Spotlight
A selection of stories from across the Federation

Advances in Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health: 2024 in Review
Let’s take a leap back in time to the beginning of 2024: In twelve months, what victories has our movement managed to secure in the face of growing opposition and the rise of the far right? These victories for sexual and reproductive rights and health are the result of relentless grassroots work and advocacy by our Member Associations, in partnership with community organizations, allied politicians, and the mobilization of public opinion.
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Advances in Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health: 2024 in Review
Let’s take a leap back in time to the beginning of 2024: In twelve months, what victories has our movement managed to secure in t
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's Rising HIV Crisis: A Call for Action
On World AIDS Day, we commemorate the remarkable achievements of IPPF Member Associations in their unwavering commitment to combating the HIV epidemic.

Ensuring SRHR in Humanitarian Crises: What You Need to Know
Over the past two decades, global forced displacement has consistently increased, affecting an estimated 114 million people as of mid-2023.
Estonia, Nepal, Namibia, Japan, Thailand

The Rainbow Wave for Marriage Equality
Love wins! The fight for marriage equality has seen incredible progress worldwide, with a recent surge in legalizations.
France, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, United States, Colombia, India, Tunisia

Abortion Rights: Latest Decisions and Developments around the World
Over the past 30 years, more than

Palestine

In their own words: The people providing sexual and reproductive health care under bombardment in Gaza
Week after week, heavy Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea, has continued across most of the Gaza Strip.
Vanuatu

When getting to the hospital is difficult, Vanuatu mobile outreach can save lives
In the mountains of Kumera on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, the village women of Kamahaul normally spend over 10,000 Vatu ($83 USD) to travel to the nearest hospital.
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| 26 May 2016
Options: Maya contemplates abortion
He seemed so nice, I felt excited. I never thought he would push me to the ground and pull my underwear down. I should have fought harder, but he was so strong. He was hurting me so much – I was just crushed. I wish I had said something to Mama straight away but as the time passed it became harder to talk about it so I told no one. My friends would have said it was my fault – I always said I fancied him. Mama and Papa would never understand or support me. Mama found my diary and read it. The hardest thing was figuring out what to do. We were both confused. She had heard of a woman who helped girls like me to get an abortion. We went to the woman’s house, it was dirty and she was not friendly to us – just asked if we had money. Mama didn’t like it so we left. She said it didn’t look safe and it would be bad for me to be seen there. She decided that we would go to a clinic in the next town so no one would know me. I felt scared. Because I had left it a long time the nurse told me I was 17 weeks pregnant. She then went through all the options with me. It was a lot of information to take in, but I felt like it was my decision and the most important thing was I didn’t feel ready to be a mama myself. It was quite a long medical check up with lots of embarrassing questions. I don’t remember much of what happened next. I was quite scared. I had an injection so I don’t remember anything until it was all over. The nurse came to talk to me about contraception. Then I had an STI and HIV test and that was ok. It still shocks me when I think about all that has happened. I am sure that I made the right decision to have an abortion. It let me get on with my life and studies.

| 14 May 2025
Options: Maya contemplates abortion
He seemed so nice, I felt excited. I never thought he would push me to the ground and pull my underwear down. I should have fought harder, but he was so strong. He was hurting me so much – I was just crushed. I wish I had said something to Mama straight away but as the time passed it became harder to talk about it so I told no one. My friends would have said it was my fault – I always said I fancied him. Mama and Papa would never understand or support me. Mama found my diary and read it. The hardest thing was figuring out what to do. We were both confused. She had heard of a woman who helped girls like me to get an abortion. We went to the woman’s house, it was dirty and she was not friendly to us – just asked if we had money. Mama didn’t like it so we left. She said it didn’t look safe and it would be bad for me to be seen there. She decided that we would go to a clinic in the next town so no one would know me. I felt scared. Because I had left it a long time the nurse told me I was 17 weeks pregnant. She then went through all the options with me. It was a lot of information to take in, but I felt like it was my decision and the most important thing was I didn’t feel ready to be a mama myself. It was quite a long medical check up with lots of embarrassing questions. I don’t remember much of what happened next. I was quite scared. I had an injection so I don’t remember anything until it was all over. The nurse came to talk to me about contraception. Then I had an STI and HIV test and that was ok. It still shocks me when I think about all that has happened. I am sure that I made the right decision to have an abortion. It let me get on with my life and studies.

| 26 May 2016
Options: Maya contemplates abortion
He seemed so nice, I felt excited. I never thought he would push me to the ground and pull my underwear down. I should have fought harder, but he was so strong. He was hurting me so much – I was just crushed. I wish I had said something to Mama straight away but as the time passed it became harder to talk about it so I told no one. My friends would have said it was my fault – I always said I fancied him. Mama and Papa would never understand or support me. Mama found my diary and read it. The hardest thing was figuring out what to do. We were both confused. She had heard of a woman who helped girls like me to get an abortion. We went to the woman’s house, it was dirty and she was not friendly to us – just asked if we had money. Mama didn’t like it so we left. She said it didn’t look safe and it would be bad for me to be seen there. She decided that we would go to a clinic in the next town so no one would know me. I felt scared. Because I had left it a long time the nurse told me I was 17 weeks pregnant. She then went through all the options with me. It was a lot of information to take in, but I felt like it was my decision and the most important thing was I didn’t feel ready to be a mama myself. It was quite a long medical check up with lots of embarrassing questions. I don’t remember much of what happened next. I was quite scared. I had an injection so I don’t remember anything until it was all over. The nurse came to talk to me about contraception. Then I had an STI and HIV test and that was ok. It still shocks me when I think about all that has happened. I am sure that I made the right decision to have an abortion. It let me get on with my life and studies.

| 14 May 2025
Options: Maya contemplates abortion
He seemed so nice, I felt excited. I never thought he would push me to the ground and pull my underwear down. I should have fought harder, but he was so strong. He was hurting me so much – I was just crushed. I wish I had said something to Mama straight away but as the time passed it became harder to talk about it so I told no one. My friends would have said it was my fault – I always said I fancied him. Mama and Papa would never understand or support me. Mama found my diary and read it. The hardest thing was figuring out what to do. We were both confused. She had heard of a woman who helped girls like me to get an abortion. We went to the woman’s house, it was dirty and she was not friendly to us – just asked if we had money. Mama didn’t like it so we left. She said it didn’t look safe and it would be bad for me to be seen there. She decided that we would go to a clinic in the next town so no one would know me. I felt scared. Because I had left it a long time the nurse told me I was 17 weeks pregnant. She then went through all the options with me. It was a lot of information to take in, but I felt like it was my decision and the most important thing was I didn’t feel ready to be a mama myself. It was quite a long medical check up with lots of embarrassing questions. I don’t remember much of what happened next. I was quite scared. I had an injection so I don’t remember anything until it was all over. The nurse came to talk to me about contraception. Then I had an STI and HIV test and that was ok. It still shocks me when I think about all that has happened. I am sure that I made the right decision to have an abortion. It let me get on with my life and studies.