Comprehensive Abortion Care

Limited access to contraception, delaying childbearing because of lack of security, and rape contribute to a higher risk of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion in humanitarian settings.

Preventing death and injury by providing service of or referral to comprehensive abortion care.
Ensuring service that is private, non-judgmental, and provides adequate information for the patient to give informed consent.
Advocating with communities and policy makers regarding comprehensive abortion care.

Why It Matters

Comprehensive abortion care (CAC) is an intervention proven to prevent maternal death or injury. Disrupted health systems, limited contraception, and a higher instance of sexual violence cause an increase in the number of unintended pregnancies and demand for safe abortion. Access to safe and legal abortion is a core human right, supporting the right to life, health, equality, privacy, self-determination, bodily integration, and freedom from inhumane treatment.

10% of maternal deaths globally are the result of unsafe abortions, 99% of which occur in the developing world.

Hesperian Mobile Applications: Safe Abortion, Safe Pregnancy & Birth, and Family Planning

Tool
Updated 5/27/2021

Safe Abortion Care: 10 Steps for Starting/Expanding Programming

Guidelines
Updated 7/10/2020

How We Work

Our work on this issue is led by the Safe Abortion Care Sub-Working Group—a dedicated group of IAWG members who set the priorities and advance research, practice, and advocacy for comprehensive abortion care in humanitarian settings. Learn about their current objectives, priorities, and latest work.

Sub-Working Group

Sexual and reproductive health services remain critical during COVID-19

IAWG members and partners are producing clinical and programmatic guidance, assessments, policy papers, and statements to ensure continued prioritization of sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings.

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