Zarelia Festival

PROBLEM

Traditional media is highly conservative and perpetuates the stigma towards abortion. The vast majority of public opinion in Latin America still views abortion as something negative, dangerous, unwanted and socially rejected, which greatly impacts support for a change in laws and access to services. In countries where many of these rights are restricted, media plays a big role in maintaining the stigma and social rejection of abortion. This is because many journalists and media have biases, prejudices and a lack of knowledge around abortion, which they then transmit in their publications. In the last few years, thanks to new technologies and communication platforms, many digital local media have started emerging that speak to new audiences and use different approaches and narratives. However, these new media don’t necessarily mean they are well informed and equipped to report on sexual and reproductive rights. In fact, in a 2017 study, we found that only 31 digital media outlets had a clear gender approach in their narrative, investigations and op-eds. A new generation of consumers are desperate for media that advocates for the world they want to live in. If we want to transform public opinion in favor of human rights, we had to promote a structural change in the media environment.