Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
This study examined how pregnancy prevention and management services (specifically, the provision of emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and termination or referral for termination of pregnancy services) feature within post-rape care services in sub-Saharan Africa. The study drew on a range of sources via a desk review, as well as on information provided through key informant interviews. The existence of numerous national guidelines in the region demonstrates countries’ desire to respond to this public health and legal challenge. However, if left in their current state, the gaps and inconsistencies observed across most national guidelines contribute to a violation of survivors’ rights and of good medical practice as outlined in international protocols. The report concludes that countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region would benefit from intensive support to update and consolidate guidance on these critical issues, and outlines a number of recommendations arising from the findings.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Jill, Chi-Chi Undie, and Ian Askew. 2014. "Access to emergency contraception and safe abortion services for survivors of rape: A review of policies, programmes and country experiences in sub-Saharan Africa," STEP UP Research Report. Nairobi: Population Council.
DOI
10.31899/rh4.1051
Language
English
Project
Strengthening Evidence for Programming on Unintended Pregnancy (STEP UP)
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Women's Health Commons