Making a Case for Reproductive Health through Demographic Data: International Case Studies of Successful Advocacy Coalitions

Imelda Zosa-Feranil, Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA)
Danielle Grant-Krahe

The role of civil society networks and coalitions in shaping reproductive health (RH) policymaking rose to prominence when NGOs advocated for improved access to services during the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action. Since then, civil society-led initiatives have been stressed in efforts to affect RH policy development at the country- level. This paper describes how civil society networks in three countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America used demographic data to highlight the magnitude of reproductive health problems and their potential development consequences. The results indicate that reproductive health and related development concerns - presented in current and projected demographic magnitudes - can generate broad public support and in turn influence favorable policy action.