San Salvador – A leading Salvadoran organization advocating for abortion rights has been forced to dissolve, the latest sign of a tightening grip on civil society under the presidency of Nayib Bukele. The Citizen Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion, which received the Simone Veil Prize from the French Republic in 2023, can no longer legally represent women accused of abortion-related crimes in El Salvador, where all abortions are illegal.
The dissolution comes after Bukele’s government passed a controversial “foreign agents” law in May 2025, modeled after similar legislation in Russia and Nicaragua. The law imposes a 30% tax on international funding received by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and subjects them to increased government surveillance. This law, critics say, is designed to stifle dissent and limit the ability of independent organizations to operate.
Morena Herrera, the former president of the Citizen Group, explained that the law effectively made it impossible for the organization to continue its work in its current form. “This law considers us foreign agents, when we are local organizations,” Herrera said. “Its adoption confirmed our decision to act differently. We will now focus on social mobilization to create a supportive network of associations and an information network for Salvadoran women.”
A Blow to Reproductive Rights Advocacy
El Salvador maintains one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, with a total ban in place without exception. The country’s legal framework criminalizes all abortions, even those resulting from rape or endangering the life of the mother. This has led to lengthy prison sentences for women accused of having abortions, often based on flimsy evidence or coerced confessions. The Citizen Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion had been instrumental in providing legal defense to these women, securing the release of 70 individuals since its founding, according to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The “Foreign Agents” Law and its Impact
The modern “foreign agents” law, which took effect in May 2025, requires NGOs receiving funding from international sources to register with the government and submit to increased scrutiny. The 30% tax on foreign funding presents a significant financial burden for many organizations, potentially forcing them to scale back operations or close entirely. Critics argue that the law is intentionally vague and open to interpretation, allowing the government to target organizations critical of its policies. The law echoes similar measures implemented in Russia and Nicaragua, raising concerns about a broader trend of restricting civil society space in the region.
A New Movement Emerges
Despite the dissolution of the Citizen Group, advocates for reproductive rights in El Salvador are not backing down. The organization has transitioned into a new entity, the Regional Movement for the Right to Abortion [La Movimienta], focusing on grassroots mobilization and building a network of support for Salvadoran women. “We have not given up the fight, nor have we left the country,” Herrera stated. “On the contrary, the feminist struggle is very much alive in El Salvador, despite the difficulties.” This shift in strategy reflects a determination to continue advocating for change, even in the face of increasing government pressure. The new movement will prioritize creating a network of solidarity and providing information to women across the country.
The Simone Veil Prize and International Recognition
The Citizen Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion gained international recognition in March 2023 when it was awarded the Simone Veil Prize by the French Republic. The prize, established in 2019, honors individuals and organizations working to advance gender equality and improve the lives of women and girls worldwide. The award came with a €100,000 grant, which the organization used to support its legal defense work before the recent changes forced its dissolution, as reported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The situation in El Salvador underscores the challenges faced by human rights defenders in countries with increasingly authoritarian tendencies. The ongoing struggle for reproductive rights in the country highlights the importance of international solidarity and support for local organizations working to protect women’s health and autonomy. The next step for La Movimienta will be to establish a clear organizational structure and commence building its grassroots network, with a planned public forum scheduled for late April to discuss strategies and mobilize support.
If you or someone you recognize needs assist, you can contact the Center for Reproductive Rights at 1-800-221-6892 or visit their website at https://reproductiverights.org/.
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