From Pledge to Practice: A Call for FIGO/WHO to Issue Harmonized, Consolidated Abortion Care Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Maternal Health
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and unsafe abortion are leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide.
• Existing guidelines for PPH and abortion care may lack consistency, potentially hindering effective implementation.
• Harmonization of clinical guidelines is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the launch of the first consolidated postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management guidelines.
• To advocate for the development of harmonized, consistent abortion care guidelines.
• To reduce contradictory recommendations and enhance the uptake of evidence-based practices in maternal healthcare.

Main Methods:

• The launch of consolidated PPH guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO), Federation International of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), and International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
• Inauguration of "End PPH" and "Safe abortion saves women. Denial takes them." pledge walls at the XXV FIGO 2025 congress.
• A call for collaboration between WHO, FIGO, Society of Family Planning (SFP), and other guideline-setting bodies.

Main Results:

• First-ever consolidated PPH management guidelines were launched.
• Commitment to addressing PPH and unsafe abortion as key maternal mortality causes was established.
• A need for consolidated abortion care guidelines was identified.

Conclusions:

• The launch of unified PPH guidelines represents a significant step in maternal health.
• Harmonizing abortion care guidelines is essential to address inconsistencies and improve patient outcomes.
• Collaborative efforts are needed to develop and implement consistent, evidence-based recommendations for maternal healthcare globally.