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We Made It a Charter: IPPF’s Declaration of Values
Proud, bold, and united: we are values-led.
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We Made It a Charter: IPPF’s Declaration of Values
On November 20, 2025, at IPPF’s General Assembly in Bali, our Federation unanimously adopted its first ever IPPF Charter of Values, delivering on our collective comm
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IPPF-ESEAOR TO HOST FP2030 ASIA-PACIFIC HUB
IPPF-ESEAOR will serve as the host of FP2030 Asia Pacific Regional Hub starting this year.
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| 19 March 2021
SGBV Fundamentals training successfully rolled out across all IPPF Pacific Member Associations
People all over the world are facing the reality of the climate crisis – in many parts of the world this is manifesting in an increased volatility of extreme weather events. Risks of sexual and gender-based violence are heightened during humanitarian crises and in times of displacement. Both can be expected to increase as a result of more severe and frequent extreme weather events and the slow onset effects of the climate crisis, such as sea level rise. The Pacific Region is home to some of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, including Vanuatu and Tonga, rated as the first and second most ‘at-risk’ countries in the world for natural hazards. A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents data from the largest ever study of the prevalence of violence against women. While the numbers reveal already alarmingly high rates of violence against women and girls, WHO and partners warn that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased women’s exposure to violence, as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services. The same report found that the region of Oceania (which includes the Pacific) has the highest prevalence rates of intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49 in the world: 51% in Melanesia, 41% in Micronesia, and 39% in Polynesia. IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Pacific have been providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to women and girls for decades. There is a close intersection between SRH care and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) care, as it is often the medical personnel who provide women with SRH who are in the best position to identify – and then provide services or refer – SGBV cases. A growing need for SGBV training for our MAs who operate in humanitarian settings was recognised by IPPF. With support from the Australian Government, IPPF developed an in-house training package – the SGBV Fundamentals Training - that has now been successfully rolled out to all nine MAs across the Pacific Region. The SGBV Fundamentals training material was developed by the IPPF Humanitarian Pacific team utilising resources from the WHO Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence, IASC Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action and UNFPA material as an introduction to the Gender, SGBV, and first-line support. The SGBV Fundamentals Training targets management, clinical and program staff, and is delivered over four days as an in-house training to build staff’s capacity to deliver first-line support to SGBV survivors. One of the MAs that took part in IPPF’s SGBV Fundamentals Training was the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), which was established in 1980 and is the leading SRHR organization in the country. Due to the wide reach of services SIPPA provides across the country, in preparedness for humanitarian events, SIPPA identified the need to strengthen the capacity of all its staff to respond to SGBV in emergencies. The focus was to equip clinical, program and volunteer staff to provide first-line SGBV support in emergency and stable times. In order to provide such services, the training addressed the foundation skills and knowledge of SGBV and how this enables the first-line support approach. The training took place over three days, and included 16 staff members, including clinical staff. Ben Angoa, Executive Director of SIPPA, speaks of the SGBV situation in the Solomon Islands: “From what I have seen and experienced through providing services, it’s a pressing issue that needs to be carefully looked at. For us, it’s quite alarming and something that the government should be considering as high priority”. “For the past two years, most of the clients I see are girls/students under the age of 24. Their parents bring them in. They have experienced sexual violence and the parents are worried they might be pregnant. We have a very strong partnership with the Christian Care Centre, so most of their cases are referred to us. We also have people from the community where we have been doing awareness of SGBV to bring survivors directly to our clinic. People are feeling more comfortable coming to our clinic due to the set-up, environment and the sort of quality services our nurses provide.” SIPPA is part of the SafeNet programme in the Solomon Islands, so they have a referral pathway to the police and to social welfare if clients decide they want to pursue the case with the police. SafeNet is a network of government and non-government organizations in the country working on new ways to improve quality services for survivors of SGBV. Mr Angoa explains “We were accepted in 2018 to be part of the SafeNet programme. They gave us two mandates: SGBV awareness and clinical services. We were so fortunate to have the training from IPPF, it really helped us set the direction and see how important our services are. Without that training, although we became a member of SafeNet, we really didn’t provide quality services in that area. After the training, our nurses knew everything about GBV, even our volunteers knew about GBV. Some of our clients hide themselves from being a victim. But during the clinical visits we would do awareness with them and some of our cases were discovered during that time. It would be difficult for other service providers to set up the right environment, for us what makes the client more comfortable is our clinic”. SIPPA’s clinic set-up includes a gate outside and the facility is full fenced, they have security, and clients have to pass through the administration area before they get to the clinic. They have five rooms that are able to be locked. “Others cannot hear you inside the rooms as they are so protected. So, the set-up is quite different from other [organisations]. Other members from SafeNet admire our set up,” says Mr Angoa. After the SGBV Fundamentals Training in 2018, nurses and other medical personnel gained knowledge on how to ask questions to ascertain if a client is experiencing SGBV. “It is from the training that our staff learned how to identify people who were affected by SGBV. Before it was disorganised, but now we have a proper system for SGBV cases; this is the channel we need to follow. We take suspected SGBV cases out to the back of the clinic and send them straight to the nurse that we have appointed as our focal SGBV person. We started to improve our ways of providing services and looking after the survivors and ask about their safety – is it okay for you to go back to your family? This is where the referral pathway network comes in,” says Mr Angoa. Apart from the Solomon Islands, the SGBV Fundamentals Training was rolled out in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A recent survey of participants asked what their top learning outcomes were, with many respondents citing the fact they are now able to identify different types of violence (physical, sexual and psychological), the importance of referral pathways, eliminating victim blaming, how to speak to survivors in a sensitive manner, and the importance of confidentiality and trust. One survey respondent said, “Before, I always thought SGBV was the responsibility of other agencies. Since learning about SGBV, I now understand where I stand and how I should work around the issue. For example, I now have the confidence in identifying survivors, and in counselling survivors, and providing support for them.” IPPF has plans to build upon this training, by enabling first-line support provision through mentoring and building on the concepts covered in the SGBV Fundamentals. IPPF will also be supporting MAs to strengthen their clinical operations and networks to ensure safe, coordinated referrals can be offered to survivors of SGBV. It is indisputable that SGBV is linked to negative SRH outcomes for women and girls, and with the rising number of climate related disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating conditions that can lead to violence, it’s even more imperative that our MAs are equipped to respond to SGBV. As one respondent answered: “As a program facilitator, I learnt from this training that delivering the right information will help save a life”.
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| 19 March 2021
SGBV Fundamentals training successfully rolled out across all IPPF Pacific Member Associations
People all over the world are facing the reality of the climate crisis – in many parts of the world this is manifesting in an increased volatility of extreme weather events. Risks of sexual and gender-based violence are heightened during humanitarian crises and in times of displacement. Both can be expected to increase as a result of more severe and frequent extreme weather events and the slow onset effects of the climate crisis, such as sea level rise. The Pacific Region is home to some of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, including Vanuatu and Tonga, rated as the first and second most ‘at-risk’ countries in the world for natural hazards. A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents data from the largest ever study of the prevalence of violence against women. While the numbers reveal already alarmingly high rates of violence against women and girls, WHO and partners warn that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased women’s exposure to violence, as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services. The same report found that the region of Oceania (which includes the Pacific) has the highest prevalence rates of intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49 in the world: 51% in Melanesia, 41% in Micronesia, and 39% in Polynesia. IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Pacific have been providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to women and girls for decades. There is a close intersection between SRH care and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) care, as it is often the medical personnel who provide women with SRH who are in the best position to identify – and then provide services or refer – SGBV cases. A growing need for SGBV training for our MAs who operate in humanitarian settings was recognised by IPPF. With support from the Australian Government, IPPF developed an in-house training package – the SGBV Fundamentals Training - that has now been successfully rolled out to all nine MAs across the Pacific Region. The SGBV Fundamentals training material was developed by the IPPF Humanitarian Pacific team utilising resources from the WHO Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence, IASC Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action and UNFPA material as an introduction to the Gender, SGBV, and first-line support. The SGBV Fundamentals Training targets management, clinical and program staff, and is delivered over four days as an in-house training to build staff’s capacity to deliver first-line support to SGBV survivors. One of the MAs that took part in IPPF’s SGBV Fundamentals Training was the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), which was established in 1980 and is the leading SRHR organization in the country. Due to the wide reach of services SIPPA provides across the country, in preparedness for humanitarian events, SIPPA identified the need to strengthen the capacity of all its staff to respond to SGBV in emergencies. The focus was to equip clinical, program and volunteer staff to provide first-line SGBV support in emergency and stable times. In order to provide such services, the training addressed the foundation skills and knowledge of SGBV and how this enables the first-line support approach. The training took place over three days, and included 16 staff members, including clinical staff. Ben Angoa, Executive Director of SIPPA, speaks of the SGBV situation in the Solomon Islands: “From what I have seen and experienced through providing services, it’s a pressing issue that needs to be carefully looked at. For us, it’s quite alarming and something that the government should be considering as high priority”. “For the past two years, most of the clients I see are girls/students under the age of 24. Their parents bring them in. They have experienced sexual violence and the parents are worried they might be pregnant. We have a very strong partnership with the Christian Care Centre, so most of their cases are referred to us. We also have people from the community where we have been doing awareness of SGBV to bring survivors directly to our clinic. People are feeling more comfortable coming to our clinic due to the set-up, environment and the sort of quality services our nurses provide.” SIPPA is part of the SafeNet programme in the Solomon Islands, so they have a referral pathway to the police and to social welfare if clients decide they want to pursue the case with the police. SafeNet is a network of government and non-government organizations in the country working on new ways to improve quality services for survivors of SGBV. Mr Angoa explains “We were accepted in 2018 to be part of the SafeNet programme. They gave us two mandates: SGBV awareness and clinical services. We were so fortunate to have the training from IPPF, it really helped us set the direction and see how important our services are. Without that training, although we became a member of SafeNet, we really didn’t provide quality services in that area. After the training, our nurses knew everything about GBV, even our volunteers knew about GBV. Some of our clients hide themselves from being a victim. But during the clinical visits we would do awareness with them and some of our cases were discovered during that time. It would be difficult for other service providers to set up the right environment, for us what makes the client more comfortable is our clinic”. SIPPA’s clinic set-up includes a gate outside and the facility is full fenced, they have security, and clients have to pass through the administration area before they get to the clinic. They have five rooms that are able to be locked. “Others cannot hear you inside the rooms as they are so protected. So, the set-up is quite different from other [organisations]. Other members from SafeNet admire our set up,” says Mr Angoa. After the SGBV Fundamentals Training in 2018, nurses and other medical personnel gained knowledge on how to ask questions to ascertain if a client is experiencing SGBV. “It is from the training that our staff learned how to identify people who were affected by SGBV. Before it was disorganised, but now we have a proper system for SGBV cases; this is the channel we need to follow. We take suspected SGBV cases out to the back of the clinic and send them straight to the nurse that we have appointed as our focal SGBV person. We started to improve our ways of providing services and looking after the survivors and ask about their safety – is it okay for you to go back to your family? This is where the referral pathway network comes in,” says Mr Angoa. Apart from the Solomon Islands, the SGBV Fundamentals Training was rolled out in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A recent survey of participants asked what their top learning outcomes were, with many respondents citing the fact they are now able to identify different types of violence (physical, sexual and psychological), the importance of referral pathways, eliminating victim blaming, how to speak to survivors in a sensitive manner, and the importance of confidentiality and trust. One survey respondent said, “Before, I always thought SGBV was the responsibility of other agencies. Since learning about SGBV, I now understand where I stand and how I should work around the issue. For example, I now have the confidence in identifying survivors, and in counselling survivors, and providing support for them.” IPPF has plans to build upon this training, by enabling first-line support provision through mentoring and building on the concepts covered in the SGBV Fundamentals. IPPF will also be supporting MAs to strengthen their clinical operations and networks to ensure safe, coordinated referrals can be offered to survivors of SGBV. It is indisputable that SGBV is linked to negative SRH outcomes for women and girls, and with the rising number of climate related disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating conditions that can lead to violence, it’s even more imperative that our MAs are equipped to respond to SGBV. As one respondent answered: “As a program facilitator, I learnt from this training that delivering the right information will help save a life”.
news item
| 29 January 2021
IPPF welcomes President Biden’s decision to repeal the Global Gag Rule
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the news of President Biden’s decision to keep his promise and repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR) – also known as the Mexico City Policy. Since its expanded reintroduction in 2017 by the previous administration, the Global Gag Rule has contributed to an increase in unintended and high-risk pregnancies, unsafe abortions – culminating in unnecessary maternal deaths. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were impacted by GGR, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “I welcome the decision by President Biden to repeal the Global Gag Rule." “The expanded reintroduction of the gag was callously designed to deny women the right to decide what happens to their body. Whilst we know this policy is intended as a tool to attack abortion care by the anti-choice movement, not only has it led to reproductive coercion, cut deeper into healthcare provision: from HIV prevention programs to maternal health to contraceptive access – no one was spared the fallout of this policy. “What lies ahead of us is years of work to undo the harm caused by Global Gag Rule, and to build back a better and stronger relationship with the U.S. – one where our work is not under threat from future anti-sexual and reproductive health administrations. To protect the rights of future generations of women and girls, we ask that the Biden-Harris administration take the necessary steps to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule. Without a permanent repeal, the global gag remains a constant threat to women, girls, youth and marginalized communities. Reproductive rights, bodily autonomy and the human right to decide what happens to your body cannot be at the mercy of a pen stroke. “IPPF looks on with hope and welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the Biden-Harris administration to protect and advance sexual and reproductive healthcare for all.” And President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Alexis McGill Johnson said: “Over the past four years, the United States didn’t just fail to support global reproductive health care access – it actively blocked it. Today, we applaud the beginning of a new chapter, as the Biden-Harris administration puts an end to the devastating global gag rule, which has prevented millions of people around the world from receiving essential health care. We look forward to working alongside the administration and Congress to pass the Global HER Act, to permanently protect access to sexual and reproductive health care across the globe from changes in White House political control. It is long past time that the United States proudly declares to the world that reproductive rights are human rights.” IPPF would like to thank the international community who stepped in and stepped up to help fill the funding gap that was left by the Global Gag Rule. Together, we will continue to fight and deliver sexual and reproductive health and rights. For media inquiries please contact [email protected](+44) 2079398227
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| 29 January 2021
IPPF welcomes President Biden’s decision to repeal the Global Gag Rule
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the news of President Biden’s decision to keep his promise and repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR) – also known as the Mexico City Policy. Since its expanded reintroduction in 2017 by the previous administration, the Global Gag Rule has contributed to an increase in unintended and high-risk pregnancies, unsafe abortions – culminating in unnecessary maternal deaths. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were impacted by GGR, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “I welcome the decision by President Biden to repeal the Global Gag Rule." “The expanded reintroduction of the gag was callously designed to deny women the right to decide what happens to their body. Whilst we know this policy is intended as a tool to attack abortion care by the anti-choice movement, not only has it led to reproductive coercion, cut deeper into healthcare provision: from HIV prevention programs to maternal health to contraceptive access – no one was spared the fallout of this policy. “What lies ahead of us is years of work to undo the harm caused by Global Gag Rule, and to build back a better and stronger relationship with the U.S. – one where our work is not under threat from future anti-sexual and reproductive health administrations. To protect the rights of future generations of women and girls, we ask that the Biden-Harris administration take the necessary steps to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule. Without a permanent repeal, the global gag remains a constant threat to women, girls, youth and marginalized communities. Reproductive rights, bodily autonomy and the human right to decide what happens to your body cannot be at the mercy of a pen stroke. “IPPF looks on with hope and welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the Biden-Harris administration to protect and advance sexual and reproductive healthcare for all.” And President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Alexis McGill Johnson said: “Over the past four years, the United States didn’t just fail to support global reproductive health care access – it actively blocked it. Today, we applaud the beginning of a new chapter, as the Biden-Harris administration puts an end to the devastating global gag rule, which has prevented millions of people around the world from receiving essential health care. We look forward to working alongside the administration and Congress to pass the Global HER Act, to permanently protect access to sexual and reproductive health care across the globe from changes in White House political control. It is long past time that the United States proudly declares to the world that reproductive rights are human rights.” IPPF would like to thank the international community who stepped in and stepped up to help fill the funding gap that was left by the Global Gag Rule. Together, we will continue to fight and deliver sexual and reproductive health and rights. For media inquiries please contact [email protected](+44) 2079398227
news item
| 06 January 2021
A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care
The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do. ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.” Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said: “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women. With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA] shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”
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| 06 January 2021
A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care
The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do. ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.” Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said: “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women. With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA] shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”
news item
| 07 October 2020
Statement of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, East and South East Asia & Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR)
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) congratulates the World Health Organization – Western Pacific Region for convening this Regional Committee meeting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend WHO’s leadership, dedication, and commitment in coordinating the COVID-19 response in the region and providing clear, science-based guidance to all its Member-States. In the Western Pacific Region, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as antenatal care, contraception, anti-retroviral treatment, and safe abortion, has suffered significantly. As the breadth of the pandemic continues to unfold and the true impacts emerge, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) must be a priority concern to ensure that women and girls and other vulnerable groups will have uninterrupted access to life-saving SRH services without discrimination. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a fundamental human right. We call on Member States to adequately invest in, and ensure sustained financing for, sexual and reproductive health care of women, girls and other marginalised and vulnerable populations. COVID-19 disproportionately affects women and girls and exacerbates existing inequalities and discrimination of the most marginalized groups. The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent movement control orders or lockdowns, increases the risk of abuse and exploitation, such as intimate partner violence due to heightened tensions in the household and harmful practices such as child marriage especially for girls in disadvantaged and hard to reach areas. Member States comply with international standards and commitments to provide SGBV and SRH services as part of the package of essential services provided during any emergency, in the aftermath and integrate such services into the essential health package. IPPF is committed to doing its share on the global and regional response. As the largest sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider among civil society organizations globally, our health workers are on the frontlines to ensure women and girls, the poor and most vulnerable and marginalised are not denied these essential services during the pandemic. These are extraordinary times and our efforts are not without challenges and significant resource constraints where the role of the global architecture is more important than ever to ensure global solidarity. We urge Member States to implement WHO guidance and international commitments to ensure uninterrupted access to a comprehensive suite of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery leaving no one behind. Tomoko Fukuda, Regional Director
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| 07 October 2020
Statement of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, East and South East Asia & Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR)
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) congratulates the World Health Organization – Western Pacific Region for convening this Regional Committee meeting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend WHO’s leadership, dedication, and commitment in coordinating the COVID-19 response in the region and providing clear, science-based guidance to all its Member-States. In the Western Pacific Region, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as antenatal care, contraception, anti-retroviral treatment, and safe abortion, has suffered significantly. As the breadth of the pandemic continues to unfold and the true impacts emerge, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) must be a priority concern to ensure that women and girls and other vulnerable groups will have uninterrupted access to life-saving SRH services without discrimination. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a fundamental human right. We call on Member States to adequately invest in, and ensure sustained financing for, sexual and reproductive health care of women, girls and other marginalised and vulnerable populations. COVID-19 disproportionately affects women and girls and exacerbates existing inequalities and discrimination of the most marginalized groups. The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent movement control orders or lockdowns, increases the risk of abuse and exploitation, such as intimate partner violence due to heightened tensions in the household and harmful practices such as child marriage especially for girls in disadvantaged and hard to reach areas. Member States comply with international standards and commitments to provide SGBV and SRH services as part of the package of essential services provided during any emergency, in the aftermath and integrate such services into the essential health package. IPPF is committed to doing its share on the global and regional response. As the largest sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider among civil society organizations globally, our health workers are on the frontlines to ensure women and girls, the poor and most vulnerable and marginalised are not denied these essential services during the pandemic. These are extraordinary times and our efforts are not without challenges and significant resource constraints where the role of the global architecture is more important than ever to ensure global solidarity. We urge Member States to implement WHO guidance and international commitments to ensure uninterrupted access to a comprehensive suite of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery leaving no one behind. Tomoko Fukuda, Regional Director
news item
| 03 July 2020
COVID-19 Response Issue #2: Situation in East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, June 2020
This is the second update from the ESEAO Regional Office on the situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Youth and Adolescents and a closer view of IPPF Member Associations’ youth-led initiatives providing essential sexual and reproductive health care through uninterrupted SRH service delivery, dissemination of accurate SRH information, and provision of sexuality education through online platforms and social media. To read the full update, click here.
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| 03 July 2020
COVID-19 Response Issue #2: Situation in East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, June 2020
This is the second update from the ESEAO Regional Office on the situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Youth and Adolescents and a closer view of IPPF Member Associations’ youth-led initiatives providing essential sexual and reproductive health care through uninterrupted SRH service delivery, dissemination of accurate SRH information, and provision of sexuality education through online platforms and social media. To read the full update, click here.
news item
| 08 June 2020
IPPF members see opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights step-up pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic
New data from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) reveals how opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) around the world are attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to try to push back against progressive reforms. The latest IPPF survey of its worldwide membership on COVID-19 reveals that opponents of SRHR are employing a range of tactics to try to undermine sexual and reproductive rights. This includes spreading misinformation (18 members), framing the pandemic as an opportunity to reinforce traditional values (15), increasing discrimination against vulnerable populations (10), pushing for regressive measures against SRHR (eight) and blocking progressive debates on SRHR laws and policies (seven). One member reported social media platforms being used to spread a message that “COVID-19 is the answer from God on abortion.” Another reported opposition attempting to prevent the passage of a bill covering violence against women through parliament, claiming the pandemic was a “Dictate from the West” and passage of the bill contrary to Sharia Law. The spreading of false information includes: The distribution of fake leaflets with health ministry logos among vulnerable groups, stating they are not at risk from COVID-19. The use of social media messages to claim safe abortion services will infect women with COVID-19. The spread of anti-contraception messages mixed in with disinformation about COVID-19 Attempts to block or slow legislature and policies include limiting progress in the passage of a bill to abolish anti-abortion laws and attempts to exclude abortion from national guidelines on sexual and reproductive care during the pandemic. One member reported that political opponents of sexual and reproductive rights were using “all communication and legislative spaces to validate discourses that position women in domestic tasks” by claiming: “the pandemic has allowed us to reassess the important role that women play in their homes for families.” IPPF members are resisting this opposition and defending laws and policies that support SRHR. 61 members report working with governments to ensure continuation of sexual and reproductive health provision service provision and 31 say they have contributed to policies or changes in legislation in support or defence of SRHR and gender equality since January 2020. 59 members reported advocating to ensure the continuation of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for under-served and vulnerable groups during the pandemic and 54 members said they were advocating for ways to combat sexual and gender-based violence, which threatens more women and girls in lockdown. The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world. 52 members rated the reduction of their capacity to deliver services as “critical or severe” – meaning at least 50 percent of their operations had been reduced or impacted. Only two members, less than one per cent, in countries with small numbers of COVID-19 infections, reported no impact on them. Other headlines include: 19 members report having to dismiss or suspend staff. 32 members say they are facing stockouts of short-acting contraceptives such as the oral contraceptives, emergency contraception and condoms. 26 members report stockouts of long-acting contraception such as intrauterine devices and implants. 5,440 service delivery points across all IPPF members are closed, 11 per cent of the total number of all IPPF service delivery points. 238 static clinics, which provide a wide range of services, remain closed. 546 were reported closed in IPPF’s March survey of members. Only eight members are still able to delivery comprehensive sexuality education in schools, even with social distancing. 67 members are now delivering comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social platforms. IPPF’s Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “This data shows how hard IPPF members are working to find ways to overcome the impact of COVID-19, but also how severe the impact remains. Reopening hundreds of static clinics is a huge achievement, as is the change by members to deliver vitally needs comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social channels when many schools remain closed. However innovative IPPF members are, they cannot hope to offset the effect of this pandemic without additional support. This can only be addressed with the effective supply of commodities, to ensure stockouts are avoided and access to services for all IPPF clients is continued. Support from governments is also critical, in particular in responding to the opposition who are trying to use the cover of COVID-19 to chip away at sexual and reproductive rights. Extremist views which seek to rob women and girls of their human rights and undermine their ability to access vital sexual and reproductive healthcare must be resisted. Many governments do already take a positive stand in defence of women and girls and have gone further during this pandemic to support access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, such as access to telemedicine. IPPF calls on all governments to adopt such sensible and practical measures to make it easier for women and girls to get the care they need so badly in these difficult times, and to ignore the voices of coercive opponents who seek to impose their radical views on others.”
news_item
| 08 June 2020
IPPF members see opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights step-up pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic
New data from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) reveals how opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) around the world are attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to try to push back against progressive reforms. The latest IPPF survey of its worldwide membership on COVID-19 reveals that opponents of SRHR are employing a range of tactics to try to undermine sexual and reproductive rights. This includes spreading misinformation (18 members), framing the pandemic as an opportunity to reinforce traditional values (15), increasing discrimination against vulnerable populations (10), pushing for regressive measures against SRHR (eight) and blocking progressive debates on SRHR laws and policies (seven). One member reported social media platforms being used to spread a message that “COVID-19 is the answer from God on abortion.” Another reported opposition attempting to prevent the passage of a bill covering violence against women through parliament, claiming the pandemic was a “Dictate from the West” and passage of the bill contrary to Sharia Law. The spreading of false information includes: The distribution of fake leaflets with health ministry logos among vulnerable groups, stating they are not at risk from COVID-19. The use of social media messages to claim safe abortion services will infect women with COVID-19. The spread of anti-contraception messages mixed in with disinformation about COVID-19 Attempts to block or slow legislature and policies include limiting progress in the passage of a bill to abolish anti-abortion laws and attempts to exclude abortion from national guidelines on sexual and reproductive care during the pandemic. One member reported that political opponents of sexual and reproductive rights were using “all communication and legislative spaces to validate discourses that position women in domestic tasks” by claiming: “the pandemic has allowed us to reassess the important role that women play in their homes for families.” IPPF members are resisting this opposition and defending laws and policies that support SRHR. 61 members report working with governments to ensure continuation of sexual and reproductive health provision service provision and 31 say they have contributed to policies or changes in legislation in support or defence of SRHR and gender equality since January 2020. 59 members reported advocating to ensure the continuation of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for under-served and vulnerable groups during the pandemic and 54 members said they were advocating for ways to combat sexual and gender-based violence, which threatens more women and girls in lockdown. The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world. 52 members rated the reduction of their capacity to deliver services as “critical or severe” – meaning at least 50 percent of their operations had been reduced or impacted. Only two members, less than one per cent, in countries with small numbers of COVID-19 infections, reported no impact on them. Other headlines include: 19 members report having to dismiss or suspend staff. 32 members say they are facing stockouts of short-acting contraceptives such as the oral contraceptives, emergency contraception and condoms. 26 members report stockouts of long-acting contraception such as intrauterine devices and implants. 5,440 service delivery points across all IPPF members are closed, 11 per cent of the total number of all IPPF service delivery points. 238 static clinics, which provide a wide range of services, remain closed. 546 were reported closed in IPPF’s March survey of members. Only eight members are still able to delivery comprehensive sexuality education in schools, even with social distancing. 67 members are now delivering comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social platforms. IPPF’s Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “This data shows how hard IPPF members are working to find ways to overcome the impact of COVID-19, but also how severe the impact remains. Reopening hundreds of static clinics is a huge achievement, as is the change by members to deliver vitally needs comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social channels when many schools remain closed. However innovative IPPF members are, they cannot hope to offset the effect of this pandemic without additional support. This can only be addressed with the effective supply of commodities, to ensure stockouts are avoided and access to services for all IPPF clients is continued. Support from governments is also critical, in particular in responding to the opposition who are trying to use the cover of COVID-19 to chip away at sexual and reproductive rights. Extremist views which seek to rob women and girls of their human rights and undermine their ability to access vital sexual and reproductive healthcare must be resisted. Many governments do already take a positive stand in defence of women and girls and have gone further during this pandemic to support access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, such as access to telemedicine. IPPF calls on all governments to adopt such sensible and practical measures to make it easier for women and girls to get the care they need so badly in these difficult times, and to ignore the voices of coercive opponents who seek to impose their radical views on others.”
news item
| 19 March 2021
SGBV Fundamentals training successfully rolled out across all IPPF Pacific Member Associations
People all over the world are facing the reality of the climate crisis – in many parts of the world this is manifesting in an increased volatility of extreme weather events. Risks of sexual and gender-based violence are heightened during humanitarian crises and in times of displacement. Both can be expected to increase as a result of more severe and frequent extreme weather events and the slow onset effects of the climate crisis, such as sea level rise. The Pacific Region is home to some of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, including Vanuatu and Tonga, rated as the first and second most ‘at-risk’ countries in the world for natural hazards. A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents data from the largest ever study of the prevalence of violence against women. While the numbers reveal already alarmingly high rates of violence against women and girls, WHO and partners warn that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased women’s exposure to violence, as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services. The same report found that the region of Oceania (which includes the Pacific) has the highest prevalence rates of intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49 in the world: 51% in Melanesia, 41% in Micronesia, and 39% in Polynesia. IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Pacific have been providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to women and girls for decades. There is a close intersection between SRH care and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) care, as it is often the medical personnel who provide women with SRH who are in the best position to identify – and then provide services or refer – SGBV cases. A growing need for SGBV training for our MAs who operate in humanitarian settings was recognised by IPPF. With support from the Australian Government, IPPF developed an in-house training package – the SGBV Fundamentals Training - that has now been successfully rolled out to all nine MAs across the Pacific Region. The SGBV Fundamentals training material was developed by the IPPF Humanitarian Pacific team utilising resources from the WHO Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence, IASC Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action and UNFPA material as an introduction to the Gender, SGBV, and first-line support. The SGBV Fundamentals Training targets management, clinical and program staff, and is delivered over four days as an in-house training to build staff’s capacity to deliver first-line support to SGBV survivors. One of the MAs that took part in IPPF’s SGBV Fundamentals Training was the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), which was established in 1980 and is the leading SRHR organization in the country. Due to the wide reach of services SIPPA provides across the country, in preparedness for humanitarian events, SIPPA identified the need to strengthen the capacity of all its staff to respond to SGBV in emergencies. The focus was to equip clinical, program and volunteer staff to provide first-line SGBV support in emergency and stable times. In order to provide such services, the training addressed the foundation skills and knowledge of SGBV and how this enables the first-line support approach. The training took place over three days, and included 16 staff members, including clinical staff. Ben Angoa, Executive Director of SIPPA, speaks of the SGBV situation in the Solomon Islands: “From what I have seen and experienced through providing services, it’s a pressing issue that needs to be carefully looked at. For us, it’s quite alarming and something that the government should be considering as high priority”. “For the past two years, most of the clients I see are girls/students under the age of 24. Their parents bring them in. They have experienced sexual violence and the parents are worried they might be pregnant. We have a very strong partnership with the Christian Care Centre, so most of their cases are referred to us. We also have people from the community where we have been doing awareness of SGBV to bring survivors directly to our clinic. People are feeling more comfortable coming to our clinic due to the set-up, environment and the sort of quality services our nurses provide.” SIPPA is part of the SafeNet programme in the Solomon Islands, so they have a referral pathway to the police and to social welfare if clients decide they want to pursue the case with the police. SafeNet is a network of government and non-government organizations in the country working on new ways to improve quality services for survivors of SGBV. Mr Angoa explains “We were accepted in 2018 to be part of the SafeNet programme. They gave us two mandates: SGBV awareness and clinical services. We were so fortunate to have the training from IPPF, it really helped us set the direction and see how important our services are. Without that training, although we became a member of SafeNet, we really didn’t provide quality services in that area. After the training, our nurses knew everything about GBV, even our volunteers knew about GBV. Some of our clients hide themselves from being a victim. But during the clinical visits we would do awareness with them and some of our cases were discovered during that time. It would be difficult for other service providers to set up the right environment, for us what makes the client more comfortable is our clinic”. SIPPA’s clinic set-up includes a gate outside and the facility is full fenced, they have security, and clients have to pass through the administration area before they get to the clinic. They have five rooms that are able to be locked. “Others cannot hear you inside the rooms as they are so protected. So, the set-up is quite different from other [organisations]. Other members from SafeNet admire our set up,” says Mr Angoa. After the SGBV Fundamentals Training in 2018, nurses and other medical personnel gained knowledge on how to ask questions to ascertain if a client is experiencing SGBV. “It is from the training that our staff learned how to identify people who were affected by SGBV. Before it was disorganised, but now we have a proper system for SGBV cases; this is the channel we need to follow. We take suspected SGBV cases out to the back of the clinic and send them straight to the nurse that we have appointed as our focal SGBV person. We started to improve our ways of providing services and looking after the survivors and ask about their safety – is it okay for you to go back to your family? This is where the referral pathway network comes in,” says Mr Angoa. Apart from the Solomon Islands, the SGBV Fundamentals Training was rolled out in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A recent survey of participants asked what their top learning outcomes were, with many respondents citing the fact they are now able to identify different types of violence (physical, sexual and psychological), the importance of referral pathways, eliminating victim blaming, how to speak to survivors in a sensitive manner, and the importance of confidentiality and trust. One survey respondent said, “Before, I always thought SGBV was the responsibility of other agencies. Since learning about SGBV, I now understand where I stand and how I should work around the issue. For example, I now have the confidence in identifying survivors, and in counselling survivors, and providing support for them.” IPPF has plans to build upon this training, by enabling first-line support provision through mentoring and building on the concepts covered in the SGBV Fundamentals. IPPF will also be supporting MAs to strengthen their clinical operations and networks to ensure safe, coordinated referrals can be offered to survivors of SGBV. It is indisputable that SGBV is linked to negative SRH outcomes for women and girls, and with the rising number of climate related disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating conditions that can lead to violence, it’s even more imperative that our MAs are equipped to respond to SGBV. As one respondent answered: “As a program facilitator, I learnt from this training that delivering the right information will help save a life”.
news_item
| 19 March 2021
SGBV Fundamentals training successfully rolled out across all IPPF Pacific Member Associations
People all over the world are facing the reality of the climate crisis – in many parts of the world this is manifesting in an increased volatility of extreme weather events. Risks of sexual and gender-based violence are heightened during humanitarian crises and in times of displacement. Both can be expected to increase as a result of more severe and frequent extreme weather events and the slow onset effects of the climate crisis, such as sea level rise. The Pacific Region is home to some of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, including Vanuatu and Tonga, rated as the first and second most ‘at-risk’ countries in the world for natural hazards. A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents data from the largest ever study of the prevalence of violence against women. While the numbers reveal already alarmingly high rates of violence against women and girls, WHO and partners warn that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased women’s exposure to violence, as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services. The same report found that the region of Oceania (which includes the Pacific) has the highest prevalence rates of intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49 in the world: 51% in Melanesia, 41% in Micronesia, and 39% in Polynesia. IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Pacific have been providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to women and girls for decades. There is a close intersection between SRH care and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) care, as it is often the medical personnel who provide women with SRH who are in the best position to identify – and then provide services or refer – SGBV cases. A growing need for SGBV training for our MAs who operate in humanitarian settings was recognised by IPPF. With support from the Australian Government, IPPF developed an in-house training package – the SGBV Fundamentals Training - that has now been successfully rolled out to all nine MAs across the Pacific Region. The SGBV Fundamentals training material was developed by the IPPF Humanitarian Pacific team utilising resources from the WHO Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence, IASC Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action and UNFPA material as an introduction to the Gender, SGBV, and first-line support. The SGBV Fundamentals Training targets management, clinical and program staff, and is delivered over four days as an in-house training to build staff’s capacity to deliver first-line support to SGBV survivors. One of the MAs that took part in IPPF’s SGBV Fundamentals Training was the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), which was established in 1980 and is the leading SRHR organization in the country. Due to the wide reach of services SIPPA provides across the country, in preparedness for humanitarian events, SIPPA identified the need to strengthen the capacity of all its staff to respond to SGBV in emergencies. The focus was to equip clinical, program and volunteer staff to provide first-line SGBV support in emergency and stable times. In order to provide such services, the training addressed the foundation skills and knowledge of SGBV and how this enables the first-line support approach. The training took place over three days, and included 16 staff members, including clinical staff. Ben Angoa, Executive Director of SIPPA, speaks of the SGBV situation in the Solomon Islands: “From what I have seen and experienced through providing services, it’s a pressing issue that needs to be carefully looked at. For us, it’s quite alarming and something that the government should be considering as high priority”. “For the past two years, most of the clients I see are girls/students under the age of 24. Their parents bring them in. They have experienced sexual violence and the parents are worried they might be pregnant. We have a very strong partnership with the Christian Care Centre, so most of their cases are referred to us. We also have people from the community where we have been doing awareness of SGBV to bring survivors directly to our clinic. People are feeling more comfortable coming to our clinic due to the set-up, environment and the sort of quality services our nurses provide.” SIPPA is part of the SafeNet programme in the Solomon Islands, so they have a referral pathway to the police and to social welfare if clients decide they want to pursue the case with the police. SafeNet is a network of government and non-government organizations in the country working on new ways to improve quality services for survivors of SGBV. Mr Angoa explains “We were accepted in 2018 to be part of the SafeNet programme. They gave us two mandates: SGBV awareness and clinical services. We were so fortunate to have the training from IPPF, it really helped us set the direction and see how important our services are. Without that training, although we became a member of SafeNet, we really didn’t provide quality services in that area. After the training, our nurses knew everything about GBV, even our volunteers knew about GBV. Some of our clients hide themselves from being a victim. But during the clinical visits we would do awareness with them and some of our cases were discovered during that time. It would be difficult for other service providers to set up the right environment, for us what makes the client more comfortable is our clinic”. SIPPA’s clinic set-up includes a gate outside and the facility is full fenced, they have security, and clients have to pass through the administration area before they get to the clinic. They have five rooms that are able to be locked. “Others cannot hear you inside the rooms as they are so protected. So, the set-up is quite different from other [organisations]. Other members from SafeNet admire our set up,” says Mr Angoa. After the SGBV Fundamentals Training in 2018, nurses and other medical personnel gained knowledge on how to ask questions to ascertain if a client is experiencing SGBV. “It is from the training that our staff learned how to identify people who were affected by SGBV. Before it was disorganised, but now we have a proper system for SGBV cases; this is the channel we need to follow. We take suspected SGBV cases out to the back of the clinic and send them straight to the nurse that we have appointed as our focal SGBV person. We started to improve our ways of providing services and looking after the survivors and ask about their safety – is it okay for you to go back to your family? This is where the referral pathway network comes in,” says Mr Angoa. Apart from the Solomon Islands, the SGBV Fundamentals Training was rolled out in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A recent survey of participants asked what their top learning outcomes were, with many respondents citing the fact they are now able to identify different types of violence (physical, sexual and psychological), the importance of referral pathways, eliminating victim blaming, how to speak to survivors in a sensitive manner, and the importance of confidentiality and trust. One survey respondent said, “Before, I always thought SGBV was the responsibility of other agencies. Since learning about SGBV, I now understand where I stand and how I should work around the issue. For example, I now have the confidence in identifying survivors, and in counselling survivors, and providing support for them.” IPPF has plans to build upon this training, by enabling first-line support provision through mentoring and building on the concepts covered in the SGBV Fundamentals. IPPF will also be supporting MAs to strengthen their clinical operations and networks to ensure safe, coordinated referrals can be offered to survivors of SGBV. It is indisputable that SGBV is linked to negative SRH outcomes for women and girls, and with the rising number of climate related disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating conditions that can lead to violence, it’s even more imperative that our MAs are equipped to respond to SGBV. As one respondent answered: “As a program facilitator, I learnt from this training that delivering the right information will help save a life”.
news item
| 29 January 2021
IPPF welcomes President Biden’s decision to repeal the Global Gag Rule
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the news of President Biden’s decision to keep his promise and repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR) – also known as the Mexico City Policy. Since its expanded reintroduction in 2017 by the previous administration, the Global Gag Rule has contributed to an increase in unintended and high-risk pregnancies, unsafe abortions – culminating in unnecessary maternal deaths. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were impacted by GGR, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “I welcome the decision by President Biden to repeal the Global Gag Rule." “The expanded reintroduction of the gag was callously designed to deny women the right to decide what happens to their body. Whilst we know this policy is intended as a tool to attack abortion care by the anti-choice movement, not only has it led to reproductive coercion, cut deeper into healthcare provision: from HIV prevention programs to maternal health to contraceptive access – no one was spared the fallout of this policy. “What lies ahead of us is years of work to undo the harm caused by Global Gag Rule, and to build back a better and stronger relationship with the U.S. – one where our work is not under threat from future anti-sexual and reproductive health administrations. To protect the rights of future generations of women and girls, we ask that the Biden-Harris administration take the necessary steps to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule. Without a permanent repeal, the global gag remains a constant threat to women, girls, youth and marginalized communities. Reproductive rights, bodily autonomy and the human right to decide what happens to your body cannot be at the mercy of a pen stroke. “IPPF looks on with hope and welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the Biden-Harris administration to protect and advance sexual and reproductive healthcare for all.” And President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Alexis McGill Johnson said: “Over the past four years, the United States didn’t just fail to support global reproductive health care access – it actively blocked it. Today, we applaud the beginning of a new chapter, as the Biden-Harris administration puts an end to the devastating global gag rule, which has prevented millions of people around the world from receiving essential health care. We look forward to working alongside the administration and Congress to pass the Global HER Act, to permanently protect access to sexual and reproductive health care across the globe from changes in White House political control. It is long past time that the United States proudly declares to the world that reproductive rights are human rights.” IPPF would like to thank the international community who stepped in and stepped up to help fill the funding gap that was left by the Global Gag Rule. Together, we will continue to fight and deliver sexual and reproductive health and rights. For media inquiries please contact [email protected](+44) 2079398227
news_item
| 29 January 2021
IPPF welcomes President Biden’s decision to repeal the Global Gag Rule
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the news of President Biden’s decision to keep his promise and repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR) – also known as the Mexico City Policy. Since its expanded reintroduction in 2017 by the previous administration, the Global Gag Rule has contributed to an increase in unintended and high-risk pregnancies, unsafe abortions – culminating in unnecessary maternal deaths. For IPPF, 53 healthcare projects in 32 countries were impacted by GGR, with some Member Associations losing up to 60% of their funding. IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “I welcome the decision by President Biden to repeal the Global Gag Rule." “The expanded reintroduction of the gag was callously designed to deny women the right to decide what happens to their body. Whilst we know this policy is intended as a tool to attack abortion care by the anti-choice movement, not only has it led to reproductive coercion, cut deeper into healthcare provision: from HIV prevention programs to maternal health to contraceptive access – no one was spared the fallout of this policy. “What lies ahead of us is years of work to undo the harm caused by Global Gag Rule, and to build back a better and stronger relationship with the U.S. – one where our work is not under threat from future anti-sexual and reproductive health administrations. To protect the rights of future generations of women and girls, we ask that the Biden-Harris administration take the necessary steps to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule. Without a permanent repeal, the global gag remains a constant threat to women, girls, youth and marginalized communities. Reproductive rights, bodily autonomy and the human right to decide what happens to your body cannot be at the mercy of a pen stroke. “IPPF looks on with hope and welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the Biden-Harris administration to protect and advance sexual and reproductive healthcare for all.” And President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Alexis McGill Johnson said: “Over the past four years, the United States didn’t just fail to support global reproductive health care access – it actively blocked it. Today, we applaud the beginning of a new chapter, as the Biden-Harris administration puts an end to the devastating global gag rule, which has prevented millions of people around the world from receiving essential health care. We look forward to working alongside the administration and Congress to pass the Global HER Act, to permanently protect access to sexual and reproductive health care across the globe from changes in White House political control. It is long past time that the United States proudly declares to the world that reproductive rights are human rights.” IPPF would like to thank the international community who stepped in and stepped up to help fill the funding gap that was left by the Global Gag Rule. Together, we will continue to fight and deliver sexual and reproductive health and rights. For media inquiries please contact [email protected](+44) 2079398227
news item
| 06 January 2021
A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care
The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do. ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.” Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said: “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women. With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA] shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”
news_item
| 06 January 2021
A win for women's rights: South Korea decriminalizes abortion care
The International Planned Parenthood Federation welcomes the news of the removal of abortion care from South Korea’s Criminal Code effective from 1 January 2021. This means those seeking abortion care will no longer face legal barriers in accessing care. Abortion in South Korea was illegal in most circumstances from 1953 to 2020. On April 11, 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional and ordered the law's revision by the end of 2020. Revisions to the law were proposed in October 2020, but not voted on by the deadline of 31 December 2020. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that they will consider expanding coverage of health insurance to include abortion care and the approval of mifepristone (used in medical abortion). IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “Abortion care is a human right, and those rights are now being realized in countries with some of the strictest abortion laws. The decision to remove abortion from South Korea’s criminal code is a step in the right direction for women’s rights, but we also know there is much work to do. ‘Conscientious objection’ cannot be allowed to limit access to abortion care. IPPF and its Member Associations will continue to fight for safe and legal abortion care for those who need it.” Ms Kyung Ae Cho, Secretary-General, Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) said: “I am pleased that we reached here today [repeal of the criminal provision on abortion] as a result of many years of efforts led by Korean women. With these changes, law amendments and services are urgently needed, including expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women. We [KoPHWA] shall continue to deliver accurate and rights-based information and counselling on safe abortion care appropriate to the Korean women context, and contribute to the fulfilment of universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all women worldwide.”
news item
| 07 October 2020
Statement of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, East and South East Asia & Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR)
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) congratulates the World Health Organization – Western Pacific Region for convening this Regional Committee meeting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend WHO’s leadership, dedication, and commitment in coordinating the COVID-19 response in the region and providing clear, science-based guidance to all its Member-States. In the Western Pacific Region, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as antenatal care, contraception, anti-retroviral treatment, and safe abortion, has suffered significantly. As the breadth of the pandemic continues to unfold and the true impacts emerge, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) must be a priority concern to ensure that women and girls and other vulnerable groups will have uninterrupted access to life-saving SRH services without discrimination. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a fundamental human right. We call on Member States to adequately invest in, and ensure sustained financing for, sexual and reproductive health care of women, girls and other marginalised and vulnerable populations. COVID-19 disproportionately affects women and girls and exacerbates existing inequalities and discrimination of the most marginalized groups. The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent movement control orders or lockdowns, increases the risk of abuse and exploitation, such as intimate partner violence due to heightened tensions in the household and harmful practices such as child marriage especially for girls in disadvantaged and hard to reach areas. Member States comply with international standards and commitments to provide SGBV and SRH services as part of the package of essential services provided during any emergency, in the aftermath and integrate such services into the essential health package. IPPF is committed to doing its share on the global and regional response. As the largest sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider among civil society organizations globally, our health workers are on the frontlines to ensure women and girls, the poor and most vulnerable and marginalised are not denied these essential services during the pandemic. These are extraordinary times and our efforts are not without challenges and significant resource constraints where the role of the global architecture is more important than ever to ensure global solidarity. We urge Member States to implement WHO guidance and international commitments to ensure uninterrupted access to a comprehensive suite of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery leaving no one behind. Tomoko Fukuda, Regional Director
news_item
| 07 October 2020
Statement of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, East and South East Asia & Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR)
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) congratulates the World Health Organization – Western Pacific Region for convening this Regional Committee meeting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend WHO’s leadership, dedication, and commitment in coordinating the COVID-19 response in the region and providing clear, science-based guidance to all its Member-States. In the Western Pacific Region, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as antenatal care, contraception, anti-retroviral treatment, and safe abortion, has suffered significantly. As the breadth of the pandemic continues to unfold and the true impacts emerge, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) must be a priority concern to ensure that women and girls and other vulnerable groups will have uninterrupted access to life-saving SRH services without discrimination. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a fundamental human right. We call on Member States to adequately invest in, and ensure sustained financing for, sexual and reproductive health care of women, girls and other marginalised and vulnerable populations. COVID-19 disproportionately affects women and girls and exacerbates existing inequalities and discrimination of the most marginalized groups. The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent movement control orders or lockdowns, increases the risk of abuse and exploitation, such as intimate partner violence due to heightened tensions in the household and harmful practices such as child marriage especially for girls in disadvantaged and hard to reach areas. Member States comply with international standards and commitments to provide SGBV and SRH services as part of the package of essential services provided during any emergency, in the aftermath and integrate such services into the essential health package. IPPF is committed to doing its share on the global and regional response. As the largest sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider among civil society organizations globally, our health workers are on the frontlines to ensure women and girls, the poor and most vulnerable and marginalised are not denied these essential services during the pandemic. These are extraordinary times and our efforts are not without challenges and significant resource constraints where the role of the global architecture is more important than ever to ensure global solidarity. We urge Member States to implement WHO guidance and international commitments to ensure uninterrupted access to a comprehensive suite of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery leaving no one behind. Tomoko Fukuda, Regional Director
news item
| 03 July 2020
COVID-19 Response Issue #2: Situation in East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, June 2020
This is the second update from the ESEAO Regional Office on the situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Youth and Adolescents and a closer view of IPPF Member Associations’ youth-led initiatives providing essential sexual and reproductive health care through uninterrupted SRH service delivery, dissemination of accurate SRH information, and provision of sexuality education through online platforms and social media. To read the full update, click here.
news_item
| 03 July 2020
COVID-19 Response Issue #2: Situation in East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, June 2020
This is the second update from the ESEAO Regional Office on the situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Youth and Adolescents and a closer view of IPPF Member Associations’ youth-led initiatives providing essential sexual and reproductive health care through uninterrupted SRH service delivery, dissemination of accurate SRH information, and provision of sexuality education through online platforms and social media. To read the full update, click here.
news item
| 08 June 2020
IPPF members see opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights step-up pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic
New data from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) reveals how opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) around the world are attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to try to push back against progressive reforms. The latest IPPF survey of its worldwide membership on COVID-19 reveals that opponents of SRHR are employing a range of tactics to try to undermine sexual and reproductive rights. This includes spreading misinformation (18 members), framing the pandemic as an opportunity to reinforce traditional values (15), increasing discrimination against vulnerable populations (10), pushing for regressive measures against SRHR (eight) and blocking progressive debates on SRHR laws and policies (seven). One member reported social media platforms being used to spread a message that “COVID-19 is the answer from God on abortion.” Another reported opposition attempting to prevent the passage of a bill covering violence against women through parliament, claiming the pandemic was a “Dictate from the West” and passage of the bill contrary to Sharia Law. The spreading of false information includes: The distribution of fake leaflets with health ministry logos among vulnerable groups, stating they are not at risk from COVID-19. The use of social media messages to claim safe abortion services will infect women with COVID-19. The spread of anti-contraception messages mixed in with disinformation about COVID-19 Attempts to block or slow legislature and policies include limiting progress in the passage of a bill to abolish anti-abortion laws and attempts to exclude abortion from national guidelines on sexual and reproductive care during the pandemic. One member reported that political opponents of sexual and reproductive rights were using “all communication and legislative spaces to validate discourses that position women in domestic tasks” by claiming: “the pandemic has allowed us to reassess the important role that women play in their homes for families.” IPPF members are resisting this opposition and defending laws and policies that support SRHR. 61 members report working with governments to ensure continuation of sexual and reproductive health provision service provision and 31 say they have contributed to policies or changes in legislation in support or defence of SRHR and gender equality since January 2020. 59 members reported advocating to ensure the continuation of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for under-served and vulnerable groups during the pandemic and 54 members said they were advocating for ways to combat sexual and gender-based violence, which threatens more women and girls in lockdown. The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world. 52 members rated the reduction of their capacity to deliver services as “critical or severe” – meaning at least 50 percent of their operations had been reduced or impacted. Only two members, less than one per cent, in countries with small numbers of COVID-19 infections, reported no impact on them. Other headlines include: 19 members report having to dismiss or suspend staff. 32 members say they are facing stockouts of short-acting contraceptives such as the oral contraceptives, emergency contraception and condoms. 26 members report stockouts of long-acting contraception such as intrauterine devices and implants. 5,440 service delivery points across all IPPF members are closed, 11 per cent of the total number of all IPPF service delivery points. 238 static clinics, which provide a wide range of services, remain closed. 546 were reported closed in IPPF’s March survey of members. Only eight members are still able to delivery comprehensive sexuality education in schools, even with social distancing. 67 members are now delivering comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social platforms. IPPF’s Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “This data shows how hard IPPF members are working to find ways to overcome the impact of COVID-19, but also how severe the impact remains. Reopening hundreds of static clinics is a huge achievement, as is the change by members to deliver vitally needs comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social channels when many schools remain closed. However innovative IPPF members are, they cannot hope to offset the effect of this pandemic without additional support. This can only be addressed with the effective supply of commodities, to ensure stockouts are avoided and access to services for all IPPF clients is continued. Support from governments is also critical, in particular in responding to the opposition who are trying to use the cover of COVID-19 to chip away at sexual and reproductive rights. Extremist views which seek to rob women and girls of their human rights and undermine their ability to access vital sexual and reproductive healthcare must be resisted. Many governments do already take a positive stand in defence of women and girls and have gone further during this pandemic to support access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, such as access to telemedicine. IPPF calls on all governments to adopt such sensible and practical measures to make it easier for women and girls to get the care they need so badly in these difficult times, and to ignore the voices of coercive opponents who seek to impose their radical views on others.”
news_item
| 08 June 2020
IPPF members see opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights step-up pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic
New data from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) reveals how opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) around the world are attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to try to push back against progressive reforms. The latest IPPF survey of its worldwide membership on COVID-19 reveals that opponents of SRHR are employing a range of tactics to try to undermine sexual and reproductive rights. This includes spreading misinformation (18 members), framing the pandemic as an opportunity to reinforce traditional values (15), increasing discrimination against vulnerable populations (10), pushing for regressive measures against SRHR (eight) and blocking progressive debates on SRHR laws and policies (seven). One member reported social media platforms being used to spread a message that “COVID-19 is the answer from God on abortion.” Another reported opposition attempting to prevent the passage of a bill covering violence against women through parliament, claiming the pandemic was a “Dictate from the West” and passage of the bill contrary to Sharia Law. The spreading of false information includes: The distribution of fake leaflets with health ministry logos among vulnerable groups, stating they are not at risk from COVID-19. The use of social media messages to claim safe abortion services will infect women with COVID-19. The spread of anti-contraception messages mixed in with disinformation about COVID-19 Attempts to block or slow legislature and policies include limiting progress in the passage of a bill to abolish anti-abortion laws and attempts to exclude abortion from national guidelines on sexual and reproductive care during the pandemic. One member reported that political opponents of sexual and reproductive rights were using “all communication and legislative spaces to validate discourses that position women in domestic tasks” by claiming: “the pandemic has allowed us to reassess the important role that women play in their homes for families.” IPPF members are resisting this opposition and defending laws and policies that support SRHR. 61 members report working with governments to ensure continuation of sexual and reproductive health provision service provision and 31 say they have contributed to policies or changes in legislation in support or defence of SRHR and gender equality since January 2020. 59 members reported advocating to ensure the continuation of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for under-served and vulnerable groups during the pandemic and 54 members said they were advocating for ways to combat sexual and gender-based violence, which threatens more women and girls in lockdown. The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world. 52 members rated the reduction of their capacity to deliver services as “critical or severe” – meaning at least 50 percent of their operations had been reduced or impacted. Only two members, less than one per cent, in countries with small numbers of COVID-19 infections, reported no impact on them. Other headlines include: 19 members report having to dismiss or suspend staff. 32 members say they are facing stockouts of short-acting contraceptives such as the oral contraceptives, emergency contraception and condoms. 26 members report stockouts of long-acting contraception such as intrauterine devices and implants. 5,440 service delivery points across all IPPF members are closed, 11 per cent of the total number of all IPPF service delivery points. 238 static clinics, which provide a wide range of services, remain closed. 546 were reported closed in IPPF’s March survey of members. Only eight members are still able to delivery comprehensive sexuality education in schools, even with social distancing. 67 members are now delivering comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social platforms. IPPF’s Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo said: “This data shows how hard IPPF members are working to find ways to overcome the impact of COVID-19, but also how severe the impact remains. Reopening hundreds of static clinics is a huge achievement, as is the change by members to deliver vitally needs comprehensive sexuality education through digital and social channels when many schools remain closed. However innovative IPPF members are, they cannot hope to offset the effect of this pandemic without additional support. This can only be addressed with the effective supply of commodities, to ensure stockouts are avoided and access to services for all IPPF clients is continued. Support from governments is also critical, in particular in responding to the opposition who are trying to use the cover of COVID-19 to chip away at sexual and reproductive rights. Extremist views which seek to rob women and girls of their human rights and undermine their ability to access vital sexual and reproductive healthcare must be resisted. Many governments do already take a positive stand in defence of women and girls and have gone further during this pandemic to support access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, such as access to telemedicine. IPPF calls on all governments to adopt such sensible and practical measures to make it easier for women and girls to get the care they need so badly in these difficult times, and to ignore the voices of coercive opponents who seek to impose their radical views on others.”
