Challenges and opportunities from using abortion harm reduction and value clarification and attitude transformation engagements for safe abortion advocacy in Uganda

Reproductive Health

Research

Dan Kabonge Kaye¹  Susan Nassuuna¹  Othiniel Musana¹  Stella Lovina Nabatanzi¹  Imelda Namagembe¹  Simon Peter Kayondo¹  John Paul Nsanja¹  Jameen Kaur²  Jessica Morris²  Hani Fawzi²  Matthew Pretty²  Korrie de Koning³ 

[1] Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda, P.O. Box 11966, Kampala, Uganda;International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), FIGO Headquarters, London, UK;Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;

关键词: Unsafe abortion;    Abortion safety;    Abortion trajectories;    Value clarification and attitude transformation;    Advocacy for abortion care;    Advocacy messaging;    Advocacy strategies;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12978-023-01637-5

 received in 2023-03-09, accepted in 2023-06-05,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundFrom 2018, the International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) implemented the Advocating Safe Abortion project to support national obstetrics and gynecology (Obs/gyn) societies from ten member countries to become leaders of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). We share experiences and lessons learnt about using value clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT) and abortion harm reduction (AHR) as strategies for our advocacy engagements.MethodsThe advocacy goal of ending abortion-related deaths followed predefined pathways from an extensive needs assessment prior to the project. These pathways were strengthening capacity of the Obs/gyn society as safe abortion advocates; establishing a vibrant network of partners; transforming social and gender norms; raising awareness of the legal and policy environment regarding abortion, and promoting the generation and use abortion data for evidence-informed policy and practice. Our advocacy targeted multiple stakeholders including media, policy makers judicio-legal, political and religious leaders, health workers and the public.ResultsDuring each engagement, facilitators required audiences to identify what roles they can play along the continuum of strategies that can reduce maternal death from abortion complications. The audiences acknowledged abortion complications as a major problem in Uganda. Among the root causes for the abortion context, audiences noted absence of an enabling environment for abortion care, which was characterized by low awareness about the abortion laws and policy, restricted abortion laws, cultural and religious beliefs, poor quality of abortion care services and abortion stigma.ConclusionVCAT and AHR were critical in enabling us to develop appropriate messages for different stakeholders. Audiences were able to recognize the abortion context, distinguish between assumptions, myths and realities surrounding unwanted pregnancy and abortion; recognize imperative to address conflict between personal and professional values, and identify different roles and values which inform empathetic attitudes and behaviors that mitigate abortion harms. The five pathways of the theory of change reinforced each other. Using the AHR model, we delineate strategies and activities which stakeholders could use to end abortion deaths. VCAT enables critical reflection of views, beliefs and values versus professional obligations and responsibilities, and promotes active attitude and behavior change and commitment to end abortion-related deaths.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023