Policy Unit, 1991-2010
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Progressive abortion policies are critical for women to be able to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and have access to comprehensive, woman-centered abortion care. In 1995, Ipas acquired the first dedicated funding to broaden efforts in the area of support for policy reform which allowed the formation of a technical unit with dedicated staff.
Areas of focus and impact for Ipas's policy work include: integrating abortion into the agendas of other organizations working in the areas of health, human rights, and empowerment of women, including advocacy with professional associations such as the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO); advocating for the full implementation and liberal interpretation of current abortion laws; supporting local groups advocating for reforming restrictive abortion laws; supporting and creating social movements at all levels (global, regional, national) for sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a focus on safe abortion; building youth leadership and capacity in support of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including safe abortion; and monitoring and countering anti-choice activism.
Of note is Ipas's work with multilateral agencies such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations. In 1998 Ipas gained Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations which allowed for participation in international conferences and other UN forums. Ipas staff have worked since then with the broader NGO community to advocate for progressive language in UN agreements on sexual and reproductive health and rights, including safe abortion. The Ipas policy unit has also focused thematic work on neglected issues including the intersection of unwanted pregnancy and abortion with women living with HIV/AIDS, adolescents, violence against women, and human rights. Ipas's policy work on administrative barriers in laws and policies helped shape the policy recommendations in the groundbreaking WHO guidance on safe abortion issued first in 2003. Ipas's policy work was created and developed under the direction of Charlotte Hord Smith.
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Access restricted. Materials that document the programmatic work of the organization must be at least 5 years old to be eligible for transfer to the Library. Access to such material, excluding publications, will be restricted for 10 years after initial date of transfer to persons who receive prior written permission from the President and CEO of Donor or his/her designee.
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