Promoting the creation and enforcement of regulatory frameworks that respect human rights in the area of abortion is a fundamental action to ensure that women and girls can access this right.
To achieve this during 2023, we work closely with local partners to promote abortion-related policies:
In Argentina, we contributed with the Ministry of Health in the update and launch of the "Quick Reference Guide for Health Professionals". "Quick reference guide for health professionals" based on the country's ILE-IVE protocol. based on the country's ILE-IVE protocol. Ipas LAC collaborated in the revision of the content and the incorporation of updated and relevant information. This guide is a tool for health professionals, as it provides quick and accurate guidance on legal termination of pregnancy, with the aim of improving the quality of care and protecting the reproductive rights of women and people with gestational capacity who seek these services.
Colombia
We participated in the process to achieve the official adoption of the single regulation for the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (VTP). This effort included the presentation of research-based evidence and advocacy for reproductive rights.
Ecuador
We provided medical and legal technical support to the Ministry of Health for the development and publication of the Operational Guidelines for Comprehensive Care and Effective Access to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy due to Rape. This guideline is mandatory in the facilities of the National Health System. We also provided technical assistance in the construction of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Therapeutic Abortion, which will become a fundamental clinical tool to guide health personnel in the implementation of safe abortion services, based on scientific evidence. The document includes medical criteria for the resolution of procedures, as well as references to updated techniques and protocols, framed in a comprehensive approach to reproductive rights.
El Salvador
We support the development and dissemination of protocols on obstetric complications and patient confidentiality. At Ipas LAC, we prepared a summary and dissemination material of the guidelines developed by the Ministry of Health. This document was presented at an event we supported in collaboration with the Salvadoran Medical Union for Women's Health and Life (UM) and the Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics of El Salvador (Asogoes).
Guatemala
We collaborated with the National Reproductive Health Program (PNSR) in updating the "Comprehensive Abortion Care Manual", thereby ensuring the provision of quality services based on updated evidence. This manual is being revised by the PNSR, with plans to finalize it in the first quarter of 2024. Of note in this renewal is the inclusion of mifepristone as part of the indicated protocol for medical abortion, reflecting the availability of the drug in the country. Previously, the protocol only included abortion with misoprostol.
Honduras
We contributed to the creation and updating of scientific reference materials, information materials on the intrauterine device (IUD), the subdermal hormonal implant and vasectomy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. We reached approximately 9,000health service users with clear and reliable information for making informed decisions about contraception.
Mexico
We provide technical assistance at the state level in 8 of the 12 states that have decriminalized abortion during the first 12 weeks of gestation (Mexico City, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Baja California, Guerrero, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo). At Ipas LAC, we contribute to the review and interpretation of laws and the coordination of the health secretariats of these states.
Mexico
In collaboration with the National Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health of Mexico (CNEGySR), we developed the document Modelo Integrado para la Atención a la Violencia Familiar, Sexual y contra las Mujeres. Edition 2023, with which we contributed to updating the clinical approach based on WHO guidelines for safe abortion care in cases of sexual violence.
We held the first Workshop on Updating the Legal Framework for Safe Abortion Care and Clarification of Values for legal officers of Mexico's Ministries of Health. We had the participation of 44 lawyers, who play a crucial role in supporting decision making in the state Ministries of Health to ensure compliance with the legal provisions on health.
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