Articles about Advocacy

Haz click aquí para leer esta historia en español.   From June 30th to July 4th, fifteen Member Associations and Collaborative partners joined IPPF ACRO secretariat as a delegation to attend the 5th Regional Conference on Population and Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (RCPD). The RCPD brought together regional UN Member States, representatives of the UN system and civil society organizations to evaluate achievements and challenges in the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus, a regional roadmap essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   In our region, IPPF has been following up the Population and Development agenda through Cairo +30 as well as the Montevideo Consensus +10, advocating for more concrete progress at national, regional and international levels, including demanding adequate financing and accountability processes. For IPPF ACRO, following up on the Population and Development agenda means also advocating for legislative changes that support sexual and reproductive rights. This goes hand in hand with monitoring public policies to ensure that national and subnational governments provide sexual and reproductive health services that are available, accessible, acceptable, and of high quality.  This year, the IPPF ACRO delegation was comprised of representatives of Member Associations and Collaborative Partners in Antigua, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a regional office team with Eugenia López Uribe, our regional director, Kamilah Morain, MA Support and Development Director, Ela Urquijo, Youth Networker and Gabriela García, Architect of Cooperation for the Americas.   Together we organized three side events and for the first time, we endeavored in an Advocacy School for Youth, in collaboration with Profamilia and FP2030, aiming to strengthen their advocacy skills.   Besides, since historically, the Caribbean region has been left aside from high-level spaces in our region, IPPF ACRO showed in Cartegena its commitment to changing the landscape  “Because of the dynamic nature of the Caribbean, it is extremely important to have the Caribbean represented in forums like the RCPD,” says Natasha Jervier-Carbon, Executive Director of the Dominica Planned Parenthood Association (DPPA), IPPF Member. “The only way the Caribbean can be truly reflected is by having the actual presence of the Caribbean in the spaces and allowing individuals who live the life, and who understand the nature of the Caribbean to speak on behalf of the Caribbean.” 

Haz click aquí para leer el texto en español.   Closing inequality gaps in Latin America and the Caribbean is possible   By Eugenia López Uribe, IPPF ACRO Regional Director   Nowadays, technology allows us to disaggregate population data and gain a more precise understanding of the diversity of people worldwide. This data plays a fundamental role in shaping public policies, laws, and programs that genuinely address the needs and promote the well-being of the population. However, in certain communities, inequality acts as a barrier, hindering a detailed assessment of their composition and needs. Additionally, there are marginalized groups whose needs and gaps, though glaringly evident, remain deprioritized.  The data speaks for itself: in the 21st century, for instance, women are 30% less likely than men to be employed and more likely to experience poverty and age without adequate pensions. In the realm of sexual and reproductive health, approximately 18 million women in Latin America and the Caribbean have an unmet need for modern contraception. Furthermore, 1,500 hospitals specializing in maternal health and family planning are situated in coastal areas prone to natural hazards, necessitating a deeper exploration of the link between climate emergencies and healthcare access. In this challenging context, the agreements signed by our countries regarding Population and Development demand heightened attention and greater responsibility from UN member states.  On a global scale, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals serve as our roadmap “to end poverty, protect the planet, and enhance the lives and prospects of people everywhere.” Over the past decade, Latin America and the Caribbean have had one of the most progressive documents for monitoring the implementation of this Agenda: the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development. Despite this clear roadmap, progress in terms of rights and development remains insufficient, revealing a weak and disjointed commitment on the part of regional governments.  To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, urgent action is needed. Countries must prioritize access to sexual and reproductive health, respond effectively to climate emergencies, and eradicate poverty. Central to this effort is placing women—in all their diversity—and other vulnerable populations at the heart of policy decisions. In pursuit of this goal, an IPPF ACRO delegation actively participated in the 5th Meeting of the Regional Conference on Population and Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (CRPD), organized by ECLAC from June 30 to July 4.  IPPF ACRO’s strong delegation arrived in Cartagena, Colombia comprising Member Associations and Collaborating Partners from across the region. As part of the official delegations from ECLAC member countries, IPPF ACRO members passionately advocated for the implementation of priority issues related to women and vulnerable populations.  The recent conference happened during an exceptionally challenging period—a time when focused efforts and increased funding are urgently needed to address the triple global crisis and the widening inequalities. However, the results presented in the regional report on the implementation of the Consensus fail to provide convincing evidence of a genuine commitment to accelerating the population and development agenda.  Within our region, we grapple with social, fiscal, and economic challenges that hinder sustainable development. Poverty and inequality levels have worsened, public budgets remain strained due to the pandemic’s impact, and economic growth continues to fall short of its potential. Shockingly, nearly 18% of the population now lives on less than $3.1 a day—a poverty threshold that surpasses that of a decade ago. Moreover, sovereign debt has surged to over 70% of GDP. So, where is the commitment to bridging these gaps?  Beyond this troubling context, we cannot ignore the disproportionate impact on women—in all their diversity—and other vulnerable populations. Women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, sex workers, people living with HIV, youth, and displaced communities bear the brunt of slow progress in implementing the Montevideo Consensus. When it comes to addressing the real needs of our region, governments seem hesitant to acknowledge their responsibility in providing the necessary resources to fulfill the commitments made in Montevideo back in 2013. Additionally, they must recognize that we are currently facing a climate emergency—an issue that cannot be sidelined in the agreements they sign.  As we observe World Population Day, the stark reality confronts us: millions of people live in an unequal, unjust, and urgent world. Yet, if governments persistently choose not to allocate resources for meaningful change, what purpose do their commitments serve? 

Haz click aquí para leer en español. Political Declaration of the Social Forum of Feminist networks, organizations and collectives at the Fifth Regional Conference on Population and Development   Cartagena, Colombia, July 3rd 2024.- From a feminist, human rights, youth, anti-racist, anti-ableism and intersectionality perspective, it is essential to address the diverse and complex realities of all human groups without discrimination. The networks and organizations of feminist, indigenous, Afro- descendant, lesbian, transgender, youth, elderly, disabled, sex workers, women with HIV, all human rights defenders and committed to the fulfilment of the Program of Action of the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and all international commitments emanating from it, we are present today to highlight: That the Montevideo Consensus has been a crucial framework for advancing the protection and promotion of human rights in our region. We have seen improvements in access to sexual and reproductive health, inclusive education and political participation of women and other historically marginalized groups. We especially recognize the advances in the legal frameworks that guarantee access to sexual and reproductive rights to transform them into public policies, as in the case of: decriminalization of abortion in some countries in the region, comprehensive sexuality education, gender parity, access to justice and protection in cases of gender-based violence, and budgets earmarked for exceptional cases. However, these advances are insufficient, do not cover historically excluded populations and have been implemented unevenly and slowly during these almost eleven years. In fact, setbacks and threats of loss of rights have been identified in many countries of the region. We are alarmed by the persistent inequality that exacerbates violence and the lack of access to rights. The prevalent conditions of violence against women, young people, adolescents and girls, in all their diversity, as well as against people with disabilities, both in the family and in the institutional sphere, are unacceptable. Download and read the full declaration here:  

The International Planned Parenthood Federation’s Regional Office in the Americas and the Caribbean (IPPF ACRO) congratulates Claudia Sheinbaum, who has made history as the first female president in Mexico. We share our hope that this election represents an opportunity to renew efforts in advancing gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights.  “The cultural shift happening in Mexico that has allowed a woman to be elected as president cannot go unnoticed,” said Eugenia López Uribe, IPPF ACRO Regional Director. “Indeed, it is not only a historic moment for Mexico, but for the region, an opportunity to face the anti-rights movements positioned in the highest government levels, and to react to them with human rights- based polices, programs and services.”  In the past few years, Mexico has, on several occasions, proven its commitment to be a secular state that respects reproductive and sexual autonomy. In 2022, the Mexican Supreme Court declared abortion criminalization to be unconstitutional. The Court mandated every state must take steps to guarantee access to safe abortion, and 20 of the 32 states adopted reforms that recognize and protect transgender people when they wish to officially change their gender marker on identity documents. Both are examples of significant progress towards sexual and reproductive justice, which has allowed public institutions and civil society organizations, including the Mexican Family Planning Foundation, Mexfam, to provide sexual and reproductive health access to underserved communities around the country.  Mexican women and girls in all their diversity, LGBTQI+ folks, sex workers, people living with HIV, youth, displaced people, people living in poverty, and those in more vulnerable situations need not only progress in law making processes, but efficient public policies to guarantee they have real access to such rights. In this historical moment, IPPF ACRO urges the newly elected government to continue building a human rights-based structure that will eliminate social and legal barriers hindering access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This includes essential services such as gender-based violence prevention, abortion care, fertility care, HIV and STI treatment, and gender-affirming care. Particular attention must be given to those who, due to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, geography, education, or financial situation, have been systematically left behind.  “There has been considerable progress made towards advancing sexual and reproductive rights in the last years,” stated Eugenia López Uribe, who is Mexican herself. “Our hope is that president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum together with the more than 20,000 public officials elected on June 2 will join us to further guaranteeing adequate financing to guarantee the right to high-quality services related to sexuality and reproduction, to the 127.5 million people living in Mexico.” 

The networks, organizations and collectives of civil society: feminists, indigenous, Afro-descendants,LGBTI+, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, sex workers and local communities, among others, whoare committed to the follow-up of the Regional Conference on Population and Development (RCPD), andto the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus, are gathered, in the framework of its fifth PresidingOfficers and the extraordinary session on the tenth anniversary of this transcendent regional agreement,to state that: The Montevideo Consensus represents a fundamental milestone in the promotion and protection ofhuman rights in Latin America and the Caribbean, and we celebrate its importance as a comprehensivedocument that addresses a wide range of issues crucial to sustainable development and the individualand collective well-being of all people in their different stages of life.

Diverse youth from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered at the Montevideo +10 Youth Forum, which took place virtually on October 30 and in person on November 12, 2023, within the framework of the 5th meeting Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Population and Development and the 10th anniversary of the Montevideo Consensus. We came together to listen, analyze, and understand the context of the region. During these discussions, we shared our concerns, demands, and proposals to continue advancing towards the full implementation of the Montevideo Consensus.

International Planned Parenthood Federation Americas and the Caribbean Region (IPPF ACRO) was well represented at this year's International Conference on Family Planning, with representation from Mexico and Peru as well as the IPPF ACRO team whose delegation joined colleges from around the globe in Thiland to participate.      About ICFP Since the first ICFP in Kampala, Uganda in 2009, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) has served as a strategic inflection point for the global reproductive health community, providing a global stage for countries, organizations, and individuals to make important commitments and celebrate achievements as the world’s largest scientific conference on family planning and reproductive health. ICFP has become much more than a conference – it has grown into a platform for researchers, advocates, governments and communities; a movement towards achieving access to family planning for all; and a growing community guided by the spirit of partnership, inclusivity, innovation and scientific rigor.     As the larger family planning community looks “beyond 2020” to realign our goals and reposition for the future of family planning, ICFP 2022 will be a strategic benchmark as the community prepares to recommit to a goal of universal access by 2030.      

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.  

On the US Supreme Court's draft opinion on Roe v Wade, Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General for IPPF, said: "If the reports are true, then the highest court in the land has reached its lowest point. If they continue down the road of overturning Roe v Wade, they will rob millions of people of their liberty, bodily autonomy, and their freedom – the very values the United States prides itself on. "This decision will also embolden other Conservative extremist movements around the world, looking to deny women their reproductive freedom. Make no mistake, this ruling will cost millions of lives for years to come. "The Supreme Court still has time to do the right thing and uphold Roe v Wade. IPPF will do all it can to ensure people can safely end their pregnancy."  For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]  About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.   For over 65 years, IPPF through its 118 Member Associations and 15 partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare and helped advance sexual rights, especially for people with intersectional and diverse needs that are currently unmet. Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means the support and care they provide is informed by local expertise and context. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity – no matter what. Main image: Abortion rights protest in Washington DC, US – Photo by Manny Becerra on Unsplash