Increasing Access to Comprehensive Abortion Care Services in India (2007 onwards)

This project is being implemented by a consortium for safe abortions in India consisting of ARTH, CEHAT, FOGSI, FPA India, IMCH-Uppsala University, IPAS and Population Council. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of providing safe and quality abortion services at all levels through service delivery and communication interventions in two states. It will also facilitate effective implementation of the law and existing policies across the two states and will address policy and advocacy issues at the state and national level on abortion rights. It also facilitates the National Campaign for Safe Abortion.

Training: Two workshops titled “Role of Civil Society Organization in Women’s Access to Safe and Legal Abortion Services” were organised in Khopoli and Pune. In the Khopoli workshop Civil Society Organisations from the entire Konkan region participated in the workshop. Participants working in the areas of women’s rights, women’s health and public health in the districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane and Raigarh Districts attended the workshop. Around 15 organisations were represented in the workshop. The workshop which was held in Pune was attended by representatives from organisations based in Western Maharashtra i.e Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Pune Districts.

Along with the session on perspective building on women’s right to abortion there were technical sessions on the Medical Termination of MTP Act, Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act and the role of NGOs in implementation on both the Acts. Following this, there were interactive sessions wherein the diverse groups came together to identify the role they can play in ensuring women access to safe abortion services. The participants identified their role at multiple levels i.e. from raising awareness about the legality of abortion rights, to demanding for safe abortion services at all public health facilities, partnering with the State for better implementation of the MTP Act and finally lobbying for appropriate amendments to the MTP Act.

Supported by:Sida
Team: Padma Deosthali, Leni Chaudhuri ,Kiran Kadam and Ujjwala Mhatre