Latin America & the Caribbean

Abortion is heavily restricted throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Consequently, unsafe abortion is one of the most critical reproductive health issues in the region: It is estimated that 1,100 people die annually due to complications related to abortion in LAC, and thousands more suffer from related illnesses and injuries. Our projects in the LAC region focus on generating new and leveraging existing evidence to change abortion policies at the national, local, and hospital/clinic levels; improving professional practices; eliminating stigma; and ensuring that women have access to quality services even in settings where abortion is highly legally restricted. We also participate in regional networks working to reduce unsafe abortion, such as the Latin American Consortium Against Unsafe Abortion, the African Network on Medical Abortion, and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics’ initiative on unsafe abortion.

Our hope is that these efforts help people exercise their sexual and reproductive rights in the face of restrictive laws, support efforts to liberalize abortion laws, and result in expanded access to safe abortion and other sexual and reproductive health services.