The Citizens’ Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion announced its legal dissolution after almost 20 years of work in defense of reproductive rights in El Salvador, stating that the country is currently experiencing a context in which it is difficult to carry out activism in favor of human rights.

The Citizens’ Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion was one of the main advocates for women prosecuted for abortions or obstetric emergencies in El Salvador. Abortion has been completely criminalized since 1998 and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

However, this is not a complete disappearance of the organization, but rather the closure of its legal status within the country. In compliance with Salvadoran law, the group filed its legal dissolution with the Ministry of the Interior.

According to a statement from the group, the current political and legal environment in El Salvador limits the work of defending human rights in general and has put social organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders at risk.

Another factor influencing this decision is the approval of the Foreign Agents Law, which imposes a 30% tax on funds from abroad and introduces new administrative controls on civil organizations.

In this sense, for groups that depend on international cooperation, this represents a significant financial burden. Other associations, such as the Foundation for Studies on the Application of Law (FESPAD), decided to close operations for the same reason during 2025.

The organization supported emblematic cases, such as the “Beatriz vs El Salvador Case,” resolved by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, promoted other strategic litigation in favor of women’s reproductive rights, and articulated national and international networks.

For now, although they cease to exist legally in El Salvador, the collective announced that it will continue its work under a new regional form of activism, called «The Regional Movement for the Right to Abortion and Chosen Motherhoods».

The legal closure of the group adds to a broader context of tensions between the Salvadoran state and civil society organizations. On the other hand, the group was the only organization dedicated to defending women’s reproductive rights in the country.