Lack of access to safe abortion care is further exacerbated in many settings by stigma, a lack of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR),3 and what the Guttmacher‑Lancet Commission on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights calls “a persistent discrimination against women and girls, and an unwillingness to address issues related to sexuality openly and comprehensively.”4 Particularly vulnerable groups within this context are adolescents; women with disabilities; sex workers; women who are subjected to forced marriage, domestic violence, abuse or rape, or female genital mutilation; and women subjected to human trafficking. Medical abortion has the potential to increase access to safe abortion care and to increase women’s autonomy and decision‑making with regards to their reproductive choices and rights. It is time to implement evidence‑based abortion services that promote, protect and fulfil the sexual and reproductive rights of all individuals everywhere.

Today, unprecedented numbers of people are living in a state of crisis or emergency. In 2018, it is estimated that 135.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, with conflict and natural disasters predicted to be the biggest drivers. Of those in need, approximately one-quarter is estimated to be women and girls of reproductive age (aged 15–49) and approximately 5 million will be pregnant. Globally, 60% of preventable maternal deaths take place in settings of conflict, fragility, displacement and natural disasters.

Today we face unprecedented challenges related to ageing. Populations in many countries around the world are ageing rapidly. In 1950, there were 205 million people aged 60 years or over in the world. By 2012, the number of older people increased to almost 810 million. Almost two in three of these people lived in developing countries. The number of older people is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2 billion.  

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to any contraceptive method that can be used after having unprotected or inadequately protected sexual intercourse (UPSI) but before pregnancy occurs, providing women with the opportunity to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. EC is a safe and effective method for preventing unwanted pregnancy and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 99%. In spite of its effectiveness, EC is not frequently used. In many countries, women face barriers to accessing EC. The majority of women in low‑income countries are unaware of EC. Moreover, some providers have negative attitudes toward providing EC to women and girls.

The purpose of this statement is to outline key components of the youth peer provision model, summarize existing evidence, and provide guidance to integrate this delivery approach into the existing sexual and reproductive health services offered by IPPF Member Associations.

Sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to health, the right to privacy and the prohibition of discrimination. The right to health include sexual and reproductive health. This means that the states have obligations to respect, protect and fulfil the rights related to women’s and men’s sexual and reproductive health.