BOGOTÁ, Colombia – May 22, 2026 – Colombia has concluded a pivotal democratic electoral process, with Abelardo de la Espriella emerging as the president-elect by a narrow margin of less than one percent in the preliminary vote count. As the nation prepares for a transition of power on August 7th, the Center for Reproductive Rights has issued a statement expressing significant concerns regarding President-Elect de la Espriella’s stated positions and campaign promises, particularly those impacting sexual and reproductive health, institutional independence, and international human rights commitments. The organization, a leading international NGO dedicated to advancing the health and rights of women and girls, emphasized that while de la Espriella’s victory is a product of democratic will, his administration’s trajectory warrants close observation. “As president-elect, his duty must be to govern for all Colombians and guarantee the protection of their rights,” the Center stated. “From the Center for Reproductive Rights, we demand that his upcoming administration respect the laws, the Constitution, and the current legal framework, as well as the international commitments and obligations the country has undertaken.” Pre-Election Concerns and Reproductive Health Agenda The Center for Reproductive Rights highlighted that de la Espriella’s campaign platform did not include specific initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health, contraception, safe abortion, the prevention of sexual violence against girls and women, or comprehensive sexual education. This absence, coupled with public statements, has raised alarm bells within the reproductive rights community. De la Espriella has publicly declared his opposition to abortion as a healthcare service and has indicated his support for citizen-led initiatives seeking to restrict or prohibit the procedure. This stance, according to the Center, places the health rights of millions of women in Colombia at risk. Background Context on Reproductive Rights in Colombia: Colombia’s Constitutional Court has played a crucial role in expanding reproductive rights. In 2006, the Court decriminalized abortion in cases of rape, severe fetal impairment, or when the pregnant person’s life or health is at risk. Later, in February 2022, in a landmark ruling (Sentencia C-055 of 2022), the Court decriminalized abortion up to the 24th week of pregnancy, establishing a more permissive framework for access to the procedure. This ruling was a significant victory for women’s rights advocates and was expected to reduce unsafe abortions and improve maternal health outcomes. Data from the Colombian Ministry of Health has historically shown a significant number of unsafe abortions performed annually, disproportionately affecting women in marginalized communities. The 2022 ruling was anticipated to further decrease these numbers. However, concerns remain about the practical implementation of these rights, including access to services, particularly in rural and remote areas, and the potential for future legislative or executive actions to undermine these gains. Institutional Independence and Human Rights Commitments Beyond reproductive rights, the Center for Reproductive Rights voiced concerns regarding potential threats to the independence of powers within Colombia. De la Espriella has reportedly suggested that if Congress opposes his agenda, he would be willing to govern through executive decrees and mobilize his supporters against the legislative branch. Such actions, if enacted, could undermine democratic checks and balances and the separation of powers, cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Furthermore, the president-elect’s emphasis on a purely formal equality, rejecting differentiated public policies for historically discriminated groups, contradicts the foundational principles of Colombia’s social state of law. Experts argue that substantive equality, which acknowledges and addresses historical disadvantages, is essential for achieving true equity and justice for all citizens. A particularly worrying aspect highlighted by the Center is de la Espriella’s stated intention to withdraw Colombia from the Inter-American Human Rights System and the Universal Human Rights System. These regional and global mechanisms are often the last resort for individuals seeking justice and reparations when their rights have been violated by the state. Withdrawal from these systems could significantly weaken accountability mechanisms and leave victims of human rights abuses with fewer avenues for redress. Analysis of Implications: The potential withdrawal from international human rights bodies could signal a shift towards a more nationalistic and less internationally integrated approach to governance. This move could isolate Colombia on the global stage and potentially weaken the influence of international human rights standards on domestic policy. It could also embolden authoritarian tendencies and reduce external scrutiny of the government’s human rights record. The emphasis on formal equality, while seemingly neutral, could lead to the erosion of policies designed to address systemic discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable populations. This approach risks perpetuating existing inequalities and hindering the progress made towards a more inclusive society. Statements from Leadership Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, drew parallels between the current situation in Colombia and the trajectory observed in the United States. “De la Espriella’s positions on reproductive rights are a warning we cannot afford to ignore, because we have seen this before,” Northup stated. “In the United States, we saw how hostile policies produced a national health emergency and widespread legal chaos that extended far beyond abortion, threatening contraception and the entire spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. We know where this path leads. And just as we have stood firm in the United States, the Center will continue to fight to ensure that all people in Colombia can access the medical care to which they are entitled, no matter what.” Catalina Martínez Coral, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Center for Reproductive Rights, emphasized the fundamental nature of reproductive rights. “Contrary to what President-elect De la Espriella suggests, reproductive rights are fundamental, unconditional, and not subject to debate,” Martínez Coral asserted. “His agenda is not only regressive in terms of health, but it also attacks the social state of law by defending a merely formal equality, rejecting differentiated policies that the Constitution requires for historically discriminated populations. Although he rhetorically claims to respect the Constitutional Court, he has already warned that he will support majority reforms to prohibit abortion. The clash between the rights conquered and the ideology of the new government is clear and direct. As has always happened from feminism and the human rights protection movement, we will be ready to defend them.” A Vigilant Stance for Global Human Rights The Center for Reproductive Rights has declared its readiness to engage in advocacy and legal challenges, drawing upon its experience in confronting administrations that threaten progress in global human rights and sexual and reproductive health. The organization pledges to remain vigilant regarding the actions of the executive branch, including the president-elect. As a constituent of civil society, the Center intends to demand that the new administration uphold the internal legal order and democratic institutions of Colombia, alongside its international commitments. The organization will continue to draw attention to any instances where the government fails to respect and effectively guarantee human rights, with a particular focus on the sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls, and adolescents in Colombia. Broader Impact and Implications: The election of Abelardo de la Espriella presents a critical juncture for Colombia. The country has made significant strides in advancing human rights and social justice in recent decades, often through the intervention of its Constitutional Court and engagement with international human rights mechanisms. A potential rollback of these advancements could have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the lives of women and girls but also the broader democratic fabric and international standing of Colombia. The commitment of organizations like the Center for Reproductive Rights to remain actively involved underscores the ongoing struggle to protect and expand human rights in the face of evolving political landscapes. Their advocacy will likely focus on legal challenges, public awareness campaigns, and international pressure to ensure that Colombia continues to uphold its constitutional and international obligations. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of reproductive rights and the strength of democratic institutions in the nation. Media Contact: Vanesa Restrepo [email protected] Post navigation Regionar and the Coalition of Human Rights Organizations of the Americas Express Solidarity with Venezuela Following Devastating Earthquakes
