A Regional Look at Sexual and Reproductive Rights

Central America is one of the most restrictive regions in the world when it comes to providing access to the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls. The limited recognition of bodily autonomy, obstacles to accessing contraceptive methods, rejection of sexual education, and prohibitions on abortion are some of the restrictions that illustrate how patriarchal culture has perpetuated norms and public policies that violate human rights.

This book seeks to rigorously examine and confront these patriarchal norms and practices, with the goal of encouraging key actors to reform their legal, political, and social approaches in favor of women’s and girls’ reproductive rights.

We are immensely grateful to Paloma Lugo, Adriana Beatriz Salinas Cerrillo, Aura Guerrero, Natalia Acevedo-Guerrero, Patricio López Turconi, Marisa Esther Batres Morales, Silvia Maribel Tecún León, G. Larissa Reyes Vásquez, Nadia Mejía, Larisa Reyes, Pauline Capdevielle, and Joaquín A. Mejía Rivera—who coordinated the book—for contributing their knowledge and experiences to this publication.