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.

“Through PBCs, we seek to close the gap in access to health services, ensuring that every person receives dignified, quality care.”

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.

Globally, we have implemented thousands of workshops in more than 30 countries, impacting communities and strengthening the commitment to reproductive justice. In Latin America, we have conducted 136 workshops in 17 countries, with the participation of 3,374 people, whose impact has multiplied, reaching 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.