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Abortion Care

IPPF works to ensure that every woman and girl has the human right to choose to be pregnant or not and we will continue to supply and support safe and legal abortion services and care. We are committed to reducing the number of deaths of women and girls who are forced to turn to unsafe abortion methods. Make Abortion Safe. Make Abortion Legal. For all Women and Girls. Everywhere.

Articles by Abortion Care

A healthcare worker with a client

IPPF statement on the WHO Abortion Care Guidelines 2022

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the newly released World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on abortion care, launched on Wednesday 9 March. Developed by WHO, with the support of partners including IPPF, these evidence-based guidelines are critical for ensuring the provision of quality abortion care for all women, girls and people who can become pregnant. The WHO Abortion Care Guidelines consolidate and bring together over 50 recommendations spanning clinical practice, health service delivery, and legal and policy interventions to support quality abortion care. They present a holistic and interconnected approach to abortion care, firmly grounded in principles of human rights. IPPF particularly welcomes clear recommendations provided on simple primary care level interventions including task sharing by a wide range of health workers and access to medical abortion pills, as well as the inclusion of recommendations on abortion self-care and for the first time the use of telemedicine to support access to abortion care. We also applaud the recommendation to remove medically unnecessary policy barriers to safe abortion, which put women and girls at risk and are tantamount to reproductive coercion. IPPF’s Director General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo, welcomed the new guidelines: “Access to quality abortion care is essential to guarantee the health and reproductive rights of women and girls everywhere. At IPPF, we are committed to ensuring that every person can choose whether or not to be pregnant, and the WHO Abortion Care Guidelines are vital for helping us reach this goal. “These guidelines represent the latest, evidence-based best practice in abortion care. They provide essential recommendations to guide and support health systems, organizations, and health workers to provide abortion care to the best quality and with the person at the centre. “We will work closely with WHO to ensure the wide implementation and use of these new guidelines, both within IPPF and with governments and partners. IPPF and our network of Member Associations will use these guidelines to expand access to quality, person-centred abortion care and to create an enabling environment for abortion care. Together, we will continue improving access to quality abortion care for all.” The WHO abortion care guideline updates the former edition, released in 2012, and consolidates existing and new recommendations. The digital version is available at https://srhr.org/abortioncare

Woman outside the Colombian constitutional with eyes closed holding a sign saying liberalize abortion

Colombia decriminalizes abortion

The Colombian Constitutional Court has decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks in another victory for the Green Wave sweeping through Latin America.  The historic decision follows years of campaigning by women's right's activists across Colombia and came off the back of two lawsuits that asked the court to declare article 122 of the penal code, that "the woman who causes her abortion or allows another to cause it, will incur a prison sentence from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months" as unconstitutional. Having delayed several times over the past two years, the court called an extraordinary meeting on Monday 21st February 2022, and took just a few hours to come to its decision - ruling five against four to decriminalize the healthcare procedure. The decision will go into effect immediately. ProFamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, and Colombia's largest provider of legal abortion care was heavily involved in pushing to extend the rights of those needing to access abortion care. Colombia follows other countries in the region such as Mexico and Argentina, while parliamentarians in Ecuador last week eased regulations to allow access to abortion in cases of rape. Marta Royo, Executive Director for Profamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, said: "Today is a ground-breaking moment for the people of Colombia and a long-overdue guarantee of reproductive rights and dignity for all those who need abortion care, especially poor and rural women who bear the brunt of restrictive abortion policies. "The decriminalization of abortion up to 24 weeks in Colombia and the Green Wave movement across Latin America is centred not just on public health, but also the full lives, citizenship and human rights of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including inequity, access to education, gender-based violence and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. "The freedom for women to finally make their own choices about their pregnancies and their bodies is fundamental to disrupting the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face. This monumental decision is also a win for the dedicated health care providers, who will finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others."  While Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care since 2006 under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest, in reality,  the criminalization of abortion persisted. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many Colombian women are instead forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. As per the previous abortion law, other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a shocking example of discrimination, data collected showed that poor rural women were more likely to be charged, with a third of those who faced charges also survivors of sexual violence. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "Today Colombia took another step in the right direction for gender equality and full human rights for all, and we are incredibly proud of IPPF's Member Association, ProFamilia, for their tireless work alongside thousands of activists across Colombia and Latin America "This 24-week decriminalization is historic in the region and especially remarkable when we consider the current fragility of abortion rights globally and the anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the world, including in countries close to home like the United States of America. "While today we are celebrating this historic decision, the Green Wave is strong and growing, and the fight for reproductive rights and justice will not end until every person can access high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare when and where they need it."    

Woman outside the Colombian constitutional with eyes closed holding a sign

Colombia decriminalizes abortion

Today, the Colombian Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks in another victory for the Green Wave sweeping through Latin America. The historic decision follows years of campaigning by women's right's activists across Colombia and came off the back of two lawsuits that asked the court to declare article 122 of the penal code, that "the woman who causes her abortion or allows another to cause it, will incur a prison sentence from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months" as unconstitutional. The court called an extraordinary meeting today, Monday 21st February, and took just a few hours to come to its decision which will go into effect immediately. ProFamilia, the International Planned Federation's Member Association in Colombia, and Colombia's largest provider of legal abortion care were heavily involved in pushing to extend the rights of those needing to access abortion care. Marta Royo, Executive Director for Profamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, said: "Today is a ground-breaking moment for the people of Colombia and a long-overdue guarantee of reproductive rights and dignity for all those who need abortion care, especially poor and rural women who bear the brunt of restrictive abortion policies. "The decriminalization of abortion up to 24 weeks in Colombia and the Green Wave movement across Latin America is centred not just on public health, but also the full lives, citizenship and human rights of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including inequity, access to education, gender-based violence and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. "The freedom for women to finally make their own choices about their pregnancies and their bodies is fundamental to disrupting the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face. This monumental decision is also a win for the dedicated health care providers, who will finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others."  While Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care since 2006 under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest, in reality,  the criminalization of abortion persisted. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many Colombian women are instead forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. As per the previous abortion law, other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a shocking example of discrimination, data collected showed that poor rural women were more likely to be charged, with a third of those who faced charges also survivors of sexual violence. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "Today Colombia took another step in the right direction for gender equality and full human rights for all, and we are incredibly proud of IPPF's Member Association, ProFamilia, for their tireless work alongside thousands of activists across Colombia and Latin America "This 24-week decriminalization is historic in the region and especially remarkable when we consider the current fragility of abortion rights globally and the anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the world, including in countries close to home like the United States of America. "While today we are celebrating this historic decision, the Green Wave is strong and growing, and the fight for reproductive rights and justice will not end until every person can access high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare when and where they need it." For media enquiries in English, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]  For media enquiries in Spanish or during UK night-time hours, please contact Pamela Martin Garcia on [email protected]    

Woman waving a green flag in support of abortion care

Mexico’s Supreme Court votes to decriminalize abortion

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the unanimous decision taken by the Supreme Court of Mexico to decriminalize abortion. The decision is a step closer for women and pregnant people to fully exercise their reproductive rights and bodily autonomy through safe and legal abortion care.  Abortion is legal in four out of the 32 federal entities in Mexico. Only four other countries in the region - Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, and Guyana have almost unrestricted and legal access to abortion care. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF’s Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean said: “This historic ruling by the Supreme Court of Mexico is thanks to the feminist movement in Mexico and in the region, who have been relentless in their fight the law to recognize the dignity and humanity of people seeking abortion care. This decision will continue the Green Wave ripple effect across the region - we look at Argentina last year and now Mexico, these movements give us hope and motivation to continue to fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.” Esperanza Delgado, Strategic Director for Advocacy and Interinstitutional Relations of MEXFAM added: “September 7 will become a memorable date in Mexico. In a progressive pronouncement in favour of reproductive autonomy, respect for the secular State, and the rights of women and pregnant people over those of the embryo, Mexico's highest legal authority indicated that it is unconstitutional to punish those who decide to terminate a pregnancy at its early stage.   “All of us who have joined forces and who are fortunate enough to fight for the recognition of human rights, should be proud and may our achievement inspire others in every corner of the planet. MEXFAM is committed to making this long-awaited legislation a reality for every person that decides to choose.” For media inquiries please contact [email protected] 

The American flag with stars and stripes

Statement on the first anniversary of the rescindment of the Global Gag Rule

28 January 2022 heralds one year since President Biden rescinded the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR). Otherwise known as the Mexico City Policy, its expansion in 2017 under Trump affected 12 billion dollars of funding, impacting thousands of life-saving healthcare services worldwide – especially across low-income countries. But while rescindment is a positive first step, the long-term harm of the Global Gag Rule lingers on. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were hit, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. Programmes affected include HIV prevention and care, maternal health and nutrition, STI services, gender-based violence prevention, and services for vulnerable children. And although we have begun to re-establish long-standing partnerships, it takes time for funding to flow and to re-open closed healthcare clinics and community services – with some lost forever. In the meantime, there are women and girls who desperately need healthcare that have nowhere to turn. But in February, the US Congress has an opportunity to change the sexual and reproductive health landscape forever through a final negotiated funding bill that includes a permanent end to the deadly Global Gag Rule. As we celebrate one year of rescindment, we know the work is not done yet, but we are hopeful for the futures of millions of women and girls worldwide. We urge the US Congress to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule to fully eradicate the lasting impact of the Mexico City Policy that has harmed women and girls around the world for 40 years.   Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "Five years ago, Trump expanded the Global Gag Rule, a devastating neo-colonialist policy that forbids US aid to any organization that supports access to safe abortion care, disproportionately affecting women and girls in low-income countries. Today we mark one year since President Biden rescinded it, but the long-term harm and impacts don't simply go away.  "The Gag Rule is a callously designed mechanism set up to deny women and girls the right to decide what happens to their bodies. Its implementation doesn't just destroy life-saving abortion services but erodes access to other sexual and reproductive healthcare, including contraception, leading ultimately to increases in unintended pregnancy and forcing many to turn to unsafe and dangerous abortion methods.   "While rescindment is a positive first step, the looming threat of reinstatement under future anti-rights administrations undermines the sustainability of global sexual health programs and the pace of progress. After 40 long years, the time to act is now – we urge the US Congress to end this political game and stand up for the futures of millions of at-risk women and girls by permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule.  "By leaving a legacy that gives hope and stability to the sexual and reproductive health of people worldwide, the US will once again be a champion, leader, and innovator of human rights for all." For media inquiries please contact [email protected] 

Abortion rights protestor with green scarf over her face
23 November 2021

Will Colombia seize this opportunity to decriminalize abortion?

The Colombian Constitutional Court has a historical opportunity in its hands as it decides on whether or not to completely remove the crime of abortion from the penal code, making it a public health matter. Unlike many others in Colombia, I grew up in a home where I wanted for nothing. A fortunate child in a country where meeting basic needs continues to be a matter of privilege, the reflection of an unequal society mired by the infinite cycle of poverty. I grew up amid discussions of politics and human rights in a safe environment where I was encouraged to formulate my own thoughts. Yet even for me, like so many Colombian women and girls, speaking openly about sex and sexuality was strictly forbidden. Despite this, Colombia remains a society that sees motherhood as the only achievable goal in a woman's life. A paradox that is difficult to understand. From a young age, girls face the power of stereotypes and gender roles, coming to understand them as superior to anything else and realizing that when it comes to reproductive autonomy, there is no space to think, express opinions, and much less act. Since 2006, Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest. Yet in spite of these laws, the criminalization of abortion persists. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many women are forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia, IPPF's Member Association and the largest provider of legal abortions in Colombia, showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. Other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a sickening twist of events, charges actually increased by 320% from 2005 to 2008, with around 400 women prosecuted for procuring an abortion each year. Perhaps the most saddening example of discrimination is that most women charged were poor rural women, and a third, survivors of sexual violence. The decriminalization of abortion and the Green Wave movement is centred on public health, human rights, and the full citizenship and lives of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including gender-based violence, inequity, lack of education and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. And for whom the freedom to make choices about their pregnancies and their bodies will reduce adolescent and unintended pregnancy, reduce gender-based violence and help break the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face.   For the dedicated health care providers, who also bear the burden of criminalization and stigma, decriminalization is an opportunity to make reproductive healthcare an integral part of physical, mental and social well-being. And a chance for abortion care providers to finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others.   So after a long, rigorous and objective process of data, figures, findings and stories, Colombia is on the cusp of change. To achieve total decriminalization would be groundbreaking, a decision that would change the course of Colombia and Latin America forever. Especially in the face of terrifying anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the globe, removing long-held rights from citizens, as we have seen in Texas and Poland. The magistrates should not be afraid of making the right decision. From Uruguay to Argentina, Mexico, and now Colombia, I am hopeful that my country will join the right side of history. Originally published by Thomson Reuters Foundation News

A positive pregnancy test
27 September 2021

My abortion journey

Ada's abortion journeyTake a journey with Ada to discover her story. Like many people, she has just found out that she is pregnant, but she cannot afford to raise another child. She has decided to have an abortion. What will her options be, and what will she choose? Take a couple of minutes today to share her journey – click "Start" to begin...Your name is Ada. You've found out you are pregnant, but you cannot afford to raise another child. You have decided to have an abortion.What do you do?On the internet, you discover safe2choose.org and read on their website about available abortion care in your country and about others who have also had an abortion. You also find a toll-free number for an IPPF member association in your country that offers abortion information and support.You decide to:You call your friend Maryam, who explains to you that she knows many women who have had one or more abortions. She tells you that she herself has had two. She gives you advice about how to find information online, and also about the clinic where she had her abortions. You decide to:You speak to a safe2choose counsellor by live chat, and she offers confidential and non-judgmental counselling in your language, free of charge.You learn that there are two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:You speak to an IPPF member service provider, who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options. They explain the two types of abortion available to you, which the safe2choose counsellors had also explained – medical abortion with pills and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).You decide to:They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:On the internet, you discover safe2choose.org and read on their website about available abortion care in your country and about others who have also had an abortion. You speak to one of their counsellors by live chat, and she offers confidential and non-judgmental counselling in your language, free of charge.You learn that there are two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks in-clinic or up to 12 weeks at home.You decide to:You've made the choice that best suits your needs and situation, and you've been supported to do so throughout the process. safe2choose.org and IPPF offer information, support and a range of options for person-centred and rights-based abortion care for everyone, regardless of their age, religion, nationality or social class. safe2choose's team of international counselors are here for support throughout the process at anytime. IPPF offers quality and non-judgmental abortion care through static clinics, community-based care, remote counseling, and support for self-managed medical abortion.For further information, please visit the following:• safe2choose's information on medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)• IPPF's short videos on medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)• Brands of medical abortion available at country level – safe2choose information and MedAb.orgYou visit a midwife at an IPPF member clinic who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options.They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:You've made the choice that best suits your needs and situation, and you've been supported to do so throughout the process.Abortions are very common and one of the safest medical procedures when done under the right conditions and with the right information. Everyone regardless of their age, religion, nationality or social class deserves access to a safe abortion. safe2choose.org and IPPF offer information, support and a range of options for person-centred and rights-based abortion care.safe2choose's team of international counsellors are here to support you throughout the process at anytime.You speak to an IPPF member service provider, who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options.They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to: Also available in French, Spanish, and Portuguese

Tackling abortion stigma
09 March 2021

Tackling abortion stigma

Abortion stigma affects women and girls, abortion providers, reproductive rights advocates and communities. Although abortion is a common experience around the world, it is still largely stigmatised. Negative attitudes and beliefs about abortion may act as barriers to accessing safe services and can make it difficult for people to talk about their experiences of abortion. This can be very isolating, and may force people to continue unwanted pregnancies or to seek unsafe abortion. Since 2011 the David & Lucile Packard Foundation has supported IPPF to implement a range of initiatives to investigate and address abortion stigma. It is often young people who are most severely affected by abortion stigma, and who are most at risk of suffering health complications as a result of unsafe abortion. Since 2014 IPPF has delivered the Youth and Abortion Stigma project, a project focused on challenging abortion stigma and supporting young people’s access to safe abortion services – working with communities, service providers, and young people, conducting research, supporting youth initiatives and developing a range of resources to achieve an better environment for young people’s right to safe abortion and other reproductive and sexual rights. This project has conducted targeted work with our Member Associations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Implementing individual, community and clinic-based interventions in the countries where abortion stigma research was conducted. Abortion stigma was measured at the community level at the beginning and end of each phase of the project, by using an adaptation of the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs and Actions Scale (SABAS) developed by Ipas. Read more about the SABAS results Find out more about this ground-breaking work in Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014. Read summary report Tools and resources Through this project IPPF has created a range of tools and resources to support understanding of abortion stigma and to increase the capacity of our Member Associations to advocate for safe abortion, and to provide non-stigmatising education and information. How to talk about abortion: A guide to rights-based messaging Designed to help individuals and organizations think about the language and images they use to communicate about abortion and offers best practice tips. AR EN FR ES Video: How to talk about abortion Bright and colourful short animation to share the tips from the guide “How to talk about abortion”. EN FR ES How to talk about abortion: A guide for journalists, editors and media outlets This guide encourages accurate reporting of the facts about abortion, and honest portrayals of abortion as part of real people’s lives and relationships. EN ES How to educate about abortion: the essentials Brief version of the guide “How to educate about abortion”. EN FR ES Video: How to educate about abortion Accompanying the guide with the same name, this short animation distils advice from the guide into just two minutes! EN FR ES How to educate about abortion: A guide for peer educators, trainers and teachers This comprehensive guide provides the rationale for teaching about abortion issues, as well a number of practical activities for doing so. EN FR ES Abortion matters: an introduction A free online class that covers all the basics of abortion. A free DisasterReady account is required. EN FR ES Understanding abortion: a visual resource This resource fills a gap in communication, reducing literacy and language barriers around abortion messaging. EN FR HI NE ES Strategies to improve young people’s access to stigma free services IPPF recognizes the value of young people’s voices, perspectives and insights, as well as their keen understanding of which messages, media and resources will resonate with their peers. We have listened to young people and employed a range of strategies to ensure that our initiatives were genuinely led by youth. Four of our Member Associations have shared their best practices to improve young people’s access to safe abortion services. These include strategies such as creating a ‘buddy system’ for young people accessing services, working with educational establishments, using social media, and youth friendly spaces. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Using a buddy system EN FR ES Cameroon: Partnering with educational institutions EN FR ES Ghana: Using social media EN FR ES Pakistan: Youth Friendly Spaces EN FR ES Youth-led projects to tackle abortion stigma As part of our work in tackling abortion stigma, this project has supported smaller ground-breaking youth-led projects in 14 different countries, in order to tackle the issue of abortion stigma in their communities. These small grants have been awarded to projects in Albania, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Macedonia, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Spain, Tanzania and Venezuela. Read more about these youth-led projects The ‘Youth Against Abortion Stigma’ blog features entries written by young IPPF volunteers, youth grantees and project champions from around the world. Visit the Youth Against Abortion Stigma blog For further information on this project, contact [email protected].

Grace M., 22, economics student, at a clinic during a follow-up appointment two months after her abortion in Cotonou, Benin
10 February 2021

Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014

Abortion stigma affects everyone: individuals, communities and service providers. Young women and adolescent girls bear the brunt of abortion stigma. It causes delays in people seeking abortion and stops others from accessing it, leading to unintended pregnancies. Stigma drives abortion underground, where it is more likely to be unsafe. Since 2014, the support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation has enabled IPPF to reduce abortion stigma affecting young people around the world, working directly with Member Associations in six countries (Bénin, Burkina Faso, India, Pakistan, Ghana and Nepal). Meaningful youth participation has ensured that young people’s lived experiences were central in every aspect of this work. This project has also supported smaller ground-breaking youth-led projects in 14 different countries: Albania, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Macedonia, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Spain, Tanzania and Venezuela. This document highlights the achievements and learnings from the Abortion Stigma Project between 2014 and 2020, including case studies, research and evidence generated around abortion stigma, and popular resources and tools developed throughout the project, and more. We invite you to read more on this ground-breaking work in Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014

a woman holds a sign saying my body, my choice

A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care

The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do.    ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.”  Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said:  “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women.    "With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA) shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”   

A healthcare worker with a client

IPPF statement on the WHO Abortion Care Guidelines 2022

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the newly released World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on abortion care, launched on Wednesday 9 March. Developed by WHO, with the support of partners including IPPF, these evidence-based guidelines are critical for ensuring the provision of quality abortion care for all women, girls and people who can become pregnant. The WHO Abortion Care Guidelines consolidate and bring together over 50 recommendations spanning clinical practice, health service delivery, and legal and policy interventions to support quality abortion care. They present a holistic and interconnected approach to abortion care, firmly grounded in principles of human rights. IPPF particularly welcomes clear recommendations provided on simple primary care level interventions including task sharing by a wide range of health workers and access to medical abortion pills, as well as the inclusion of recommendations on abortion self-care and for the first time the use of telemedicine to support access to abortion care. We also applaud the recommendation to remove medically unnecessary policy barriers to safe abortion, which put women and girls at risk and are tantamount to reproductive coercion. IPPF’s Director General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo, welcomed the new guidelines: “Access to quality abortion care is essential to guarantee the health and reproductive rights of women and girls everywhere. At IPPF, we are committed to ensuring that every person can choose whether or not to be pregnant, and the WHO Abortion Care Guidelines are vital for helping us reach this goal. “These guidelines represent the latest, evidence-based best practice in abortion care. They provide essential recommendations to guide and support health systems, organizations, and health workers to provide abortion care to the best quality and with the person at the centre. “We will work closely with WHO to ensure the wide implementation and use of these new guidelines, both within IPPF and with governments and partners. IPPF and our network of Member Associations will use these guidelines to expand access to quality, person-centred abortion care and to create an enabling environment for abortion care. Together, we will continue improving access to quality abortion care for all.” The WHO abortion care guideline updates the former edition, released in 2012, and consolidates existing and new recommendations. The digital version is available at https://srhr.org/abortioncare

Woman outside the Colombian constitutional with eyes closed holding a sign saying liberalize abortion

Colombia decriminalizes abortion

The Colombian Constitutional Court has decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks in another victory for the Green Wave sweeping through Latin America.  The historic decision follows years of campaigning by women's right's activists across Colombia and came off the back of two lawsuits that asked the court to declare article 122 of the penal code, that "the woman who causes her abortion or allows another to cause it, will incur a prison sentence from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months" as unconstitutional. Having delayed several times over the past two years, the court called an extraordinary meeting on Monday 21st February 2022, and took just a few hours to come to its decision - ruling five against four to decriminalize the healthcare procedure. The decision will go into effect immediately. ProFamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, and Colombia's largest provider of legal abortion care was heavily involved in pushing to extend the rights of those needing to access abortion care. Colombia follows other countries in the region such as Mexico and Argentina, while parliamentarians in Ecuador last week eased regulations to allow access to abortion in cases of rape. Marta Royo, Executive Director for Profamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, said: "Today is a ground-breaking moment for the people of Colombia and a long-overdue guarantee of reproductive rights and dignity for all those who need abortion care, especially poor and rural women who bear the brunt of restrictive abortion policies. "The decriminalization of abortion up to 24 weeks in Colombia and the Green Wave movement across Latin America is centred not just on public health, but also the full lives, citizenship and human rights of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including inequity, access to education, gender-based violence and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. "The freedom for women to finally make their own choices about their pregnancies and their bodies is fundamental to disrupting the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face. This monumental decision is also a win for the dedicated health care providers, who will finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others."  While Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care since 2006 under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest, in reality,  the criminalization of abortion persisted. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many Colombian women are instead forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. As per the previous abortion law, other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a shocking example of discrimination, data collected showed that poor rural women were more likely to be charged, with a third of those who faced charges also survivors of sexual violence. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "Today Colombia took another step in the right direction for gender equality and full human rights for all, and we are incredibly proud of IPPF's Member Association, ProFamilia, for their tireless work alongside thousands of activists across Colombia and Latin America "This 24-week decriminalization is historic in the region and especially remarkable when we consider the current fragility of abortion rights globally and the anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the world, including in countries close to home like the United States of America. "While today we are celebrating this historic decision, the Green Wave is strong and growing, and the fight for reproductive rights and justice will not end until every person can access high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare when and where they need it."    

Woman outside the Colombian constitutional with eyes closed holding a sign

Colombia decriminalizes abortion

Today, the Colombian Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks in another victory for the Green Wave sweeping through Latin America. The historic decision follows years of campaigning by women's right's activists across Colombia and came off the back of two lawsuits that asked the court to declare article 122 of the penal code, that "the woman who causes her abortion or allows another to cause it, will incur a prison sentence from sixteen (16) to fifty-four (54) months" as unconstitutional. The court called an extraordinary meeting today, Monday 21st February, and took just a few hours to come to its decision which will go into effect immediately. ProFamilia, the International Planned Federation's Member Association in Colombia, and Colombia's largest provider of legal abortion care were heavily involved in pushing to extend the rights of those needing to access abortion care. Marta Royo, Executive Director for Profamilia, IPPF's Member Association in Colombia, said: "Today is a ground-breaking moment for the people of Colombia and a long-overdue guarantee of reproductive rights and dignity for all those who need abortion care, especially poor and rural women who bear the brunt of restrictive abortion policies. "The decriminalization of abortion up to 24 weeks in Colombia and the Green Wave movement across Latin America is centred not just on public health, but also the full lives, citizenship and human rights of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including inequity, access to education, gender-based violence and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. "The freedom for women to finally make their own choices about their pregnancies and their bodies is fundamental to disrupting the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face. This monumental decision is also a win for the dedicated health care providers, who will finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others."  While Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care since 2006 under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest, in reality,  the criminalization of abortion persisted. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many Colombian women are instead forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. As per the previous abortion law, other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a shocking example of discrimination, data collected showed that poor rural women were more likely to be charged, with a third of those who faced charges also survivors of sexual violence. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "Today Colombia took another step in the right direction for gender equality and full human rights for all, and we are incredibly proud of IPPF's Member Association, ProFamilia, for their tireless work alongside thousands of activists across Colombia and Latin America "This 24-week decriminalization is historic in the region and especially remarkable when we consider the current fragility of abortion rights globally and the anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the world, including in countries close to home like the United States of America. "While today we are celebrating this historic decision, the Green Wave is strong and growing, and the fight for reproductive rights and justice will not end until every person can access high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare when and where they need it." For media enquiries in English, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]  For media enquiries in Spanish or during UK night-time hours, please contact Pamela Martin Garcia on [email protected]    

Woman waving a green flag in support of abortion care

Mexico’s Supreme Court votes to decriminalize abortion

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the unanimous decision taken by the Supreme Court of Mexico to decriminalize abortion. The decision is a step closer for women and pregnant people to fully exercise their reproductive rights and bodily autonomy through safe and legal abortion care.  Abortion is legal in four out of the 32 federal entities in Mexico. Only four other countries in the region - Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, and Guyana have almost unrestricted and legal access to abortion care. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF’s Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean said: “This historic ruling by the Supreme Court of Mexico is thanks to the feminist movement in Mexico and in the region, who have been relentless in their fight the law to recognize the dignity and humanity of people seeking abortion care. This decision will continue the Green Wave ripple effect across the region - we look at Argentina last year and now Mexico, these movements give us hope and motivation to continue to fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.” Esperanza Delgado, Strategic Director for Advocacy and Interinstitutional Relations of MEXFAM added: “September 7 will become a memorable date in Mexico. In a progressive pronouncement in favour of reproductive autonomy, respect for the secular State, and the rights of women and pregnant people over those of the embryo, Mexico's highest legal authority indicated that it is unconstitutional to punish those who decide to terminate a pregnancy at its early stage.   “All of us who have joined forces and who are fortunate enough to fight for the recognition of human rights, should be proud and may our achievement inspire others in every corner of the planet. MEXFAM is committed to making this long-awaited legislation a reality for every person that decides to choose.” For media inquiries please contact [email protected] 

The American flag with stars and stripes

Statement on the first anniversary of the rescindment of the Global Gag Rule

28 January 2022 heralds one year since President Biden rescinded the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR). Otherwise known as the Mexico City Policy, its expansion in 2017 under Trump affected 12 billion dollars of funding, impacting thousands of life-saving healthcare services worldwide – especially across low-income countries. But while rescindment is a positive first step, the long-term harm of the Global Gag Rule lingers on. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were hit, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. Programmes affected include HIV prevention and care, maternal health and nutrition, STI services, gender-based violence prevention, and services for vulnerable children. And although we have begun to re-establish long-standing partnerships, it takes time for funding to flow and to re-open closed healthcare clinics and community services – with some lost forever. In the meantime, there are women and girls who desperately need healthcare that have nowhere to turn. But in February, the US Congress has an opportunity to change the sexual and reproductive health landscape forever through a final negotiated funding bill that includes a permanent end to the deadly Global Gag Rule. As we celebrate one year of rescindment, we know the work is not done yet, but we are hopeful for the futures of millions of women and girls worldwide. We urge the US Congress to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule to fully eradicate the lasting impact of the Mexico City Policy that has harmed women and girls around the world for 40 years.   Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "Five years ago, Trump expanded the Global Gag Rule, a devastating neo-colonialist policy that forbids US aid to any organization that supports access to safe abortion care, disproportionately affecting women and girls in low-income countries. Today we mark one year since President Biden rescinded it, but the long-term harm and impacts don't simply go away.  "The Gag Rule is a callously designed mechanism set up to deny women and girls the right to decide what happens to their bodies. Its implementation doesn't just destroy life-saving abortion services but erodes access to other sexual and reproductive healthcare, including contraception, leading ultimately to increases in unintended pregnancy and forcing many to turn to unsafe and dangerous abortion methods.   "While rescindment is a positive first step, the looming threat of reinstatement under future anti-rights administrations undermines the sustainability of global sexual health programs and the pace of progress. After 40 long years, the time to act is now – we urge the US Congress to end this political game and stand up for the futures of millions of at-risk women and girls by permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule.  "By leaving a legacy that gives hope and stability to the sexual and reproductive health of people worldwide, the US will once again be a champion, leader, and innovator of human rights for all." For media inquiries please contact [email protected] 

Abortion rights protestor with green scarf over her face
23 November 2021

Will Colombia seize this opportunity to decriminalize abortion?

The Colombian Constitutional Court has a historical opportunity in its hands as it decides on whether or not to completely remove the crime of abortion from the penal code, making it a public health matter. Unlike many others in Colombia, I grew up in a home where I wanted for nothing. A fortunate child in a country where meeting basic needs continues to be a matter of privilege, the reflection of an unequal society mired by the infinite cycle of poverty. I grew up amid discussions of politics and human rights in a safe environment where I was encouraged to formulate my own thoughts. Yet even for me, like so many Colombian women and girls, speaking openly about sex and sexuality was strictly forbidden. Despite this, Colombia remains a society that sees motherhood as the only achievable goal in a woman's life. A paradox that is difficult to understand. From a young age, girls face the power of stereotypes and gender roles, coming to understand them as superior to anything else and realizing that when it comes to reproductive autonomy, there is no space to think, express opinions, and much less act. Since 2006, Colombian women have supposedly been able to access abortion care under three circumstances: if their life or health is at risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, or if the pregnancy is the by-product of rape or incest. Yet in spite of these laws, the criminalization of abortion persists. The Guttmacher Institute found that less than one per cent of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out each year in Colombia are performed legally, with women, especially poor, rural, vulnerable and marginalized women, facing significant barriers to accessing safe and timely abortion care. Many women are forced to carry their pregnancies to term or else seek other methods to end them. Figures collected by ProFamilia, IPPF's Member Association and the largest provider of legal abortions in Colombia, showed that during 2020, there were at least 26,223 unsafe abortions across Colombia, a startling amount for which consequences range from infection to life-changing injuries to death. Other women have been imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases where abortion should have been legal. In a sickening twist of events, charges actually increased by 320% from 2005 to 2008, with around 400 women prosecuted for procuring an abortion each year. Perhaps the most saddening example of discrimination is that most women charged were poor rural women, and a third, survivors of sexual violence. The decriminalization of abortion and the Green Wave movement is centred on public health, human rights, and the full citizenship and lives of girls, adolescents, and women – who, for multiple reasons, including gender-based violence, inequity, lack of education and barriers to healthcare – continue to face unintended pregnancies. And for whom the freedom to make choices about their pregnancies and their bodies will reduce adolescent and unintended pregnancy, reduce gender-based violence and help break the cycle of poverty that so many in Colombia face.   For the dedicated health care providers, who also bear the burden of criminalization and stigma, decriminalization is an opportunity to make reproductive healthcare an integral part of physical, mental and social well-being. And a chance for abortion care providers to finally be recognized as people who simply care about the needs of others.   So after a long, rigorous and objective process of data, figures, findings and stories, Colombia is on the cusp of change. To achieve total decriminalization would be groundbreaking, a decision that would change the course of Colombia and Latin America forever. Especially in the face of terrifying anti-choice movements which continue to plague nations across the globe, removing long-held rights from citizens, as we have seen in Texas and Poland. The magistrates should not be afraid of making the right decision. From Uruguay to Argentina, Mexico, and now Colombia, I am hopeful that my country will join the right side of history. Originally published by Thomson Reuters Foundation News

A positive pregnancy test
27 September 2021

My abortion journey

Ada's abortion journeyTake a journey with Ada to discover her story. Like many people, she has just found out that she is pregnant, but she cannot afford to raise another child. She has decided to have an abortion. What will her options be, and what will she choose? Take a couple of minutes today to share her journey – click "Start" to begin...Your name is Ada. You've found out you are pregnant, but you cannot afford to raise another child. You have decided to have an abortion.What do you do?On the internet, you discover safe2choose.org and read on their website about available abortion care in your country and about others who have also had an abortion. You also find a toll-free number for an IPPF member association in your country that offers abortion information and support.You decide to:You call your friend Maryam, who explains to you that she knows many women who have had one or more abortions. She tells you that she herself has had two. She gives you advice about how to find information online, and also about the clinic where she had her abortions. You decide to:You speak to a safe2choose counsellor by live chat, and she offers confidential and non-judgmental counselling in your language, free of charge.You learn that there are two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:You speak to an IPPF member service provider, who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options. They explain the two types of abortion available to you, which the safe2choose counsellors had also explained – medical abortion with pills and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).You decide to:They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:On the internet, you discover safe2choose.org and read on their website about available abortion care in your country and about others who have also had an abortion. You speak to one of their counsellors by live chat, and she offers confidential and non-judgmental counselling in your language, free of charge.You learn that there are two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks in-clinic or up to 12 weeks at home.You decide to:You've made the choice that best suits your needs and situation, and you've been supported to do so throughout the process. safe2choose.org and IPPF offer information, support and a range of options for person-centred and rights-based abortion care for everyone, regardless of their age, religion, nationality or social class. safe2choose's team of international counselors are here for support throughout the process at anytime. IPPF offers quality and non-judgmental abortion care through static clinics, community-based care, remote counseling, and support for self-managed medical abortion.For further information, please visit the following:• safe2choose's information on medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)• IPPF's short videos on medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)• Brands of medical abortion available at country level – safe2choose information and MedAb.orgYou visit a midwife at an IPPF member clinic who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options.They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to:You've made the choice that best suits your needs and situation, and you've been supported to do so throughout the process.Abortions are very common and one of the safest medical procedures when done under the right conditions and with the right information. Everyone regardless of their age, religion, nationality or social class deserves access to a safe abortion. safe2choose.org and IPPF offer information, support and a range of options for person-centred and rights-based abortion care.safe2choose's team of international counsellors are here to support you throughout the process at anytime.You speak to an IPPF member service provider, who offers you confidential and non-judgmental counselling about your options.They explain two types of abortion available to you:• An in-clinic procedure called a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), which includes the use of a suction device to remove the pregnancy. This option is typically offered up to 13 weeks of gestation and takes about 10-15 minutes.• A medical abortion, which involves taking pills to induce an abortion. This option is typically offered up to 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and can be managed in clinic or at home.You decide to: Also available in French, Spanish, and Portuguese

Tackling abortion stigma
09 March 2021

Tackling abortion stigma

Abortion stigma affects women and girls, abortion providers, reproductive rights advocates and communities. Although abortion is a common experience around the world, it is still largely stigmatised. Negative attitudes and beliefs about abortion may act as barriers to accessing safe services and can make it difficult for people to talk about their experiences of abortion. This can be very isolating, and may force people to continue unwanted pregnancies or to seek unsafe abortion. Since 2011 the David & Lucile Packard Foundation has supported IPPF to implement a range of initiatives to investigate and address abortion stigma. It is often young people who are most severely affected by abortion stigma, and who are most at risk of suffering health complications as a result of unsafe abortion. Since 2014 IPPF has delivered the Youth and Abortion Stigma project, a project focused on challenging abortion stigma and supporting young people’s access to safe abortion services – working with communities, service providers, and young people, conducting research, supporting youth initiatives and developing a range of resources to achieve an better environment for young people’s right to safe abortion and other reproductive and sexual rights. This project has conducted targeted work with our Member Associations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Implementing individual, community and clinic-based interventions in the countries where abortion stigma research was conducted. Abortion stigma was measured at the community level at the beginning and end of each phase of the project, by using an adaptation of the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs and Actions Scale (SABAS) developed by Ipas. Read more about the SABAS results Find out more about this ground-breaking work in Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014. Read summary report Tools and resources Through this project IPPF has created a range of tools and resources to support understanding of abortion stigma and to increase the capacity of our Member Associations to advocate for safe abortion, and to provide non-stigmatising education and information. How to talk about abortion: A guide to rights-based messaging Designed to help individuals and organizations think about the language and images they use to communicate about abortion and offers best practice tips. AR EN FR ES Video: How to talk about abortion Bright and colourful short animation to share the tips from the guide “How to talk about abortion”. EN FR ES How to talk about abortion: A guide for journalists, editors and media outlets This guide encourages accurate reporting of the facts about abortion, and honest portrayals of abortion as part of real people’s lives and relationships. EN ES How to educate about abortion: the essentials Brief version of the guide “How to educate about abortion”. EN FR ES Video: How to educate about abortion Accompanying the guide with the same name, this short animation distils advice from the guide into just two minutes! EN FR ES How to educate about abortion: A guide for peer educators, trainers and teachers This comprehensive guide provides the rationale for teaching about abortion issues, as well a number of practical activities for doing so. EN FR ES Abortion matters: an introduction A free online class that covers all the basics of abortion. A free DisasterReady account is required. EN FR ES Understanding abortion: a visual resource This resource fills a gap in communication, reducing literacy and language barriers around abortion messaging. EN FR HI NE ES Strategies to improve young people’s access to stigma free services IPPF recognizes the value of young people’s voices, perspectives and insights, as well as their keen understanding of which messages, media and resources will resonate with their peers. We have listened to young people and employed a range of strategies to ensure that our initiatives were genuinely led by youth. Four of our Member Associations have shared their best practices to improve young people’s access to safe abortion services. These include strategies such as creating a ‘buddy system’ for young people accessing services, working with educational establishments, using social media, and youth friendly spaces. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Using a buddy system EN FR ES Cameroon: Partnering with educational institutions EN FR ES Ghana: Using social media EN FR ES Pakistan: Youth Friendly Spaces EN FR ES Youth-led projects to tackle abortion stigma As part of our work in tackling abortion stigma, this project has supported smaller ground-breaking youth-led projects in 14 different countries, in order to tackle the issue of abortion stigma in their communities. These small grants have been awarded to projects in Albania, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Macedonia, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Spain, Tanzania and Venezuela. Read more about these youth-led projects The ‘Youth Against Abortion Stigma’ blog features entries written by young IPPF volunteers, youth grantees and project champions from around the world. Visit the Youth Against Abortion Stigma blog For further information on this project, contact [email protected].

Grace M., 22, economics student, at a clinic during a follow-up appointment two months after her abortion in Cotonou, Benin
10 February 2021

Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014

Abortion stigma affects everyone: individuals, communities and service providers. Young women and adolescent girls bear the brunt of abortion stigma. It causes delays in people seeking abortion and stops others from accessing it, leading to unintended pregnancies. Stigma drives abortion underground, where it is more likely to be unsafe. Since 2014, the support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation has enabled IPPF to reduce abortion stigma affecting young people around the world, working directly with Member Associations in six countries (Bénin, Burkina Faso, India, Pakistan, Ghana and Nepal). Meaningful youth participation has ensured that young people’s lived experiences were central in every aspect of this work. This project has also supported smaller ground-breaking youth-led projects in 14 different countries: Albania, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Macedonia, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Spain, Tanzania and Venezuela. This document highlights the achievements and learnings from the Abortion Stigma Project between 2014 and 2020, including case studies, research and evidence generated around abortion stigma, and popular resources and tools developed throughout the project, and more. We invite you to read more on this ground-breaking work in Reducing Abortion Stigma: Global Achievements since 2014

a woman holds a sign saying my body, my choice

A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care

The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do.    ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.”  Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said:  “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women.    "With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA) shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”