The concept of reproductive health has been incorporated in Mexican population and development policy since the ICPD, but access to reproductive health services remains unequal, demographic goals persist, and financial commitment is waning. Gloria Elena Bernal, Sharon Bissell and Ana Cortés look at how NGOs are working to develop new ways to ensure access to safe abortions for qualifying cases and advocate the review of punitive laws, building on civic interest and international accords. Development (1999) 42, 130–133. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1110100