March 28, 2025 marked the second annual Global Day of Action to Destigmatize Abortions, a powerful, coordinated mobilization by reproductive justice advocates around the world to transform how abortion is understood, supported, and accessed.

Coordinated by inroads – the International Network for the Reduction of Abortion Discrimination and Stigma, this year’s campaign built on the momentum of 2024’s inaugural effort. A coalition of 37 co-convening organizations and 186 partner organizatio joined forces to challenge stigma, dismantle barriers, and demand safe, accessible, and shame-free abortion care in every community, everywhere.

“The premise is simple: Abortion is a human right. Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a normal and valid decision. Yet stigma—rooted in patriarchy, misinformation, and control—continues to restrict access, fuel legal persecution, and force people into unsafe conditions. This campaign calls for an end to criminalization, medical gatekeeping, and narratives that shame and silence our access to abortion healthcare.” said Mariana Gonzalez C., Communications Manager at inroads and campaign coordinator.

A Growing Global Movement

Launched in 2024, the campaign has reached more than 4.3 million people worldwide. Activities included a full week of global events: in-person and virtual community dialogues, storytelling sessions, digital campaigns, and arts-based activism in multiple languages.

Collective resources shared through march28.org supported communities in shifting abortion narratives and practices and included tools from hundreds of reproductive justice organizations in multiple languages to mobilize local action.

“We are witnessing a wave of emboldened anti-abortion movements across the world. But they cannot stop what has already begun. “Our fight has never been just about abortion—it’s about freedom. Who controls a human body? We believe we do. They may try to restrict our rights, but we will never stop fighting—and we will never stop having abortions.” said Mara Clarke, co-convenor from Supporting Abortions for Everyone (S.A.F.E.).

The Global Day of Action features a powerful organizing to:
✅ Challenge anti-choice misinformation with facts
✅ Normalize abortion through community storytelling
✅ Advocate for policy reforms that remove barriers
✅ Amplify community-led and self-managed abortion care models
✅ Demand reproductive justice and bodily autonomy for all

Why This Day Matters 💚

Abortion has always existed and will always exist. Across centuries and cultures, abortion is and has always been a common and essential part of reproductive healthcare.

Yet abortion stigma fuels systemic and legal violence.

• In over 50 countries, abortion remains criminalized.
• Even where legal, stigma-driven barriers create delays, fear, and shame.
• Speaking out is key to breaking the isolation and danger that stigma creates.

“Women’s decisions must be respected because only the pregnant person can know what is best for them. They should be allowed to choose the type of healthcare that meets their needs and circumstances.” — Sybil, co-convenor from Giwyn

The Numbers Speak for Themselves 📊

• 1 in 3 women will have an abortion in their lifetime—and the number is likely higher when including all people who can get pregnant. (Guttmacher Institute)
• 73 million abortions happen globally each year, comprising 61% of all unintended pregnancies. (WHO)
• Giving birth is 14 times riskier than having an abortion. (PubMed)
• Self-managed abortion with pills is 99% effective, with the vast majority requiring no medical intervention. (NCBI)
• The same medications used for abortion are also essential for safe miscarriage care—making abortion bans dangerous for all pregnant people. (Mayo Clinic)

“Access to abortion is key to bodily autonomy and realizing human rights. “Bans make access unsafe and the abortion journey isolating and perilous.” said Debanjana Choudhuri, co-convenor from WGNRR.

“We know anti-abortion forces will keep pushing for criminalization.But we are building a global network of care that transcends borders and systems. What we’re constructing is a new model for reproductive justice—rooted in community, and in the belief that we decide what happens to our bodies.” shared Lucia Berro Pizzarossa, co-convenor from Women Help Women & Vecinas Feministas.

“Abortion rights are about real lives. “The right to decide when or if to have children is fundamental to freedom, economic stability, and safety. We will not be dictated to by governments or anti-rights groups. We fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all—especially those criminalized and excluded.” added Melissa Cockroft, co-convenor from IPPF.

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Visit march28.org to access the full resource hub and join the movement.
Be part of the 2026 campaign to keep building a world where abortion is free from stigma and accessible to all with the dignity and care it deserves. 💚