Zoom
On March 18, 2026, the Center for Health and Human Rights at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law of the University of Toronto, and the Constitutional Law Department of the Externado University in Colombia hosted a virtual book launch of “Las deudas pendientes del Caso Beatriz: Aportes desde la academia” [“The outstanding debts of the Beatriz Case: Contributions from academia”].
This publication presents a compilation of amicus curiae briefs submitted by academic experts from diverse countries and disciplines to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in the context of Beatriz and Others v. El Salvador — a case of profound significance for the protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the region.
The event featured introductory remarks by Dr. Humberto Sierra Porto, Former President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, who addressed the content of the decision of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the substantive elements of his partially dissenting vote. Additionally, a panel featuring Dr. Roberto Saba, Silvia Serrano, Dr. Rebecca Cook, and Juan Méndez further discussed the substantive arguments in their amicus briefs before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as their reflections on the merits of the decision.
Finally, the panelists answered questions from the audience. Generally, panelists agreed that, despite the pending debts arising from the Court’s decision in this case, it does not constitute a regressive decision. Panelists expressed hope that the new criteria can be adopted by the Court moving forward and, for that reason, invited participants to continue fostering the necessary debate on sexual and reproductive rights.