Understanding the Role of Moral Social Movements and Policy Change: Abortion Advocacy in Latin America

Spring 2023 FGRU Grant Recipient

Kathryn Quissell (Medicine)

Moral values, some of the most deeply held beliefs an individual or a culture can hold, are particularly difficult to change. In this study, we seek to understand the relationship between advocacy for and against abortion and policy change or stasis, with belief change as a potential mediator. Our main research questions are: 1) How has advocacy influenced moral beliefs surrounding abortion? 2) How does belief change, or stasis, contribute to policy outcomes? This study aims to address gaps in international relations and policy process scholarship on norm/policy change, specifically examining the role of advocacy.