Multicountry research on comprehensive abortion policy implementation in Latin America: a mixed-methods study...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Health Policy

Background:

• Restrictive abortion laws in Latin America create barriers for women, adolescents, and girls seeking reproductive healthcare.
• Despite improvements, many still face obstacles in exercising their reproductive rights.
• Comprehensive abortion care is crucial for preventing maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess comprehensive abortion policies in Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and Uruguay.
• To identify barriers, facilitators, and strategies for implementing abortion policies.
• To inform future safe abortion policy development and improve current implementation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method design utilizing the Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality of Care model.
• Data collection through desk reviews and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders.
• Analysis using thematic and stakeholder analysis, followed by a regional synthesis.

Main Results:

• The study will identify specific barriers and facilitators across regulatory frameworks, policy dynamics, service delivery, and health systems.
• Cross-cutting lessons will be drawn to inform policy and practice.
• The research aims to provide actionable insights for improving safe abortion access.

Conclusions:

• Understanding implementation challenges is key to enhancing safe abortion policies in Latin America.
• Evidence-based strategies are needed to overcome barriers and improve access to comprehensive abortion care.
• This research will contribute to advancing reproductive rights and health outcomes in the region.