IPPF ACRO participates in the C20 Conception Meeting in Brazil. Kamilah Morain, Director of Member Association Support and Development at ACRO, participated in the inaugural meeting of the C20 Engagement Group in Recife, Brazil. This group plans and proposes policies for the upcoming G20 forum, which will take place in November 2024, focusing on issues such as health and education. As the co-facilitator of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality working group, she will, on behalf of IPPF ACRO, seek to ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard by the G20 leaders. This is crucial because the G20 represents a large portion of the global economy and trade.   Profamilia ready to host the Seventh International Conference on Family Planning in November 2025. For the first time in history, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) will be held in Latin America, and Profamilia Colombia will be a co-host! Alongside the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Reproductive Health and Population and the Government of Colombia and the Valle del Lili Foundation, Profamilia will welcome thousands of family planning professionals from November 3rd to 6th, 2025, in Colombia. The ICFP serves as a gathering point for governments, institutions, researchers, activists, and professionals seeking to promote collaboration and innovation in sexual and reproductive health. On this occasion, Colombia has been chosen as the venue due to the government's commitment and the efforts of social movements that have resulted in significant advances in access to sexual and reproductive health for Colombian people. See you there!   Gestos succeeds in canceling the HIV and other STI testing requirement in the city of Lagoa do Carro, Brazil. Thanks to a complaint from Gestos' legal team, and in collaboration with Caop Cidadania and the Public Ministry of Carpina, the municipal government of Lagoa do Carro canceled the requirement to undergo HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C testing in its contests. This significant victory for human rights and the advancement of sexual and reproductive health is a reminder that demanding STI test results is a discriminatory practice that violates human rights. Furthermore, in Brazil, the right to confidentiality is guaranteed by law. Congratulations to the Gestos team for their hard work in guaranteeing the rights of people living with HIV!   Kamala Harris visits a Planned Parenthood clinic and becomes the first Vice President of the United States to visit an abortion clinic. The sixth stop on Vice President Kamala Harris's "Fighting for Reproductive Freedom" Tour was a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. It has been a great opportunity for the Vice President to see the great work that Planned Parenthood does every day to provide sexual and reproductive health care, including safe abortion. In the months leading up to the presidential elections, she has positioned herself as an advocate for access to abortion in a complicated context following the Supreme Court's recent decisions on this issue. "It is right and just that people have access to the health care they need," Kamala Harris said at a press conference.   If you want to receive SRHR news directly from the ground to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter "Rising the Tide". Subscribe

Gestos and IPPF ACRO express their concern about the current position of the Brazilian government regarding guaranteeing the right to abortion, as established by law. We join organizations expressing outrage at the maintenance of guidelines from the previous government, which, in an attack on the rights of people with uteruses, set a limit of 21 weeks and 6 days for legal abortion. We reinforce that there is no gestational time limit for abortion in cases provided by law and that the SUS (Unified Health System) must attend to all individuals in need, without imposing limitations, without any prejudice or discrimination against those seeking the service.

Today's ruling by the High Court in St Vincent and the Grenadines, which maintains the criminalization of consensual same-sex activity, is deeply disappointing and regressive. Despite global strides towards LGBTQI+ equality, this decision perpetuates colonial-era laws that infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals. IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office (ACRO) stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities and vehemently condemns any legislation that discriminates based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We firmly believe in the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Eugenia López Uribe, Regional Director of IPPF ACRO, expresses profound concern, stating, "Today's ruling is a setback for human rights and equality in the Caribbean region. It is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that LGBTQI+ individuals continue to face in accessing justice and equality. IPPF ACRO is deeply committed to supporting LGBTQI+ rights, and we will continue to advocate for legal reform and inclusive policies that uphold the dignity and well-being of all individuals." This ruling underscores the urgent need for legal reform and advocacy to ensure equal rights and protections for LGBTQI+ people. Criminalization not only perpetuates stigma and discrimination but also obstructs access to vital healthcare services, prevention and treatment.

By Eugenia López Uribe Regional Director of IPPF ACRO   The recent decision by the High Court of St Vincent and the Grenadines to uphold the criminalisation of consensual same-sex activity is deeply regressive and unacceptable.  Despite global progress towards LGBTQI+ ‘s rights, this decision aims to perpetuate colonial-era laws and asan organization committed to equality and the access to healthcare for all, IPPF ACRO stands with Javin Johnson and Sean Macleish, the two gay men who demanded a change in the law in their country, so they can live free from discrimination, prejudice and enjoy  the same rights as all citizens.  By supporting Johnson and Macleish, we also support all  LGTBQ+ community in in St Vincent and the Grenadines. They should not continue to be let down, it is their government obligation to guarantee their right to live healthy lives, free from any stigma, prejudice and violence Besides, it is concerning to witness setbacks on other continents and IPPF is also taking action about the recent decision by Ghana's parliament to intensify the crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ+ people by imposing a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities". Both recent decisions indicate  the continued pressure from fundamentalist groups seeking to regress and perpetuate colonial and backward views on gender and sexual diversity. However,  from our side, we will continue to work tirelessly around the world to stop these regressive laws and to defend the rights of LGTBQ+ communities.  These decisions affect the lives of millions of people who are once again at the center of violence supported by governments that should not be criminalizing them for being who they are, for loving who they love. We all have equal sexual and reproductive rights. Let us be clear: we will intensify our efforts against those regressive laws. And we know we will succeed.

IPPF ACRO launches Caribbean Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The Caribbean Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, a pioneering initiative led by IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office (IPPF ACRO) was launched in late 2023 to contribute to strengthening regional cooperation to build an equitable future for access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the elimination of gender-based inequities in the Caribbean. At the ceremony, held in the capital of Trinidad & Tobago, IPPF Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean Eugenia Lopez said, "We are proud to launch the best Integrated SRHR/GBV Virtual Knowledge Platform to improve data sharing and collaboration between governments and communities to ensure women's ability to exercise their human rights. The initiative, supported by the UN/European Union Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme and UNFPA, as well as a dynamic coalition of Caribbean organisations committed to the well-being of the Region, will gather evidence-based data that will help inform decisions and drive effective action and real change. Learn more about the Observatory Follow them on instagram to be on the loop Mexico and the discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV  In January, the Mexico City Congress repealed Chapter II, "Danger of Contagion", and Article 159 of the local Penal Code, which stated that: "Anyone who, knowing that he or she suffers from a serious disease during an infectious period, endangers the health of another by sexual relations or any other transmissible means, provided that the victim is not aware of this circumstance, shall be sentenced to three months to three years' imprisonment and a fine of fifty to three hundred days' imprisonment. It continued: "If the disease suffered is incurable, imprisonment of three months to ten years and a fine of five hundred to two thousand days shall be imposed. This crime will be prosecuted by complaint of the victim or offended party".  IPPF member organization Mexfam welcomed the repeal of this article stating on its networks "as an important step forward in the fight against discrimination and stigmatisation of people with HIV. This step brings us closer to a more inclusive and respectful world. Education, empathy and support are our tools to build a future without stigma".  We congratulate all those involved in its repeal. Profamilia is certified in Colombia for contraception programme  The organization Profamilia received the bronze certification of its contraception programme as a High Performance Clinical Unit (HPCU) under the standards of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), one of the 3 models of excellence available in the world that highlights the good management practices that successful companies worldwide have implemented with excellent operational and quality results.   In Colombia, this model has been widely implemented, especially in the health sector, with the certification of High Performance Clinical Units, which takes into account the care component of humanisation and evidence-based medicine. Thus, with this certification Profamilia continues to strengthen its clinical, operational and social care model to continue contributing to the guarantee of Sexual and Reproductive Rights.  "We are proud and motivated to receive the certification as a High Performance Clinical Unit thanks to our contraception programme. It is a recognition of decades of determined work for the guarantee of Sexual and Reproductive Rights and a message of confidence for all people in Colombia who can find in Profamilia the best ally to access timely and humanized services in sexual and reproductive health". Marta Royo, Executive Director of Profamilia, said. Brazil - Aging of trans and transvestite women made visible in Recife The pioneering initiative by the NGO Gestos - Soropositividade, Comunicação e Gênero, consisted of training a group of transvestites and trans women over 50 years of age in Recife, Brazil, with the aim of providing support, listening and thematic training on the ageing of this population, seeking to contribute to their social inclusion, visibility and citizenship. In conjunction with these activities, a socio-demographic survey was also carried out with the aim of drawing up a profile of this population in order to develop recommendations for public policy makers involved with the needs identified by them.  The TRAVESTI TAMBÉM ENVELHECE project was supported by the Conselho Municipal de Defesa dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa do Recife (COMDIR) and sponsored by the Articulação e Movimento para Travestis e Transexuais de Pernambuco (Amotrans), Nova Associação de Travestis e Transgêneros de Pernambuco (NATRAPE), Gerência de Livre Orientação Sexual (GLOS) of Recife, Fórum LGBT de PE, and Conselho Estadual de Promoção dos Direitos da População LGBTI+ de Pernambuco.  To download the study click here. Honduras -Call to join the network of volunteers in the reduction of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV  The organization Llaves opens call to join the network of volunteers committed to the creation of spaces, learning plans and comprehensive education that generate positive changes in communities in terms of human rights. LLAVES (Cry, Courage and Effort) is a group of activists and professionals of all ages who are concerned about improving the lives of people with HIV, and its network helps to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people with HIV, with the vision of building a more just and respectful society.  Registration is open at https://www.organizacionllaves.org/voluntario

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.