Who We Are
ARISE serves as national platform of a diverse group of individuals and organizational representatives dedicated to championing abortion rights and justice across India. This alliance aims to drive systemic change on key thematic priorities, including expanding and ensuring access to safe abortion services within the existing legal framework, countering opposition to abortion and navigating the legal and policy environment impinging upon the MTP Act (Amendment) 2021; emphasizing autonomy, agency, and equitable access.
We inform and inspire the society, the health system, the regulatory authorities, policy environment and other actors in the public and private sector to reduce unsafe abortions and protect and expand the access of pregnant persons with an unwanted pregnancy to safe and legal abortion services in India, free from fear, stigma or legal uncertainty.
Our work is centered around mapping the continuously evolving abortion landscape in India, amplifying stories of resilience, engaging with the stakeholders and strengthening public opinion on the pregnant person's right to reproductive autonomy, particularly in the context of their freedom to decide the outcome of their unintended pregnancy.
We have organized our work around three thematic priorities
- Expanding Access to Safe Abortion services to the fullest extent possible by law
- Countering Opposition of Abortion
- Navigating the legal and policy environment impinging upon the MTP Act (Amendment) 2021
Vision
All persons have the autonomy & agency to uphold their sexual and reproductive health rights & justice (SRHRJ), enabled by information & resources without coercion, violence and structural inequities.
Mission
Advancing abortion rights & justice by bringing together diverse communities & stakeholders, leveraging collective expertise and fostering cross-movement alliance through accountability & intersectional principles.
Position Statement
Safe Abortion Access
We advocate for universal access to safe, legal, and compassionate abortion care as a fundamental human right. Our work ensures that every person can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Reproductive Rights
We champion comprehensive reproductive rights through policy advocacy and grassroots mobilization. Our alliance works to dismantle barriers and create enabling environments for reproductive autonomy.
Gender Justice
We recognize that reproductive rights are intrinsically linked to gender equality. Our intersectional approach addresses the systemic inequalities that impact bodily autonomy and reproductive decision-making.
Strategic Priorities of Arise
Structural and social barriers, along with prevailing stigma around abortion, and a rising anti-choice, anti-abortion sentiment significantly hinder access to safe abortion services for those in need. These obstacles can include restrictive laws, limited healthcare infrastructure, and lack of trained providers, which create logistical challenges. Additionally, societal attitudes and cultural taboos surrounding abortion often foster stigma, discouraging individuals from seeking care or openly discussing their needs. A well-resourced opposition that threatens to dismantle the very laws that protect access to abortion in the country is an urgent and overarching challenge. Together, these factors contribute to delays or outright denial of safe abortion services, impacting constituencies in need. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts to inform policies, improve healthcare systems, shift societal perceptions and counter opposition to abortion.
“Together, we work to ensure every woman receives accurate information, compassionate support, and safe access to care.”
Every contribution powers real change
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