Reproductive Violence

Reproductive violence refers to violations of reproductive autonomy and health, including forced pregnancies, sterilizations, denial of reproductive healthcare, and other actions targeting individuals' reproductive choices. Such acts are increasingly recognized in international criminal law as distinct crimes that harm individuals and communities.

Reproductive violence inflicts profound physical, psychological, and social harm. It often disproportionately affects marginalized groups, exacerbating existing inequalities and perpetuating cycles of poverty, stigma, and trauma. Recognizing and addressing these crimes is essential to achieving justice and fostering societal healing. Legal advancements, like the ICC's inclusion of reproductive violence in its 2023 Gender Crimes Policy, represent vital steps forward, but significant gaps remain.

Advancing the Field

On 11 June 2024, Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice in partnership with International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague held a conference on reproductive violence in international criminal law was held, bringing together over 290 participants, including judges, lawyers, scholars, activists, and survivors.

Reproductive violence encompasses a wide spectrum of violations against reproductive autonomy, including forced pregnancy, sterilization, and denial of access to essential healthcare. These crimes have profound impacts on individuals and communities and are increasingly recognized as violations of international law. Our forum sought to strengthen justice and accountability for survivors, highlighting existing gaps and exploring new legal strategies.

Key Topics Addressed

• Legal Gaps and Milestones: Discussions focused on the historical and ongoing challenges in recognizing reproductive violence, including forced pregnancy during conflicts, as well as strides made in international law, such as the landmark Ongwen case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Innovative Approaches: We highlighted collective voices and decolonizing strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into the dialogue on reproductive justice. Voices from marginalized communities underscored the significance of local leadership in these efforts.
• Country-Specific Experiences: Experts and survivors shared accounts from Ukraine, Myanmar, Colombia, and other regions, providing insights into the devastating impact of reproductive violence during conflicts and the diverse ways survivors are advocating for justice and accountability.

Watch the Conference and Learn More

Recordings of the conference panels and related educational resources are available.

Watch the Conference Recordings

Read the Conference Report

For more resources on reproductive violence in international criminal law, please visit our Reproductive Violence Resources Page.