Undemocratic governments severely affect sexual and reproductive health services, endangering women’s health and lives. However, sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR) advocates, particularly those who support and accompany abortion access, including through digital channels, are being criminalized, creating a risky environment for their vital work.

This session will address the interconnection between democracy and SRHR and examine how the persecution of abortion ‘acompañantes’ undermines democracies and reproductive autonomy. Speakers will aim to shed light on the critical role that ‘acompañantes’ play in defending democracy. Through a diverse range of perspectives, an acompañante, a democracy organization, a lawyer, a donor and a transnational feminist organization, this session will explore how to improve democracy advocacy through support for abortion advocates in the region.

Note: A buffet lunch will be provided to the first 40 participants attending this session. Additional seating is available without food.