Reproductive Rights and Abortion Access for Rape Survivors: An Examination of Legal and Social Challenges in India

Abstract

Reproductive rights, particularly the right to abortion for rape survivors, remain critically inaccessible for many women and girls in India. This paper examines the legal, social, and cultural barriers that impede these rights, drawing on the extensive experience and empirical evidence presented by Dr Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, founder of Tharuni and Technical Partner of Bharosa centres. The discussion explores the intersection of gender-based violence, reproductive health, and legal frameworks, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure reproductive autonomy and justice for survivors.