2012-02-22

On February 13th, the Executive Director of FAMPLAN Jamaica, Rachel Ustanny, made a guest appearance on the morning television show Smile Jamaica to promote the country's Safer Sex Week, held February 12th to 18th. Valentine's Day presents a big opportunity for our Member Association to promote the need for young people to engage in safer sex practices, such as wearing a condom to prevent unplanned pregnancy and HIV infection...

2012-02-21

Adolescent fertility rates in Latin America and the Caribbean surpass the world average, and more than 1 in 3 women in the region give birth before the age of 20. In rural areas, the adolescent birth rate is even higher. This is partly due to severe income disparities between the rich and the poor in the region that translate into disparities in access, sexuality education, contraception and health care.

2012-02-17

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

In something of a departure... Tell Us About a Courageous Woman Who Inspires You

Putting Youth Needs at the Center of Sexual Health in Peru | Women's International...

2012-02-15

With nearly half the world's population under the age of 25, today’s generation of youth is the largest ever. Yet many young people lack access to the services and information they need to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Each year, there are an estimated 1.2 million unintended pregnancies among adolescent women in Latin America and the Caribbean, proportionally surpassing figures...

2012-02-13

Last month IPPF Director-General Tewodros Melesse gave a speech in which he reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to sexual rights. Here is an inspiring excerpt from that speech:

2012-02-10

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

Planned Obsolescence: How to drive Planned Parenthood out of the abortion business. | Slate

2012-02-08

Despite anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of sexual minorities in Venezuela, sexual orientation and gender identity remain taboo and sensitive issues. In 2008, Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled that no individual may be discriminated against or treated in an unequal fashion because of their sexual orientation. However, the following year, 19 gay men and lesbian women...

2012-02-06

The freedom to express our sexuality is an integral part of our happiness and well-being. However, people whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to majority norms often face stigma and discrimination by the state and by society. Over 70 countries criminalize same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults, and in countries where the legal environment is more LGBT-...

2012-02-03

Never doubt that your voice makes a difference. Thanks to your swift action, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has issued a statement reversing the decision that de-funded Planned Parenthood.

We are thankful for all of the support we received. As always, it’s individuals like you who demonstrate the need—and overwhelming support—for health services and...

2012-02-03

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

A Message to Komen: Don’t Politicize Breast Exams | IPPF/WHR

Komen Official...