Expanding access to safe abortion and post-abortion care: Recommendations of a South Asia regional consultation

A South Asia Regional Consultation, organized by the Population Council with representation from governments and key stakeholders of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, was held in New Delhi, to discuss ways of expanding women’s access to safe abortion services. The Consultation deliberated on ways of expanding the provider base for safe induced abortion so as to overcome inadequate and inequitable access to safe abortion. They also looked to expand access to services for the management of incomplete abortion and complications of unsafe abortion that persist in the region and, thereby, to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from unsafe abortion. In order to provide women safe, accessible, and acceptable abortion care services, the Consultation strongly recommended that other competent providers should be legally permitted, following due training, to independently provide comprehensive abortion care. They also agreed that other competent providers must be given the responsibility of providing post-abortion contraceptive counseling