In Progress

In 2007, Amnesty International (AI) adopted a policy framework on sexual and reproductive rights, including a policy position on selected aspects of abortion. The process leading to the adoption of the policy framework manifested one of the objectives articulated in the early stages of AI’s global Stop Violence against Women campaign1 “Changing ourselves to change the world.” If AI was to advocate effectively for the right to be free from gender-based violence and address the causes and consequences of such violence, it first had to examine, clarify, and develop its internal policy on sexual and reproductive rights.

Having contributed to this process as the Reproductive Rights Coordinator in the Policy Program of AI International Secretariat, I would like to share some reflections on the consultation process, the policies adopted and AI’s evolving perspective on research and campaigns in defence of sexual and reproductive rights.