From choice, a world of possibilities

Why Do We Need to Talk about Abortion and Young Women?

The most common reason to choose an abortion among all women, from any social condition and region of the world, is having an unwanted pregnancy. The number of unwanted pregnancies in young women and adolescent girls is strongly linked with gender norms and inequity in education and work opportunities. In many cases, as adolescent girls and young women, we are not allowed to have control over our bodies, we are often not allowed or it is very hard for us to make decisions, and it is difficult for us to have control over household resources.

Are Young People Prepared for ICPD+20?

As a part of the UN Commission on Population and Development (CPD), IPPF/WHR held a luncheon at the UN Delegate's Dining Room to discuss the importance of protecting and promoting youth health and rights in Latin America for ICPD+20 and beyond. The side event featured Regional Director Carmen Barroso; Dr.

What Can Youth in Latin America and Africa Learn from Each Other?

As a part of the UN Commission on Population and Development, IPPF/WHR Regional Advocacy Coordinator, Flor Hunt, moderated a panel at The Permanent Mission of Germany yesterday. The side event was entitled "Education Matters: Empowering Young People to Make Healthier Choices" and featured four leaders in the field of youth sexual and reproductive health.

Why are Youth Voices Important at CPD?

As part of our series on the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), we've teamed up with YSafe to bring you accounts from youth advocates taking part in the convening. This one comes from David Lawrence, who came to New York from Liverpool, UK.

Each year there is a different theme for the CPD meeting, and the outcome document that advises countries on their strategies for sexual and seproductive health and rights (SRHR) service provision is tailored to this theme. This year the theme is "Adolescents and Youth."

Latin American and Caribbean Youth in Action

In last week's blog series on the Voices project, we told you to stories from our partners throughout Latin America who are advocating for youth sexual and reproductive health and rights.

A Youth Advocate Reports on Day One at CPD

As part of our series on the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), we've teamed up with dance4life to bring you accounts from youth advocates taking part in the convening. This one comes from Daryo Stamato, who came to New York from the Netherlands.

What is the Commission on Population and Development?

Today marks the beginning of the 45th meeting of the United Nations Commission for Population and Development—or CPD—in New York, and we will be covering the convening throughout the week. At the CPD, IPPF/WHR staff will be working with governments, youth advocates from the region, and our allies to ensure the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, men, and young people are upheld.

Dominican Republic Gains a National Policy of Teenage Pregnancy Prevention

In 2009, the Dominican Republic adopted a new constitution that rolled back gains on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Given the relationship between unsafe abortion and maternal mortality, the new constitution was a serious blow to women’s health and rights. Within an already challenging landscape, it created new barriers for women—particularly young women—who sought to access sexual and reproductive health care.

APLAFA Fulfills the Sexual Rights of Panama's Youth

In Panama, many youth are categorically denied access to comprehensive sexuality education and the right to make decisions about their bodies. As a result, teenage pregnancy rates remain high. Although the government has signed various international commitments upholding the universal right to health care, Panamanian youth often face a different reality.

Reflections on a Visit to Haiti

Although I've worked with IPPF/WHR for more than 20 years, last month was the first time I ever accompanied our supporters on an extensive visit to one of our Member Associations. It was my pleasure to travel with Jerry and Diane Cunningham to Haiti, and it was a treat to spend time with them on and off the job.