The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57497

Dee Redwine, MPH, Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), 8360 W. Flagler #201, Miami, FL 33144, 3054800030, dee.redwine@ppfa.org

For the past three years, PPFA has supported the Mexican NGO Humanitarian Services for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SHSSR) in order to offer integrated sexual and reproductive health services, contraceptive education and counseling, legal pregnancy termination, and more through one clinic site in Mérida, Yucatán. In addition to services, the agency conducts educational and promotional activities that both promote the services at the clinic but also inform women and medical providers about the existing abortion rights under the current law in Yucatán. The state’s law, which dates back to the early 20th century, is slightly more liberal than those of other Mexican states, in that it allows the procedure under circumstances beyond simply rape or a pregnancy that risks the woman’s life. However, the government has failed to integrate this service into the public health care system, and clinicians and counselors are largely unaware of the circumstances in which women can legally exercise their right to an abortion. In order to curb the number of women seeking out unsafe providers, as well as put the law to the test, SHSSR has initiated an educational campaign among health professionals and the public. Trainings for professional health care teams cover “Legal Termination of Pregnancy,” including counseling, patient care, post-procedure contraception, and theoretical and technical aspects of the MVA procedure. Further, an advocacy campaign has been launched to raise awareness through educational workshops, events, and radio programs on sexual and reproductive rights, contraceptive methods, violence, sexuality and various other related topics.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will develop an understanding of the legal status of abortion in the Mexican state of Yucatán, and learn of one strategy to ensure access to safe abortion despite the government’s unwillingness to initiate services

Keywords: Abortion, Advocacy

Related Web page: www.plannedparenthood.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.