In 2007, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) initiated a project to conduct situational analyses of unsafe abortion in each country or territory with FIGO affiliated societies; this initiative represents a notable step in the formulation of a global public health response to the issue of Unsafe Abortion and Maternal Mortality. There was a stipulation that no new research should be done, but country groups should collect available information.

A core list of items to be included in the situational analysis of every country was defined, as well as a longer list of items to be collected whenever possible. These form the headings for the various sections of this document.

Furthermore, the FIGO project calls upon health professionals and governments to examine these pressing issues and generate solutions to address the needs of women facing an unwanted pregnancy from a social justice and human rights perspective. The situational analysis conducted in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates an impressive effort by a range of key organizations and local actors to gather and analyze the available country data on unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion.