1 year anniversary of the historic decision to decriminalize abortion in Colombia February 21, 2023 Profamilia – an IPPF Member Association and a leading organization in the defence and guarantee of Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Colombia - celebrates the first year of the Constitutional Court decision that allowed the decriminalization of abortion in Colombia up to 24 weeks of gestation. This represents a historic step for the guarantee of the rights of women and pregnant people in the country and Latin America, as well as a transcendental advance towards the recognition of their autonomy and full citizenship. Thanks to the ruling, those who are faced with an unwanted pregnancy and decide to have an abortion will not be prosecuted or criminalized for accessing what is now considered a health service and a matter of social justice. Similarly, the organization recognizes the issuance of Resolution 051 of 2023, with which the Ministry of Health regulates comprehensive care to provide abortion services throughout Colombia. This resolution recognizes that both women and pregnant people (transgender men, trans masculinities, non-binary people, among others) can access the service without restrictions and reiterates that abortion is an essential and urgent health service that must be guaranteed and not suspended. Since its enactment, Profamilia has guaranteed the implementation of Ruling C-055 of 2022 in its network of more than 53 clinics specialized in sexual and reproductive health nationwide.  In this sense, the Organization shares with public opinion an analysis of what has been evidenced in the first year of the Sentence, as well as recommendations to move towards a society that respects and guarantees the application of the current jurisprudence in favour of the rights and reproductive autonomy of women and pregnant people in the country. The Positive side: Decriminalization increases access and engagement ·   Women, trans men and non-binary people who decide to terminate their pregnancies do so early. During this first year, 97.2% of the abortions performed through Profamilia were performed before the 16th week of gestation and of these, 86% before the 12th week and only 1.1% of the procedures were performed after 24 weeks, under one of the grounds of Ruling C-355 of 2006. ·   After Ruling C-055, access to safe abortion has improved. The Organization recorded a 65.9% increase in procedures. This information coincides with evidence from other countries (Uruguay, France, Portugal, Spain, Mexico City, Mexico) in which, after the legalization of voluntary interruption of pregnancy, there is no long-term increase in procedures, but rather an initial increase that then stabilizes and even decreases. ·   Profamilia has strengthened its MIA service, which accompanies and performs self-managed abortions up to 12 weeks of gestation through telemedicine. This service has reached women who wish to terminate their pregnancies in hard-to-reach municipalities such as: Leticia, in Amazonas, Bahía Solano, in Chocó, San Vicente del Caguán, in Caquetá, Dibulla, in La Guajira, among others. ·   Different authorities have fulfilled their obligations and reiterated their commitment to abortion rights. In August 2022, the National Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, communicated that Colombia officially withdrew from the Geneva Consensus Declaration - recognized for seeking to undermine reproductive autonomy and family diversity - and reiterated that the country recognizes, respects and protects the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls and that, in accordance with the Political Constitution and the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court, the right to legal and safe abortion is an integral and indivisible part of sexual and reproductive rights and health. ·   Resolution 051 of 2023 of the Ministry of Health guarantees the service for migrant women in Colombia and recognizes this right as an essential and urgent service that can never be suspended. It also eliminates co-payments and moderating fees in EPS and medical centers. It reaffirms that minors under 14 years of age may decide autonomously about an abortion, without their parents' permission and even when their decision is contrary to their parents'. The resolution urges to modernize the protocols as an advance for the welfare of women and pregnant people. ·   On February 2, 2023, the Council of Bogota approved Agreement 023, which aims to guarantee the right to abortion without barriers and promote knowledge and access to information on rights and prevention of early motherhood and fatherhood, which not only impacts the right to health, but also strengthens the sector and becomes a benchmark for other cities in the country in the commitment they must make to ensure access to abortion as a health service. ·   The National Development Plan for the period 2022-2026 included the guarantee of the right to abortion (Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy) in the framework of the formulation and implementation of the National Policy on Sexuality, Sexual and Reproductive Rights that must be updated for the next 10 years, with this it is possible to ensure resources to promote the materialization of all measures and actions to ensure the guarantee of the right to abortion in Colombia. Still concerning: Barriers and violence persist ·   Despite Ruling C-055 of 2022, Profamilia has received users, with less than 24 weeks of gestation, who report having encountered barriers in health professionals who have limited the right and service of abortion. ·   On the other hand, Profamilia's statistics on the provision of IVE (Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy) services in its network of clinics throughout the country reveal a worrying increase in sexual violence against minors under 14 years of age, with an increase from 47.3% in 2021 to 2022. This data coincides, unfortunately, with the report of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences which indicates that there was a 23% increase by 2022 of sexual crimes against minors, compared to previous year. ·   The legalization of abortion in Colombia has shown limitations in the quality of services, it is essential to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence, training and sensitization of health personnel, the elimination of curettage as the main technique and the definitive closure of sites where unsafe procedures are practiced. What are the challenges? ·   It is necessary to fully comply with the orders of Ruling C-055 of 2022. That is why it is essential to support the approval of legislative and public policy initiatives that seek the implementation and strengthening of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in all educational institutions in the country, in order to prevent gender-based violence, promote the safe and responsible exercise of sexual and reproductive autonomy, knowledge and empowerment in rights, effective and timely access to contraceptive methods, as well as the search for a society with gender equity. ·   With the management of abortion as a public health issue, the country has the possibility of ending the preventable death of 70 women who lose their lives each year due to unsafe abortions, as well as reducing and avoiding 132,000 complications derived from this type of procedure. The legalization of abortion represents the opportunity to place the protection of the health and lives of girls and women at the center as the main objective of all public health policy. ·   The elimination of barriers to access to safe abortion services should be a priority for local health authorities, who are responsible for the inspection, surveillance and control of the health system in their jurisdictions. It is necessary to implement intersectoral mechanisms for follow-up and monitoring of barriers and technical accompaniment of health care providers to ensure an orderly and systematized implementation of the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court and the regulatory norms that have been issued. ·   Territorial entities, at all levels, must take the initiative and leadership to make sexual and reproductive rights a reality in their jurisdictions. The example of the Bogotá Council and its agreement on the elimination of barriers to safe abortion is an example of how local measures can be adopted to facilitate the implementation of constitutional and regulatory mandates on abortion with actions. "After one year it is possible to see the progress, the country has made in terms of reproductive autonomy and rights for women and pregnant people. However, we must move from text to action, ensuring that Ruling 055 of 2022 is implemented. Profamilia's commitment will always be to provide comprehensive, humanized and safe services that allow free and informed decision making, and we reiterate this today,” said Marta Royo, Executive Director of Profamilia. “Colombia has set a standard for the region, women and pregnant people deserves to choose the best decision for them and their families. In IPPF we are committed to grow the green wave to ensure that all the countries have equal rights for all, especially in Central America and the Caribbean“ said Eugenia López Uribe, Regional Director of IPPF for the Americas and The Caribbean.  

In a historic day for the LGBTQ+ community of Barbados, the High Court struck down colonial-era laws which were used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in the island, and further infringe their human rights by promoting violence towards the community.   The decision struck down Sections 9 and 12 of the Barbados Sexual Offences Act, also known as the “buggery” and “indecency” laws, which criminalized consensual same-sex intimacy. Under Section 9, punishment for breaking the law could be as severe as life imprisonment for men who engaged in same-sex sexual activity. Under Section 12, men, as well as women, were criminalized and liable to imprisonment of up to 10 years. The oral ruling was given on the 12th Decemnber 2022, with a written decision to come in early 2023, and was the third such ruling in the Caribbean this year with both Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis striking down similar laws, showing that significant progress is being made even within its challenging context.  The case was filed by Barbadian LGBTQ+ advocates with local LGBTQ+ organization Equals providing community support, and with the regional LGBT umbrella organization, Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality facilitating. Michael Rapley, Chair of Equals Barbados told IPPF Americas and The Caribbean “While this is a major step towards equality in Barbados, there is still work to be done to address the lack of protections that LGBTQ+ people in Barbados face, as well as a need to create positive public perceptions of the community.” During this moment of celebration, we are reminded that there is still much to be done. LGBQT+ people living in the Caribbean are reporting rising discrimination and harassment, even barriers to accessing basic services. This highlights the real work being done on the ground which regional and international organizations must continue to support in order to strengthen these organizations while using our voices to advocate for social and legislative change.  IPPF ACRO stands in strong solidarity with the people of Barbados, and LGBTQ+ people throughout the region who continue to fight for their rights and freedom from stigma and discrimination. “We will not stop until everyone in our region is afforded the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled. We congratulate all those who have contributed to the progress made in the Caribbean this year. IPPF ACRO remains committed to being a strong ally in the work still to be done.” Dona Da Costa Martinez – IPPF ACRO Deputy Regional Director.  

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Americas and the Caribbean proudly welcome two New Member Associations in Guadeloupe and Bolivia!  Association Guadeloupéenne pour le Planning Familial (AGPF) and Colectivo Rebeldía join the IPPF family, which spans 30 countries across the Americas and Caribbean region and over 120 countries around the world, Together we stand united in the fight for Reproductive Justice for ALL.  Formed in 1965, today the Association Guadeloupéenne pour le Planning Familial (AGPF), also known as La Maternite Consciente, oversees maternal and child welfare, and manages immunization, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS programmes. It also monitors other work and needs related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). It operates 5 clinics, which provide contraceptive services, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, pap smears, STI screening and pre- and post-abortion counselling. AGPF also delivers outreach educational services on contraception and SRH in Creole, to promote the use of clinical services, particularly among migrants from neighbouring islands such as Dominca, Haiti and St.Lucia, who frequently wish to use SRH services but are unable to pay. The organization has been an affiliate member of IPPF through The Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA) for many years, and became a full Member Association in November 2022. Colectivo Rebeldía began its activities in March 1995. A group of feminist women articulated to, from our rebellions, influence and broaden the impact of the dreams of dignity and full life for women. Their mission - from critical and purposeful rebellion, recreates feminisms through sexual freedoms, knowledge, dialogues and knowledge together with empowered women and organizations, transforming society, the economy and politics to live well. As they celebrate their second decade, Colectivo Rebeldía remain a powerful front for the women's and feminist movement at a local and national level in Bolivia. And a consistent institution in its fight for the exercise of women's rights and social justice. Colectivo became a Member Association of IPPF in November 2022.  

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) celebrates the launch of the first report of the High-Level Commission on the Nairobi Summit (HLC). The commission is a full independent advisory board comprised of 26 members from different sectors, tasked with monitoring progress on The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.  Whilst we acknowledge that some progress has been made, IPPF regrets to read that no region is on track to fully implement and deliver on their ICPD commitments.   Monitoring the implementation of life-saving sexual and reproductive health and gender-responsive services is crucial to ensure accountability and human rights for all. This is why IPPF launched its ICPD+25 Nairobi Summit report - A roadmap to fulfilling the promise, and our ICPD commitments tracker database, which analyses the commitments made by governments of 137 countries who participated in the Nairobi summit in 2019 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ICPD Programme of Action.   IPPF fully supports the sexual and reproductive justice frame and is committed to following the recommendations of the call to action of the report:  1) making justice the end goal,   (2) putting rights and development at the core of action,   (3) thinking differently and pursuing innovations in health-care service delivery,   (4) reaching further and prioritizing marginalized groups facing the worst disparities in terms of sexual and reproductive justice,   (5) tracking and increasing funding for SRHR, and   (6) creating new narratives around sexual and reproductive justice that are accurate and powerful enough to counter ongoing oppositional voices.  Anamaria Bejar, Global Director of Advocacy said:  “We are facing a critical crossroad – the report makes it clear that governments need to act now and fast. Sexual and reproductive health and rights can no longer hang in the balance; they are non-negotiable. The pandemic has shown us just how fragile access to sexual and reproductive health services is, and how the opposition has used the cover of covid to attack hard-won rights including access to safe abortion care. IPPF Member Associations will continue to deliver on our commitments to ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are or who they are, access high-quality healthcare and realize their full rights." Dr Alvaro Bermejo, IPPF’s Director-General added:  “The report is a sobering reminder that we are far from reaching the commitments made at ICPD. Cairo was a historic moment for sexual and reproductive health and rights, but over 25 years later, we are still falling short of its vision, and have made little progress since Nairobi. Women, girls, and people from marginalized communities cannot wait any longer, nor should they. Governments need to do more; this means more financial investment, more political will, and a sense of urgency to get us back on track.” 

The International Planned Parenthood Federation regional office for the Americas and The Caribbean celebrates this huge win for LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean. We stand with our allies - especially SKNAFE and ECADE, in strong solidarity with the ongoing fight for decriminalization in other Caribbean countries and advocate through our Member Associations for much-needed access to healthcare services free from stigma and discrimination.   In a statement released yesterday Executive Director of ECADE, Kenita Placide said of the ruling, “[Of] the seven Caribbean and 34 Commonwealth countries that criminalised same sex intimacy, this is the second to strike down these discriminatory laws in 2022. Our strategy has been multilayered; working with activists on the ground, our colleagues, friends, allies and family. This win is part of the transformative journey to full recognition of LGBTQ persons across the OECS. It is a definitive yes to change, yes to privacy, yes to freedom of expression, and we are happy to be part of this historic moment.”  Today Saint Kitts and Nevis Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled that sections 56 and 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act were unconstitutional. This has made Saint Kitts and Nevis the second Caribbean territory this year to decriminalize same-sex intimacy after a similar ruling in Antigua and Barbuda.     Looking to the decriminalization cases which have been launched in St. Vincent & Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, and Dominica, IPPF strongly urges these states - and others around the region to do their part and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens.     We expect and look forward to more courts standing in defense of their citizen's human rights and dignity.    

Blog by Irma Ramos Executive Director of INPPARES featured in El Comercio Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) plays an essential role in the health and well-being of all people. Having CSE in schools will provide children and adolescents with an education based on the promotion, protection and exercise of their human rights. Despite the efforts and implementation of strategies by various state agencies, there is no significant decrease in adolescent pregnancy. During the two years of confinement, we have presented cases of sexual violence and forced unions, especially in adolescents who required counselling on their sexual and reproductive health. In 2020 alone, the most critical year of the pandemic in Peru, 1,158 adolescents under the age of 15 became mothers, according to INEI. The Demographic and Family Health Survey (Endes, 2021) reveals that, of the 8.9 per cent of pregnancies registered in women aged 15-19, only 33.6 per cent completed primary school. The same source indicates that 6.9 per cent of women aged 15-49 have suffered physical violence by their husband or partner in the last 12 months and, of this figure, 1.8 per cent admit to having been sexually abused by their partner. Furthermore, in 2021, 146 femicides and 123 attempted femicides were perpetrated, according to the Ombudsman's Office. This is why, if we empower women from a young age with education, support and access to services so that they can exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, we will advance in the construction of gender equality with a rights-based approach. The Comprehensive Sex Education Guidelines for Regular Basic Education (RVM-169-2021-MINEDU) were approved almost a year ago. From Inppares, we have promoted the first network of CSE advocate teachers at national level, in order to contribute through them to the empowerment of students, collaborating in their self-knowledge, self-care, relationships and sexuality; helping them to cope in a world where violence, gender-based inequalities, unplanned teenage pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose serious risks to their health and wellbeing. As civil society, we regret that children and adolescents continue to be recurrent victims of various forms of violence. The experiences they go through are harrowing and in most cases are faced alone. It affects them physically, psychologically and socially and, for the most part, prevents them from fulfilling their dreams and life projects. With regard to the legal framework, we are lagging behind in comparison with other countries in the region. In Latin America, six countries have laws that promote Comprehensive Sexuality Education (Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Uruguay). Meanwhile, in our country, achieving a norm with the status of law seems to be getting further and further away with initiatives such as the recent bill 904-2021-CR, which seeks to allow certain groups of parents' associations to supervise educational texts and materials without having the technical and pedagogical requirements to carry out such an important task. It is due to this ungrateful reality that we advocate for gender equality, healthy relationships, healthy sexual behaviour and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections from a positive, scientific, educational perspective, promoting a culture of prevention and emphasising values such as respect, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, responsibility and reciprocity. From civil society, we advocate politically and publicly in favour of CSE, through alliances and constant dialogue with stakeholders, authorities, organisations, journalists, teachers and adolescents and young people, with the aim of influencing public policies, promoting the sexual and reproductive well-being of people living in Peru, as well as the free exercise of their rights. Irma Ramos Executive Director of Inppares