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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.

Bolivian Youth Turn Their Needs into Reality

More than five million Bolivians live in poverty and approximately six million Bolivians are excluded from basic health services. For over two decades, CIES, IPPF/WHR’s Member Association in Bolivia, has played a lead role in addressing this critical situation.

Mexican Government Prioritizes Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health

In 2010 Mexico began to recover from a deep recession, sparked by the global economic crisis. Although Mexico has the second largest economy in Latin America, persistent inequalities are a major challenge to development, with about 52% of the country’s total income held by the wealthiest 20% of the population.

Using the Law to Reduce Health Disparities in Peru

Peru has made major strides in recent years in regards to development, with strong economic growth and low inflation. Despite these achievements, among Peru’s more than 29 million inhabitants, great disparities persist: 54% of Peru’s population still lives in poverty, and the UNDP estimates that among those living in poverty, 19% survive on less than USD $1 a day.

Latin America Demands Government Accountability

You can't make lasting change without two key ingredients: services that fill an unmet need and policies that support the provision of those vital services.

Every year, our network of 40 Member Associations delivers high-quality sexual and reproductive health services to millions of people across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, realizing our broader vision—a world where every single individual has access to quality reproductive health care—requires more than a strong network of service providers: it requires favorable legislation, sufficient funding, and popular support.

How Did Women's Health Advocates Start a Movement?

I was lucky enough to know reproductive health writer and activist Barbara Seamen before she died in 2008, and I felt her influence on every page of Voices from the Women’s Health Movement. The book contains the written work she loved and returned to often throughout her long career. It also has many brand new pieces, including stories that Barbara helped to put down on paper.