Policy climate, scholarship, and provision of emergency contraception at affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Emergency contraception (EC) has great potential to decrease the incidence and resulting consequences of unwanted pregnancy, including unsafe abortion. We conducted this study to understand EC practices in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We contacted 43 International Planned Parenthood Federation affiliates in LAC to interview them about EC availability. We collected family planning norms and researched registered EC products in LAC. We searched English- and Spanish-language sources to compile EC literature reviews. Thirty-seven affiliates (86%) responded to the survey, and 62% offer EC. Central and South American affiliates are more likely to offer EC than are Caribbean affiliates. Of those offering EC, 96% offer cut-up packets of oral contraceptives, whereas six affiliates offer dedicated products. Of those not offering EC, 79% believe it constitutes abortion. EC availability and support for the method appear to be increasing in LAC, and clearer distinctions between EC and abortion in medical and policy guidelines should increase acceptance further.
Diaz-Olavarrieta
Claudia
C
Population Council, Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office, Mexico City, Mexico.
Turner
Abigail Norris
AN
Ellertson
Charlotte
C
Helzner
Judith F
JF
Ezcurra
Enrique
E
D017691:Caribbean Region; D003153:Community Health Services; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003906:Developing Countries; D016656:Family Planning Policy; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007802:Language; D007843:Latin America; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital