Our approach to transforming attitudes and actions on abortion
At Ipas LAC, we believe that access to safe abortion is a fundamental right and that attitudes and beliefs can evolve through reflection and learning. Our Values Clarification for Transformation and Action (VCAT) approach creates safe spaces for health-care providers, decision-makers, communities and others to examine their values and understand the impact of stigma and restrictions on abortion access.
"In this workshop I learned that we have neither the duty nor the right to judge a woman for having an abortion"
Health personnel, Panama
How does AVTA work?
AVTA workshops do not seek to change people’s values, but rather to generate a process of reflection and awareness that aligns beliefs and actions with reproductive justice. This methodology has proven to be effective in strengthening the confidence of those who provide or advocate for access to safe abortion. This methodology, which has proven to be effective in strengthening the confidence of those who provide or advocate for access to safe abortion, has the following goals
Reflect
about their beliefs and values surrounding abortion.
Analyze
the impact of barriers and stigma on access to safe abortion services.
Develop tools
to act in a manner consistent with values based on human rights and equity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that abortion stigma is a key barrier limiting access to safe, quality services. In its “Guidelines on Abortion Care” (2022), WHO recommends values clarification and attitude transformation training as a key strategy to reduce stigma, improve quality of care, and strengthen health professionals’ commitment to reproductive rights.
In addition, WHO emphasizes that AVTA training is especially relevant in contexts where health care providers and others who accompany abortion situations may face ethical dilemmas or personal barriers to providing safe abortion services free of stigma and discrimination. By promoting critical reflection, this approach helps ensure that clinical and policy decisions are based on scientific evidence and human rights, rather than on personal biases or perceptions.
Impact and lessons learned
We have been transforming attitudes and actions around safe abortion for more than 15 years.
At Ipas, we believe in the power of dialogue and reflection to break down barriers and ensure access to rights. Through our Values Clarification for Transformation and Action (AVTA) workshops, we have accompanied thousands of people in this process of learning and change.workshops, we have accompanied thousands of people in this process of learning and change.
Worldwide, we have implemented thousands of thousands of workshops in more than 30 countries, impactingcommunities and strengthening commitment to reproductive justice. In Latin America, we have conducted 136 workshops in 17 countrieswith the participation of 3,374 peoplewhose impact has multiplied, reaching thousands of people. thousands of people who receive care and support from those who have participated in AVTA workshops.
Our work continues, because we know that transforming attitudes is key to ensuring that abortion is a real and accessible right for all people.
Global evaluations have shown that this methodology significantly improves knowledge, attitudes and willingness to support access to safe abortion, especially among those who initially had less information or negative attitudes.
Our AVTA resources are constantly evolving, adapting to different contexts and needs. You can explore more about this methodology and access materials at www.ipas.org/VCAT.
Make a difference today!
- Every contribution, no matter how small, translates into concrete actions: we train health personnel, supply medical centers with essential supplies and support those who need it most. You can donate as little as $1, and choose between a one-time or monthly contribution. You decide how you want to support!
- Your donation to Ipas LAC boosts access to safe abortion and contraception, promoting reproductive justice in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Our platform is secure and reliable, always protecting your personal data.
Your generosity helps us build a future where all people can exercise their reproductive rights. Donate today and be part of the change.
Every donation counts and transforms lives!
With this amount, we could cover an entire month of internet access for a shelter, which will allow people to access Ipas LAC’s digital tools and obtain information in case of sexual violence and information about safe abortion, such as the Te Acompaño chatbot or the accompaniment maps and misoprostol sales points.
With this amount we are able to fund the development of a new resource that addresses the specific health needs of women and people with childbearing capacity in the context of migration.
A great support with which we can cover the formation of an organization in the territory and improve the attention to the reproductive health needs of migrants.
A donation that covers an entire month of the operating costs of “Te acompaño”, the sexual violence and safe abortion chatbot, ensuring its availability to the people who need it most.
A powerful contribution with which we will print a kit of materials so that grassroots organizations have materials to promote Te Acompaño in their work with the community.
A very powerful donation, it will ensure that we bring information to the people who really need it. Through targeted outreach, more than 1,600 people with gestational capacity will learn about and use the chatbot on sexual violence and safe abortion.
A large amount, with which we will be able to translate the tool into the languages of the people who are in transit through Mexico and cover a need identified by the migrants themselves.
The highest donation, with this support, we will be able to finance the expansion of the coverage of “Te Acompaño” to a new state of the migratory route in Mexico, expanding the options for migrants in their transit through the country.