The initiatives to investigate and address abortion stigma between 2011 and 2013 included:
In-depth research in 2 IPPF Member Associations, one in South Asia and one in West Africa, to investigate manifestations of stigma at the community, clinic and individual levels through clinic observations and interviews with clients attending for abortion related services, their partners and clinic staff. Out of the results, changes to improve clinical services were made, including enhanced training for support and counselling staff, and changes to clinic layout to increase client privacy.
Small grants of up to USD $10,000 to IPPF Member Associations in 10 countries to implement national, community and clinic level interventions such as research on knowledge and attitudes to abortion, community level awareness campaigns to normalise abortion, and policy maker sensitisation.
Funding to support small-scale clinic interventions (USD $1,000-15,000) in IPPF Member Association clinics in 8 countries to implement changes to reduce stigma, such as introducing rights-based messaging and improving clinic entry points (physical layout and welcome of staff).
Increasing recognition and awareness of abortion stigma through hosting and participating in expert meetings and organization of panels at international conferences.
Conducting research studies in two IPPF Member Associations in South Asia and West Africa, via interviews and focus groups with young people, clients and services providers to find about more about abortion stigma as it relates to young people. The findings highlighted the compounded stigma that young people face, and the need for tailored interventions to support them in accessing safe abortion services.
Finalisation of the youth and abortion guidelines to support IPPF Member Associations to scale up their work on young people’s access to abortion-related information and services. Many of the recommended actions address abortion stigma at a community, organization and clinic level.
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