Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionSend to friendSend to friend

We strive for universal recognition of a woman’s right to choose and access safe abortion.
We believe unsafe abortion is one of the most serious and preventable social justice and public health issues in the world. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, where abortion is legally restricted in most instances, harmful, clandestine practices have damaging health effects and claim the lives of thousands of women, particularly poor women, each year. Our strategy for combating unsafe abortion involves a comprehensive approach to addressing unwanted pregnancy through our Member Associations in the region.

Promoting Rights
We work with health professionals to confront the stigma and silence surrounding abortion by making sexual and reproductive rights an intrinsic part of all services offered at our Member Associations. Rights related to abortion include a woman’s right to privacy, freedom of thought, liberty, security, and health care. We have partnered with Catholics for a Free Choice to support women facing unintended pregnancies and health providers who must consider the complex moral and ethical issues surrounding abortion on a daily basis.

Increasing Access
We seek to increase access to safe abortion services by advocating for changes in restrictive laws and public policies. Our Member Associations are important public voices articulating the need for safe and legal services, particularly as movements to liberalize abortion laws mobilize legislatures in several countries. Within restrictive contexts, we also increase access by educating health providers and the public about the few circumstances in which abortion is legal, as in cases of rape or when a woman’s health is at risk, as well as advocating for appropriate legal services in these instances. We play a key role in educating policy-makers about the issues surrounding abortion and in advocating for clear policies that effectively allow women to exercise their rights.

Diminishing Need
We remain committed to decreasing the need for abortion by providing sexual and reproductive health services for women, men, and young people, including contraceptive services and comprehensive sexuality education.

 





Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Young People: Autonomous decision making and confidential services
srrightsyoung.jpg

By means of this publication, IPPF/WHR aims to contribute to young people’s exercise of their rights by presenting five articles written by experts. These essays include thoughts and recommendations concerning key elements that foster the development of adolescents’ capacities. We are referring specifically to their ability to make autonomous decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health in a confidential environment. The articles particularly stress the aspects that must be taken into account in the context of health services provision, including comprehensive care services for unwanted pregnancies. The latter is a topic of special interest for IPPF/ WHR and its Member Associations, and a prevailing problem in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Health Exception
Healthexception.jpg

The health exception is one of the components of legal permission for the termination of a pregnancy guaranteed by the majority of Latin American and Caribbean countries. This exception refers to the possibility of terminating a pregnancy when the pregnancy puts
the woman’s health at risk. However, its practical implementation has been accompanied by a combination of obstacles that have resulted in many women not accessing safe and timely abortion services, even when legally permitted.