In 50 years, MSI has supported nearly 300 million people to make choices about their body – and their future.

Choices that should be a given, and should never be denied. Choices that can mean everything.

Choices that can change or save a life.

But as recent times have made clear, these choices and rights are never guaranteed. Reproductive choice is something to fight for, win and then protect.

That’s why this anniversary isn’t just about how far we’ve come.

It’s about the future we’re building.

HERE'S TO CHOICE

50 years of impact

300
million

people supported with reproductive healthcare

200
million

unintended pregnancies prevented

100
million

unsafe abortions prevented

400 thousand

lives saved

Together with partners and donors, we've delivered reproductive healthcare services that have changed and saved millions of lives.

We’re proud to have expanded reproductive choice for women and girls across the world for five decades.

Learn more: 50 years of impact

A trip down memory lane: Reflections from MSI co-founder Jean Black

Jean Black co-founded MSI Reproductive Choices in 1976, alongside her husband Tim Black and their friend, Phil Harvey. 50 years later, Jean is sharing their story, taking us back to where it all began.

"It was whilst in New Guinea with our nine-month-old daughter Jane, that Tim first connected with the mission that would become his life’s work – and mine, too.

So many women and couples did not have a choice in how many children they had, which was exacerbating their poverty and hardship. This realisation set into motion the beginning of MSI Reproductive Choices."

Read Jean's story

“I want the resources to make my children live healthy, be strong and be able to have meaning in life.”

Glory, MSI Nigeria client

“Nothing is more valuable than the ability to take care of oneself.

When we can ensure that our reproductive health is protected, I believe a woman’s life becomes much better.”

Thanh, MSI Vietnam client

“When you can plan your children, you can plan your life and your income.

These services help us build better lives.”

Nayfat, MSI Tanzania client

“I decided to terminate a pregnancy for my own wellbeing. MSI saved my life.

Others should know that such services exist and are safe. I'm truly grateful.”

Srijana, MSI Nepal client

Here's to

TRAILBLAZING IN PAKISTAN FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

When the first MSI Reproductive Choices clinic opened in London in 1976, Mohsina Bilgrami was 5000 miles away, studying towards a medical degree in Pakistan. Unaware that this fledgling organisation would soon alter the course of her life and career.

It was in 1991 that Mohsina, now an accomplished doctor, met MSI’s founder Tim Black. He didn’t need to convince her of the importance of reproductive healthcare – her experiences providing community healthcare had made that abundantly clear.

“I realised what a big issue it was that women were having children that they didn't want. When women asked me how they could have fewer children, I couldn’t answer. I didn’t know.”

Her medical schooling hadn’t covered family planning, so she sought out to learn this herself. The knowledge she gained became life-changing for her and her clients – suddenly she could offer answers, solutions, contraceptive methods. But this work was stifled by stigma. Many people didn’t accept it, and women and girls were dying and suffering.

When Tim Black first talked to Mohsina about her setting up a reproductive health programme in Pakistan, supported by MSI, it was music to her ears.