We generate scientific evidence to transform realities and guarantee reproductive rights.
At Ipas LAC, we conduct rigorous research to generate scientific evidence that influences reproductive health policies and practices from a human rights and justice perspective, both regionally and locally.
For us, research plays a transversal role, aimed at strengthening the substantive actions of the organization through the generation and strategic use of scientific evidence. The area’s strategy is articulated around four key axes:
1
Generate and apply scientific evidence, through research and evaluation projects, to strengthen the design and implementation of Ipas LAC program strategies.
2
Establish strategic alliances with partner organizations to develop research that strengthens the regional rights agenda and promotes free, safe and equitable access to abortion.
3
Disseminate rigorous , high-impact research products to inform and transform policies and practices that defend and promote reproductive rights.
4
Contribute to the training of human talent committed to research in reproductive health from a rights perspective.
We invite you to get to know some of the publications to which we have contributed!
Expanding access to safe outpatient abortion by manual vacuum aspiration up to 14+6 weeks after legal reform in Argentina: an observational study in the public sector
Saavedra-Avendano, B., Botta, M.P., Chaumet, D. et al. Expanding access to safe ambulatory manual vacuum aspiration abortion up to 14+6 weeks following Argentina’s legal reform: an observational study in the public health sector. Reprod Health 22, 91 (2025).
The aim of the study is to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of users who opted for or were referred to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) services in an outpatient medical center in Argentina before and after the legal reform (Law 27.610 of 2020), which legalizes elective abortion up to 14+6 weeks and beyond in cases of rape or health risks, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of outpatient MVA procedures for pregnancies up to 14+6 weeks.
Adherence to first-trimester medical abortion through telemedicine versus face-to-face care: a prospective cohort study in Colombia, 2024.
Saavedra-Avendano B, Cárdenas-Garzón K, Montenegro-Ramírez P, et al. Adherence to first-trimester medication abortion in telemedicine versus in-person care: a prospective cohort study in Colombia, 2024. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health Published Online First: 16 May 2025. doi: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2025-202796
In a prospective cohort study, we compared medical abortion compliance during the first trimester between in-person and telemedicine users at Profamilia clinics in Colombia. We included as independent variables the modality of care (face-to-face vs. telemedicine) and satisfaction.
A high level of adherence was observed in the study: 95 % took the medications within the prescribed time and 96 % followed the recommended route. Overall, 91% complied correctly and no significant differences were found between the modalities of care.
First-trimester medical abortion via telemedicine: A retrospective cohort study.
Following the decriminalization of abortion in Colombia and in the midst of a global health crisis due to COVID-19, Profamilia implemented a telemedicine-assisted first-trimester medical abortion program as an opportunity to reduce inequalities in access to safe abortion and promote autonomy and sexual and reproductive rights. This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of users and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Political climate of immigration and contraceptive use among Mexican-origin women in the United States: Support for the spill-over hypothesis.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between the political climate of immigration at the state level and the use of more or moderately effective contraceptive methods among U.S.-born white women, U.S.-born women of Mexican origin, and foreign-born women of Mexican origin.
Effectiveness and safety of medical abortion via telemedicine compared to in-person: A cohort of pregnant women in Colombia.
Telemedicine for the provision of medical abortion to pregnant women up to twelve weeks gestation: systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
Telemedicine is an important strategy for facilitating access to medical abortion procedures, reducing the distance barrier and extending coverage to underserved communities. The objective of this study is to evaluate medical abortion provided through telemedicine as the sole intervention compared to face-to-face care in individuals with pregnancies up to 12 gestational weeks.
COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Disparities in Access to Public Abortion Services in Mexico
Sexual and reproductive health needs of women in transit through Central America and Mexico.
Megan Baird, Cate Chisholm, Khadija Karim, Ivana Valencia-Corte. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Report of the most recent collaboration between the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Master’s students in International Development and the Ipas LAC Research Coordination.
In this collaboration we worked on the topic of reproductive health conditions in women in transit through Central America and Mexico, the report includes a literature review and an analysis of data on the health and safety conditions of women in migration processes.
Consult the version in the original language of publication and wait soon for the document translated into Spanish.