Our Structure
ARISE aims to advance abortion rights and justice and work towards universal access to safe abortions. Achieving this goal involves cross-movement learning, collaboration and cohesion.
Individuals and organizations representing diverse streams of society are invited as General Body members of ARISE after due diligence. The bare minimum requirement for membership is alignment with the vision and mission of ARISE, consistent engagement, active contribution, and strong subject-matter expertise on the priorities of the alliance.
Members of ARISE include, but may not be limited to medical professionals, lawyers, development professionals, academicians, researchers, human rights activists, media and communication experts, civil society organizations registered in India, and representatives of intersectional, rights-based social movements.
ARISE is governed by a Steering Committee of 7 members, who have been the core group, responsible for the inception of this alliance in 2022, well before it was formalized.
The alliance has been sustained so far with funding, technical and other in-kind support as required, from partner organizations – IPPF, Common Health and IDF.
A group of advocates of SRHR, deeply engaged in research, service delivery, advocacy and legal pursuits came together to deliberate on the evolving abortion landscape in India in 2022.
The objective was to build a common understanding of the need and urgency to unpack the prevalent laws criminalizing abortion, and the exceptions to the law, framed within the MTP Act 1971, and discuss strategies to facilitate universal, rights-based access to safe abortion services.
Multiple, engaged discussions with diverse stakeholders crystallized the idea of forming a coalition to champion abortion as a reproductive right.
The alliance was formed in 2023, with FPA India as the Secretariat and a core group of seven individuals and organizational representatives forming the Interim Steering Committee.
Through an intensive, process-driven discourse over the next few months, the group engaged with like-minded individuals and organizations to establish the identity, structure and thematic priorities of the coalition and build consensus for establishing a coalition for advancing abortion rights and justice, which was formally launched on the eve of International Safe Abortion Awareness Day, on September 27, 2025 as the "Abortion Rights Alliance for Safety, Inclusion and Empowerment" known by the acronym "ARISE."
The alliance is governed by a 7-member Steering Committee comprising institutional representatives and individuals, with proven expertise and experience in advocacy, policy, service delivery, legal aspects, feminist leadership, and intersectional work related to abortion. The alliance is managed by the Secretariat, currently held by FPA India.
Dr. Alka Barua
Common Health
Adv. Anubha Rastogi
Individual Member
Dr. Kalpana Apte
FPA India
Dr. Manisha Malhotra
Individual Member
Rupsa Malik
Individual
Dr. Suchitra Dalvie
ASAP
Vinoj Manning
IPAS Development FoundationABOUT THE SECRETARIAT
Family Planning Association of India (FPA India), is a voluntary non-governmental organization working for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, including the marginalized, excluded, and young people.
In 1947, when India became independent, fertility was high with couples averaging six children. The population was burgeoning, public health facilities were minimal and life expectancy was low. Having too many children and too soon was becoming detrimental to women's health. A group of concerned women decided to address the issue. It resulted in the establishment of the Family Planning Association of India (FPA India) in 1949.
FPA India was instrumental in advocating for family planning to be introduced in the country's first Five Year Plan (1952). Thus, India became the first country in the world to have a family planning programme.
Over the years, the programmes of the Association have evolved to cover a wide range of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights issues encompassing contraception, safe abortion, safe motherhood, adolescent reproductive and sexual health, child health, prevention and mitigation of gender-based violence (GBV), prevention and management of sexually transmitted, and reproductive tract infections, cancers, non-communicable diseases, and addressing sub-fertility.
Through its various programmes, FPA India reaches a population of more than 30 million annually, on an average, across Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Delhi.
FPA India works with corporates, government agencies, civil society organisations, businesses, international donors and bilateral donors to deliver health services and information, build capacities and advocate for causes that support the community's development and well-being.
Membership Committee:
A standing body appointed by the Steering Committee (SC) to perform due diligence on new applicants, maintain membership lists, and ensure ongoing alignment with ARISE's vision.
2.4. Steering Committee (SC):
The primary strategic and representative body of 7 members. The SC is elected by the General Body from eligible Institutional and General members.
3. Membership Tiers
- General Members: Individuals with subject-matter expertise (doctors, lawyers, researchers).
- Student Members: General members who are Students of recognised academic institutions.
- Institutional Members: Organizations registered in India providing technical or logistical support.
- ARISE-Allies: Cross-movement partners (e.g., LGBTQI+, labor rights) participating in solidarity without voting rights.
4. External Representation
- 4.1 Sole Representation Authority: The Steering Committee holds the exclusive mandate to externally represent, speak for, or post official positions on behalf of ARISE. No other member may claim to speak for the "Alliance" without written SC authorization.
- 4.2 Member Identification: Members may reflect their affiliation in professional bios or signatures (e.g., "Member, ARISE Alliance").
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4.3 Mandatory Disclaimer for Personal Views:
When publishing or posting on abortion-related topics outside of official ARISE channels, members must include the following:
"I am a member of the ARISE Alliance; however, the views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the ARISE Steering Committee or Secretariat."
5. Internet and Digital Conduct
- Official Posting: Only the Secretariat is authorized to manage official handles.
- Member Conduct: Members are encouraged to amplify official ARISE content.
- Prohibitions: Members must not create original content that purports to be an "Official ARISE Statement" or use the ARISE logo for unapproved advocacy.
6. Academic and Paper Representation
- Joint Publications: Research produced through ARISE working groups must list the "ARISE Alliance" as a co-author or in the acknowledgments.
- Individual Research: Members publishing independent academic papers on abortion must include the mandatory disclaimer if they mention their ARISE affiliation.
"Together, we work to ensure every woman receives accurate information, compassionate support, and safe access to care."
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