortion Laws Map tells a different and more hopeful story.

While five countries have rolled back abortion protections over the past three decades (the United States, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Poland), the rest of the world has moved forward in recognizing and providing this essential healthcare service, protecting the well-being of their populations, women’s lives, and their right to shape their own futures.

Continued; https://reproductiverights.org/news/martinez-coral-international-safe-abortion-day-2026/

29.09.2026

Commentary

Catalina Martinez Coral

Center for Reproductive Rights

global day of action for safe and legal abortion

International Safe Abortion Day

Spain – Full information and resources for a safe abortion

On the occasion of International Safe Abortion Day, held every year on 28 September, Barcelona City Council strengthens its promotion of resources and information on sexual and reproductive health. In addition, the city is hosting an international forum on 1 October, bringing together professionals, organisations, activists and institutions.

28/09/2026

The City Council offers citizens up-to-date information on sexual and reproductive health, including resources linked to the voluntary interruption of a pregnancy. Through the municipal health website, users can find information on legally recognised rights, care circuits, advice services and specific resources for young people.

The information also includes promotional materials developed within the framework of the sexual and reproductive health strategy, with the participation of healthcare professional and specialist organisations.

Continued: https://www.barcelona.cat/cesb/en/noticies/full-information-and-resources-for-a-safe-abortion-41507

28.09.2026

Events/Campaigns

Barcelona City Council

Center for Reproductive Rights

International Safe Abortion Day

Dublin buildings will light up Green for International Safe Abortion Day

National Women’s Council
Monday, September 28, 2026

The National Women’s Council (NWC) is delighted to have coordinated the illumination of public buildings, including the Mansion House and Trinity College in Dublin, as part of a European-wide initiative to mark International Safe Abortion Day today (28th September 2026). The illumination is an initiative in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights and other organisations working for reproductive rights across Europe. The illumination will see buildings in over 10 locations across Europe, including London, Paris, Barcelona and Geneva lit in green this evening to highlight that reproductive rights are human rights.

NWC is deeply disappointed that the illumination of Belfast City Hall that had been voted on by Belfast City Council has been halted and will now not go ahead.

Continued: https://www.nwci.ie/learn/article/dublin_buildings_will_light_up_green_for_international_safe_abortion_day

28.09.2026

News

Alliance for Choice

Belfast City Hall

Center for Reproductive Rights

Corrinne Hasson

International Safe Abortion Day

National Women’s Council

Europe Goes Green for International Safe Abortion Day 2026

This 28 September, landmarks across Europe will shine green in support of the global movement for safe and legal abortion.

September 27, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

International Safe Abortion Day is marked every year on 28 September by advocates, governments, UN institutions and movements around the world. It is a global call to action for access to timely, affordable, and quality abortion care. It also highlights the harms caused by restrictive abortion laws and barriers to care, while urging decision makers to protect and advance reproductive rights as human rights.

Why is Europe lighting up green for abortion rights on 28 September?
This year, on 28th September, municipalities across Europe are illuminating city halls and prominent public landmarks in green, as a coordinated show of support for all who need abortion care.

Continued: https://reproductiverights.org/news/europe-green-international-safe-abortion-day-2026/

27.09.2026

News

Center for Reproductive Rights

green handkerchiefs

green wave

International Safe Abortion Day

lighting up green for Sep 28

Europe

Activism

Human Rights

A Movement in Motion: Reflections on International Safe Abortion Day 2026

The global movement for abortion rights is reshaping the future–standing up in courts, inspiring public action, and amplifying personal stories that create lasting change

September 23, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

International Safe Abortion Day is the global day of action to demand safe, legal abortion care for everyone, everywhere.

Abortion is one of the world’s most common healthcare services. Human rights groups and courts around the world agree that abortion care is essential healthcare–and as a key part of people’s human rights, it should be safe, legal, and easily accessible.

Nearly 30% of all pregnancies end in abortion, and abortions happen everywhere: in places where they are legally available, restricted, and completely banned. The reality is that abortion rates remain similar across countries, regardless of the law.

Continued: https://reproductiverights.org/news/movement-in-motion-reflections-international-safe-abortion-day-2026/

23.09.2026

Commentary

Center for Reproductive Rights

green wave

International Safe Abortion Day

PAK and Salim Mohamed case

Europe Abortion Laws 2026: Europe in Global Context

September 17, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

Globally, abortion law has moved in a broadly progressive direction over the past three decades. More than 60 countries and territories have liberalised their abortion laws, while only four — the United States, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Poland — have removed previously existing legal grounds for abortion since 1994. Today, 77 countries allow abortion on request and 12 allow abortion on broad social or economic grounds.

Europe is part of this wider global trend. The 2026 update of Europe Abortion Laws: Policies, Progress and Challenges shows that the region’s dominant legal trend remains one of reform, with countries continuing to legalise abortion, repeal restrictive laws, remove access barriers, strengthen constitutional protections and move away from criminalisation.

Continued: https://reproductiverights.org/resources/europe-abortion-laws-2026-europe-global-context/

17.09.2026

Commentary

abortion law reform

Center for Reproductive Rights

Europe

Human Rights

Law

Tierra Walker died after she couldn’t get an abortion. Her family is suing Ken Paxton.

The case argues that Texas’ near-total abortion ban violates the state and U.S. constitutions. It is the first lawsuit over a death linked to an abortion ban.

Shefali Luthra
September 16, 2026

The family of a woman who died after she could not get an abortion in Texas is suing doctors and state officials including Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is the first lawsuit over a death linked to an abortion ban.

“It’s horrible that she’s gone and she was taken from us this way. It’s horrible that she’s not here anymore,” said LaTanya Walker, Tierra Walker’s aunt and the lead plaintiff in the case, in a press conference Wednesday. She added: “I want justice for her. I want it to not happen to anyone else. It needs to stop.”

Continued: https://19thnews.org/2026/09/texas-abortion-lawsuit-ken-paxton-tierra-walker/

16.09.2026

News

Amplify Legal

Center for Reproductive Rights

Ken Paxton

Latanya Walker

Molly Duane

Stephen Brint Carlton

Center Appeals to Kenyan Supreme Court in Defense of Constitutional Abortion Rights

In April 2026, the Court of Appeal in Kenya overturned a 2022 High Court ruling that affirmed constitutional abortion rights. The Center has taken the case to the Supreme Court on behalf of two Kenyans facing abortion-related criminal charges.

September 3, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center has appealed to the Kenyan Supreme Court in a long-running case with the potential to reshape reproductive rights across the country. At its core is the question of abortion care—whether those who seek and provide such care are constitutionally protected against criminal charges.

The case, which revolves around a pregnant minor and a clinician who treated her during a medical emergency, has been making its way through the Kenyan legal system for the past six years. In 2022, the High Court delivered a landmark victory that affirmed widespread constitutional protections for abortion rights. Then, in April 2026, an appeals court overturned that ruling, threatening reproductive healthcare across the country. The Center has asked the Supreme Court to reverse the appeal court’s judgment.

Continued: https://reproductiverights.org/news/center-appeal-kenyan-supreme-court/

03.09.2026

Center for Reproductive Rights

Kenya Christian Professionals Forum

Kenyan Penal Code

Kenyan Supreme Court

Malindi Petition No. E009 of 2020

USA -Judge rules FDA restrictions on mifepristone are arbitrary and capricious

Abortion medication ruled to be safe as judge orders Trump administration to consider overturning restrictions

Melody Schreiber
Fri 24 Jul 2026

A federal judge upheld the safety of the abortion medication mifepristone and ordered the Trump administration to examine and consider overturning restrictions on the drug as barriers to abortion access mount across the country.

Robert S Ballou, a US district judge in Virginia, ordered the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) on Friday to reconsider mifepristone restrictions, which the judge found to be arbitrary and capricious.
Previous FDA reviews have “steadfastly found” that mifepristone is safe and effective, Ballou wrote in his decision.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/24/fda-mifepristone-restrictions

HRC62: Statement on the Adoption of Rwanda’s Universal Periodic Review

July 16, 2026
Center for Reproductive Rights

Delivered at the 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council by the Center for Reproductive Rights Africa regional team. Speaker: Nyokabi Njogu (Legal Advocacy Advisor, Center for Reproductive Rights)

Mr. President,
The Center for Reproductive Rights welcomes Rwanda’s recent adoption of the Law Regulating Health Services (Law N° 026/2025) which increases access to sexual and reproductive health by removing third party consent requirements for adolescents aged 15 and above. We also welcome Rwanda’s acceptance of several recommendations to strengthen access to maternal and reproductive health, and access to comprehensive sexuality education, which would strengthen implementation of this law.

We regret that Rwanda has not accepted a key recommendation on decriminalizing access to abortion in all circumstances.

Continued; https://reproductiverights.org/resources/hrc62-statement-on-the-adoption-of-rwandas-universal-periodic-review/

16.07.2026