Grantmaking in this area reflects a comprehensive approach to reproductive and sexual health and rights, one that places women's well-being at the center of population policy and emphasizes the rights of individuals to determine and plan family size. Through its offices in India, Mexico, and Nigeria, the Foundation makes grants that support efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in these three countries.
By a vote of 8 to 3, Mexico’s Supreme Court upheld a Mexico City law that allows legal abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a decision that could affect the nation’s maternal mortality rate. MacArthur grantees participated in education efforts in support of the law as well as public hearings held by the Court, which ruled that the Mexico City law did not violate the constitution or international agreements. Clandestine abortions, especially among poor women who cannot pay for safe procedures, contribute to the nation’s high maternal mortality and morbidity rate. Experts estimate that as many as one million clandestine abortions occur in Mexico annually. The following Foundation grantees participated in the hearings and have long worked together to help end unsafe abortion: Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida, Catolicas por el Derecho a Decidir, Population Council, Ipas Mexico and Equidad de Genero Ciudadania, Trabajo y Familia.
