Honduras is a frontline in the struggle over sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), where feminist, youth, and LGBTQI+ movements resist the pressure of deeply rooted conservative and religious forces. The total criminalization of abortion, reinforced constitutionally since 2021, prevents any progress toward safe access to abortion—even in cases of rape or risk to life. The lack of comprehensive sexuality education and the unequal access to contraceptive methods further deepen existing barriers. Although the ban on emergency contraception (EC) was lifted in 2023, access remains limited, and misinformation continues to circulate, particularly among youth, some of whom use EC as a regular method. among both youth and health professionals. Meanwhile, the state has yet to fully assume its responsibility to guarantee public education and quality services.

For Ana Lucía Padilla Lanza, a program officer with Fortaleciendo el Derecho a Decidir at the Centro de Derechos de Mujeres, the absence of official campaigns about EC reflects a lack of political will. “The Honduran state is not taking responsibility for promoting the use of contraceptive methods… we still have no campaigns explaining the proper use of EC, leaving room for disinformation propagated by conservative groups in the country,” she warns. A similar pattern is seen in sexuality education: the “Law for Comprehensive Education for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy in Honduras” was approved in March 2023, but vetoed by President Xiomara Castro four months later due to pressure from conservative groups.

The influence of these sectors has also had a strong impact on the lives of young people and LGBTIQ+ communities. Donny Reyes, Technical Coordinator of the Asociación Arcoíris, which works to defend and promote the human rights of the LGBT community, points out that “the misinformation spread by certain conservative fundamentalist sectors about SRHR”—and their influence in political decision-making—has blocked critical progress. He also calls for the development of differentiated protocols that address the needs of historically excluded groups, including women, adolescents, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ individuals.

From the Asociación Ixchel, a lesbian, bisexual, and trans feminist organization that seeks to be a voice for those who are unheard, Lucía Barrientos Amador has spent years defending the rights of diverse women and people who can become pregnant. For her, the main challenge lies in ensuring public policies recognize this diversity and leave no one behind. “We live in a heteropatriarchal, macho state… our ongoing struggle is to get proposals approved that include everyone without distinction, because diverse women are even more heavily stigmatized,” she states. Her work with Ixchel also includes support for sex workers and incarcerated women—realities often excluded from public debate.

Despite the lack of state support and patriarchal culture, the feminist movement and community organizations have not stopped moving forward. Licda. Nory Álvarez Betancourth, Executive Director of GOJoven Honduras, leads an organization that builds leadership capacities in human rights among Honduran youth to strengthen their ability to influence SRHR public policies. Drawing on this experience, she highlights the importance of grassroots efforts: “The fight we’ve led for over 10 years to legalize EC shows the power of community-based work, which provides information and options to adolescents and youth.” In response to shrinking international funding, she emphasizes the need for stronger alliances between organizations and the pursuit of long-term sustainability models.

While the outlook remains difficult, those interviewed agree there is still reason for hope. Organizing, resistance, and building networks continue to be essential strategies. As Ana Lucía concludes: “We recognize that civil society in Honduras has faced these challenges head-on—we continue to speak out, raise awareness, and [we will keep] fighting for our right to live with dignity.”