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We investigated the timely initiation of antenatal care among Brazilian adolescents to support the national discussion on the gestational age limit for legal abortion. Using data from the Live Births Information System (SINASC) 2020-2022, we correlated the timely antenatal care (first quarter of pregnancy) with the adolescent's age, region, ethnicity/skin color, and schooling level; 11,607 annual births result from vulnerable rape. The timely initiation of antenatal care was 70.2% for all adolescents (<20 years), but only 55.6% for those under 13 years old; 14.1% of adolescents started antenatal care at 22 weeks or more of gestation (28.3% among those <13 years old). Timely initiation was lower in the North region, among Indigenous girls, and those with low education. Delays in recognizing the pregnancy and communicating with the family contribute to the late start of antenatal care and the decision to abort. The proposed legal abortion time limit will mainly impact the most vulnerable adolescents in terms of socioeconomic and racial factors.

Investigamos o início do pré-natal em adolescentes brasileiras para subsidiar a discussão nacional sobre o limite de idade gestacional para o aborto legal. Com dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) 2020-2022 correlacionamos o início oportuno do pré-natal (primeiro trimestre da gestação) com a idade da adolescente, região, raça/cor e escolaridade; 11.607 partos anuais resultam de estupro de vulnerável. O início oportuno foi de 70,2% para todas as adolescentes (<20 anos), mas de apenas 55,6% para aquelas abaixo de 13 anos; 14,1% das adolescentes iniciaram o pré-natal com 22 semanas ou mais de gestação (28,3% entre <13 anos). O início oportuno foi menor na região Norte, entre meninas indígenas e com baixa escolaridade. Demoras no reconhecimento da gestação e na comunicação para a família contribuem para o início tardio do pré-natal e para a decisão de abortar. A proposta de limite do prazo para abortos legais irá atingir principalmente as adolescentes mais vulneráveis em termos socioeconômicos e raciais.

Investigamos el inicio oportuno de la atención prenatal entre las adolescentes brasileñas para apoyar la discusión nacional sobre el límite de edad gestacional para el aborto legal. Con datos del Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos (SINASC) 2020-2022, correlacionamos el inicio oportuno del cuidado prenatal (primer trimestre del embarazo) con la edad de la adolescente, la región, la etnia/color de piel y el nivel de escolaridad; 11.607 nacimientos anuales resultan de violaciones vulnerables. El inicio oportuno fue del 70,2% para todas las adolescentes (<20 años), pero solo del 55,6% para aquellas menores de 13 años; el 14,1% de las adolescentes comenzaron el cuidado prenatal a las 22 semanas o más de embarazo (28,3% entre las menores de 13 años). El inicio oportuno fue menor en la región Norte, entre las niñas indígenas y las de baja escolaridad. Los retrasos en el reconocimiento del embarazo y en la comunicación con la familia contribuyen al inicio tardío del cuidado prenatal y a la decisión de abortar. La propuesta de límite de tiempo para los abortos legales afectará principalmente a las adolescentes más vulnerables en términos socioeconómicos y raciales.

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INTRODUCTION: The Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (IVE) law 27.610, enacted in 2020, urges healthcare providers to guarantee this practice. Previous investigations at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) revealed that the lack of clear institutional protocols hindered the management of abortion. The objective of this research was to explore the management of abortion before and after the enactment of law 27.610, the institutional modifications implemented in response to it, and the opportunities for improvement in care from the perspective of the healthcare staff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Professionals from the IVE office at HIBA were selected through purposive and snowball sampling between March 2022 and May 2023. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, manually analyzed using in vivo and descriptive coding, resulting in the emergence of 3 thematic areas. RESULTS: 1) Professionals experienced four stages in management of abortion, with increasing institutional support: referral to informal networks, risk reduction, legal abortion, and the IVE office. 2) A multidisciplinary team implemented changes starting in 2021 that expanded access to IVE. 3) Improving communication between services is necessary to standardize access to different abortion methods and emergency care. DISCUSSION: The evolution of abortion management at the HIBA reflects adaptations to national legislative frameworks and underscores the importance of clear institutional protocols and hierarchical support. Access to IVE is ensured through an integrated network of providers that continually seek improvements.

Introducción: La Ley 27.610 de Interrupción Voluntaria del Embarazo (IVE), sancionada en 2020, insta a los efectores de salud de Argentina a garantizar esta práctica. Investigaciones previas en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) revelaron que la ausencia de protocolos institucionales claros obstaculizaba el manejo del aborto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar dicho manejo antes y después de la Ley 27.610, las modificaciones institucionales implementadas en respuesta a la misma y oportunidades de mejora en la atención desde las experiencias del personal de salud. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo de enfoque fenomenológico interpretativo. Mediante muestreo intencional y el uso de bola de nieve, se seleccionó a profesionales del consultorio IVE del HIBA entre 03-2022 y 05-2023. Se realizaron 18 entrevistas semiestructuradas, analizadas manualmente con codificación in vivo y descriptiva, emergiendo 3 áreas temáticas. Resultados: 1) Los profesionales experimentaron cuatro etapas de manejo del aborto, con creciente apoyo institucional: derivación a circuitos informales, reducción de riesgos, interrupción legal del embarazo y consultorio IVE. 2) Un equipo multidisciplinario implementó cambios desde 2021 que ampliaron el acceso a la IVE. 3) Se requiere mejorar la comunicación entre servicios para homogeneizar el acceso a diferentes métodos de interrupción del embarazo y a la guardia. Discusión: La evolución del manejo del aborto en el HIBA refleja adaptaciones a los marcos legislativos nacionales y subraya la importancia de protocolos institucionales claros y apoyo jerárquico. El acceso a la IVE está garantizado a través de un circuito de efectores integrados que buscan mejoras continuas.

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This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of obstetricians and gynecology-obstetrics residents at a federal school maternity hospital regarding legal abortion in cases of sexual violence pregnancy, understand their motivations, strengths, and feelings, and identify their experience with this topic. The first stage consisted of answering a self-administered questionnaire. The selection criteria were: obstetricians linked to the obstetric center, director of the medical division, and residents of the institution's obstetrics-gynecology program. In total, 36 questionnaires were answered and returned. The second stage corresponded to an interview using a saturation sampling criterion. Six physicians were interviewed. The interviews were evaluated using a thematic content analysis. The questionnaires showed that all participants had already provided care to women in situations of sexual violence and that most of them had already participated in a legal abortion procedure in these cases. The interviews highlighted the dilemmas faced by professionals in providing care to these women and the lack of professional training to handle these cases. The speeches of women were sometimes seen as an object of suspicion regarding the veracity of sexual violence, and sometimes as an object that caused professionals to feel emotionally affected while listening to them, allowing professionals to approach the victims and offer more humanized care. The results pointed to the importance of addressing this topic in the areas of health and providing training beyond the technical-scientific focus in order to support the development of new care strategies.

Este estudo objetivou analisar as percepções de obstetras e residentes de ginecologia-obstetrícia, atuantes numa maternidade escola federal, sobre o aborto legal em casos de gravidez decorrente de violência sexual, desvelando suas motivações, resistências e sentimentos, e identificando suas experiências com o tema. A primeira etapa correspondeu ao preenchimento de um questionário autoaplicável. Os critérios de seleção foram: obstetras vinculados ao centro obstétrico; diretor da divisão médica; e residentes do programa de ginecologia-obstetrícia da instituição. Obtiveram-se 36 questionários respondidos. A segunda etapa correspondeu à realização de uma entrevista, tendo sido utilizado o critério de amostragem por saturação e foram entrevistados seis médicos. As entrevistas foram analisadas pelo método de análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Os questionários retrataram que todos os participantes já haviam prestado assistência a mulheres em situação de violência sexual e que a maioria já havia participado da realização de um aborto legal. As entrevistas evidenciaram os dilemas enfrentados pelos profissionais na assistência a esses casos e a escassez da formação profissional em relação à temática. A palavra da mulher foi tida ora como objeto de suspeição em relação à veracidade do estupro, ora como capaz de suscitar afetação das profissionais em suas escutas, o que possibilitou que essas se aproximassem das vítimas e ofertassem uma assistência mais humanizada. Os resultados apontaram para a importância da temática ser abordada nos campos da saúde e da formação para além do enfoque técnico-científico, visando produzir novas estratégias de cuidado.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las percepciones de obstetras y residentes de gineco-obstetricia de una maternidad escolar federal sobre el aborto legal en casos de embarazo resultante de violencia sexual, revelar sus motivaciones, resistencias y sentimientos, e identificar sus experiencias con el tema. La primera etapa consistió en completar un cuestionario autoadministrado. Los criterios de selección fueron los siguientes: obstetras vinculados al centro obstétrico; director de la división médica; y residentes del programa de gineco-obstetricia de la institución. Se obtuvieron 36 cuestionarios cumplimentados. La segunda etapa consistió en una entrevista, utilizando un criterio de muestreo por saturación. Se entrevistó a 6 médicos. Las entrevistas se analizaron mediante el método de análisis de contenido, en la modalidad temática. Los cuestionarios mostraron que todos los participantes ya habían brindado asistencia a mujeres en situación de violencia sexual y que la mayoría ya había participado en la realización de un aborto legal en estos casos. Las entrevistas pusieron de manifiesto los dilemas que enfrentan los profesionales en la asistencia a estos casos y la escasa formación profesional con relación al tema. La palabra de la mujer fue vista a veces como objeto de sospecha con respecto a la veracidad de la violación, y a veces como un objeto capaz de suscitar la afectación de las profesionales en sus escuchas, lo que les permitió acercarse a las víctimas y ofrecer una asistencia más humanizada. Los resultados señalaron la importancia de que la temática sea abordada en los campos de la salud y de la formación más allá del enfoque técnico-científico, con el objetivo de producir nuevas estrategias de cuidado.

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Recomenda ad referendum do Pleno do Conselho Nacional de Saúde ao Presidente da Câmara dos Deputados: I - Que determine o arquivamento do Projeto de Lei nº 1904/2024, e afins, que tratam da alteração dos artigos 124, 125, 126 e 128 do Código Penal quanto ao excludente de punibilidade para os casos de aborto previstos em lei e II - Que fomente a promoção do debate democrático do tema na Câmara dos Deputados através de audiências públicas com a participação da sociedade civil organizada.

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METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with review of medical records of women assisted between 2015 and 2020. The variables were socio-demographic and SV characteristics, gestational age, reactions towards pregnancy and outcome. We compared outcome groups using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: We evaluated the medical records of 235 women, of which 153(65%) had undergone to abortion; 17(7.2%) had a spontaneous abortion; 19(8%) remained pregnant; 25(10.6%) had an abortion denied; and 21(8.9%) had been lost to follow-up. Out of the total number of women, 44(18.7%) were adolescents, 152(65.2%) were white and 201(88.5%) had an education ≥9 years. Women who remained pregnant had a known aggressor, disclosed the pregnancy (p < 0.001) and were more ambivalent (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Gestational age was higher in the denied abortion group than in the performed abortion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Feelings related to decision-making about abortion affected all groups, with differences. It is important to give women space to be heard, so they can make their own decisions.

Abortion care is possible in places with restrictive laws; however, women with more vulnerable characteristics did not seek the service. Legal restrictions interfere with women's decision-making about abortion and can promote inequality in gaining access to health services.

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Repudiar a Resolução CFM nº 2.378/2024 e solicitar a sua revogação imediata, nos termos da petição, em anexo, apresentada em 05 de abril de 2024, no âmbito da Arguição de Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental (ADPF) 989, de maneira a proteger os direitos humanos, sobretudo, o direito à vida das crianças e das mulheres brasileiras.

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Introducción. Los abortos inseguros generan altas cifras de morbimortalidad materna. En Colombia, en febrero de 2022 se despenalizó la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo hasta la semana gestacional número 24. Conocer la postura estudiantil frente a esta intervención permitirá entender el contexto de su futura implementación. Objetivo. Describir la percepción médica estudiantil en Medellín frente al aborto y su despenalización. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo y transversal en el que se aplicó una encuesta desde octubre de 2021 hasta febrero de 2022, se incluyeron estudiantes de pregrado de medicina de cuarto a doceavo semestre de cinco universidades, mayores de edad, quienes aceptaron participar. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, posición frente a la despenalización del aborto y frente a la objeción de conciencia. Se calcularon medidas de tendencia central y distribución de frecuencias. Resultados. Se encuestaron 208 estudiantes. El 82.7% apoyaba la despenalización del aborto; aquellos que practicaban una religión tuvieron 8.1 veces más posibilidad de oponerse. Un 44.7% consideró no estar preparado para acompañar una interrupción del embarazo. El 14.9 % deseó ser objetor de conciencia, mientras que el 47.5%, no. Discusión. Precedentemente, predominaba la oposición mundial frente al aborto; sin embargo, el conocimiento y la aceptación social ha venido en aumento, evidenciándose en los encuestados, quienes apoyan la despenalización de esta intervención. Conclusión. Los estudiantes encuestados apoyan la despenalización del aborto y consideran que no han contado con una formación práctica y teórica adecuada frente a la temática

Introduction. Unsafe abortions generate high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. In Colombia, in February 2022, the voluntary interruption of pregnancy up to the 24th gestational week was decriminalized. Knowing the student's position regarding this intervention will allow us to understand the context of its future implementation. Aim. To describe the student medical perception in Medellín regarding abortion and decriminalization. Methodology. A descriptive and cross-sectional study, in which a survey was applied from October 2021 to February 2022, included undergraduate medical students from the fourth to twelfth semester of five universities of legal age who agreed to participate. Sociodemographic characteristics, position on the decriminalization of abortion, and conscientious objection were evaluated. Measures of central tendency and frequency distribution were calculated. Results. 208 students were surveyed. 82.7% supported the decriminalization of abortion; those who practiced a religion were 8.1 times more likely to oppose it. 44.7% considered they were not prepared to accompany a pregnancy interruption. 14.9% wanted to be a conscientious objector, while 47.5% did not. Discussion. Previously, global opposition to abortion predominated; However, knowledge and social acceptance has been increasing, evident in the respondents, who support the decriminalization of this intervention. Conclusion. The students surveyed support the decriminalization of abortion and consider that they have not had adequate practical and theoretical training on the subject.

Introdução. Os abortos inseguros geram altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade materna. Na Colômbia, em fevereiro de 2022, foi descriminalizada a interrupção voluntária da gravidez até a 24ª semana de gestação. Conhecer a posição dos estudantes sobre essa intervenção nos permite compreender o contexto de sua futura implementação. Objetivo. Descrever a percepção dos estudantes de medicina de Medellín sobre o aborto e sua descriminalização. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo e transversal em que foi aplicada uma pesquisa no período de outubro de 2021 a fevereiro de 2022, foram incluidos estudantes de graduação em medicina do quarto ao décimo segundo semestre de cinco universidades, maiores de idade, que aceitaram participar. Foram avaliadas características sociodemográficas, posição sobre a descriminalização do aborto e a objeção de consciência. Foram calculadas medidas de tendência central e distribuição de frequência. Resultados. Foram entrevistados 208 estudantes. 82,7% apoiaram a descriminalização do aborto; aqueles que praticavam uma religião tinham 8,1 vezes mais probabilidade de se opor a ela. 44,7% consideraram não estar preparadas para acompanhar a interrupção da gravidez. 14,9% queriam ser objetores de consciência, enquanto 47,5% não desejavam. Discussão. Anteriormente, predominava a oposição global ao aborto; no entanto, o conhecimento e a aceitação social têm aumentado, conforme evidenciado pelos entrevistados, que apoiam a descriminalização desta intervenção. Conclusão. Os estudantes pesquisados apoiam a descriminalização do aborto e consideram que não tiveram formação prática e teórica adequada sobre o assunto.

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In September 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court issued a decision disallowing any federal or local judicial authority to indict someone for the offense of voluntary or consensual abortion. This decision also declared unconstitutional penalties imposed on medical personnel who facilitate or assist such procedures. Furthermore, the Court decided that limiting access to abortion in cases of rape to a specific time frame was disproportionate. Later on, in September 2023, the Supreme Court confirmed that absolute criminalization of abortion was unconstitutional and declared that the rule supporting criminalization in the Federal Penal Code was without effects. Consequently, healthcare providers who work in public federal health institutions cannot be criminalized for guaranteeing the right to abortion. This article reviews the reasons advanced by the Supreme Court to guarantee the right of reproductive self-determination, as well as the effects of both decisions beyond the decriminalization of abortion by Mexican federal and state legislatures. The paper also examines the scope and limitations of these rulings and identifies the remaining challenges regarding voluntary abortion procedures in Mexico.

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Abortion laws are key in creating an enabling environment that facilitates the advancement of people's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Around 50 countries have liberalized their abortion laws in the last decades by adding new grounds allowing abortion. The road toward the expansion of legal abortion is a long, highly sensitive, and difficult process. The specific role of healthcare providers in influencing abortion law reforms has been scarcely studied. With the objective to better understand their (potential) roles, a qualitative study was conducted in 2021 focusing on three countries that had recently liberalized their abortion regulations: Argentina, South Korea, and Ireland. For each country, key informant interviews were conducted with actors in advocacy for legal change, the majority with healthcare providers. The study results indicate that healthcare providers can contribute to the expansion of legal abortion through their influence on public and legal debates. Healthcare providers were found to be scientifically credible and trustworthy. Their voice and argumentation counteracted anti-rights arguments and addressed information gaps, by providing specific clinical experiences and medical information. Healthcare providers amplified women's experiences through their testimonies and had entry points within governmental bodies, which facilitated their advocacy. These healthcare providers often functioned as individual operating obstetrician/gynecologists or general practitioners who were engaged in networks of health professionals or had previous advocacy experience. In a global context of social and political contention around abortion, extending the engagement of healthcare providers in law and policy deliberation on abortion appears to be useful. This requires recognizing the diversity of roles that healthcare providers can take up, creating a safe environment in which they can operate, equipping them with skills that go beyond the medical expert role and facilitating strategic partnerships that seek complementarity between multiple stakeholders, building on the uniqueness of each stakeholder's expertise.

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Soon after the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision asserting a constitutional right to abortion, activists in Argentina organized a protest in front of the U.S. embassy. The demonstration conveyed the need for a transnational defense of reproductive rights, particularly in light of the outsized role of the U.S. in global politics. The June 24, 2022 decision that voided Roe v. Wade (Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization) raises grave concerns about resurgent forms of authoritarianism even in democracies. Activists in Argentina have paid attention to these developments and have been ready to defend the relatively recent legalization of abortion in the country. In fact, Argentina presents an interesting example of a country that has been moving in a different direction than the United States. This experience can provide important insights about resistance strategies in contexts of abortion rights restriction.

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Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es conocer el estado de situación de los procesos de las usuarias que asistieron a la policlínica de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo en el Hospital de Clínicas en un período de agosto de 2019 a agosto de 2020. Metodología y materiales: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, a partir de la entrevista clínica de salud mental y una ficha de uso interno utilizada para relevar el proceso de toma de decisión. En muestra de 78 usuarias se analizan variables sociodemográficas, ginecoobstétricas y asociadas al proceso de interrupción, antecedentes psicológicos y/o psiquiátricos y motivos de interrupción. Resultados: el promedio de edad es de 25 años, la mayoría en pareja y ciclo básico educativo finalizado. El promedio de edad gestacional fue de 7,36 semanas. El 81% de las mujeres no había realizado un IVE. Un 65.4% de las mujeres no tienen antecedentes psicológicos y/o psiquiátricos. No existe relación significativa entre haber realizado un IVE previamente y tener antecedentes psicológicos y/o psiquiátricos.Utilizaban anticonceptivos 78.2%. Conclusiones: la interrupción del embarazo supone una situación vital estresante para quienes la transitan, se encuentran atravesadas por múltiples motivos que inciden en la toma de decisión de interrumpir. Se infiere que la realización de uno o más procedimientos de IVE no necesariamente está relacionada con tener un antecedente psicopatológico o cursar una psicopatología al realizar el proceso. Es pertinente promover la atención focalizada en las pacientes, integrando la perspectiva de género y derechos humanos, mejorar los procesos de atención, asesoramiento en salud mental, sexual y reproductiva de las usuarias y sus acompañantes.

Objective: The objective of this study is to know the status of the processes of the users who attended the polyclinic for voluntary termination of pregnancy at the Hospital de Clínicas in a period from August 2019 to August 2020. Methodology and materials: The study used descriptive and retrospective methods based on interviews with mental health professionals and a form that was used to ask about how people make decisions. In a sample of 78 users, sociodemographic, obstetric and gynecological variables associated with the discontinuation process, psychological and/or psychiatric history and reasons for discontinuation were analyzed. Results: The average age is 25 years, most people are married and have finished their elementary education. The average gestational age was 7.36 weeks. 81% of the women had not undergone an IVE. 65.4% of women have no psychological and/or psychiatric history. There is no significant relationship between having previously performed an IVE and having a psychological and/or psychiatric history. 78.2% used contraceptives. Conclusions: The interruption of pregnancy is a stressful life situation for those who go through it; they are faced with multiple reasons that influence the decision to terminate. It is inferred that carrying out one or more IVE procedures is not necessarily related to having a psychopathological history or experiencing psychopathology when carrying out the process. It is pertinent to promote patient-focused care, integrating the gender and human rights perspective, improve care processes, and provide advice on mental, sexual, and reproductive health of users and their companions.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é conhecer a situação dos processos das usuárias que compareceram à policlínica de interrupção voluntária da gravidez do Hospital de Clínicas no período de agosto de 2019 a agosto de 2020. Metodologia e materiais: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, baseado na entrevista clínica de saúde mental e em formulário de uso interno utilizado para levantamento do processo de tomada de decisão. Numa amostra de 78 usuárias foram analisadas variáveis ​​sociodemográficas, obstétricas e ginecológicas associadas ao processo de descontinuação, histórico psicológico e/ou psiquiátrico e motivos de descontinuação. Resultados: a idade média é de 25 anos, a maioria vive em casal e completou o ciclo educativo básico. A idade gestacional média foi de 7,36 semanas. 81% das mulheres não realizaram IVE. 65,4% das mulheres não têm antecedentes psicológicos e/ou psiquiátricos. Não há relação significativa entre ter realizado EIV anteriormente e ter antecedentes psicológicos e/ou psiquiátricos, 78,2% faziam uso de anticoncepcional. Conclusões: a interrupção da gravidez é uma situação estressante de vida para quem passa por ela, pois se deparam com múltiplos motivos que influenciam na decisão de interrompê-la. Infere-se que a realização de um ou mais procedimentos de IVE não está necessariamente relacionada a ter histórico psicopatológico, ou vivenciar psicopatologia na realização do processo. É pertinente promover cuidados centrados no paciente, integrando a perspectiva de gênero e direitos humanos, melhorar os processos de cuidados e aconselhamento sobre saúde mental, sexual e reprodutiva dos utentes e dos seus acompanhantes.

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O artigo discute os usos da entrega voluntária, dispositivo em que a mulher opta por entregar o bebê gerado para adoção como estratégia de cerceamento ao aborto legal. Utilizamos como ponto de partida dois casos amplamente divulgados que envolvem gestantes menores de 14 anos - em que o aborto não é penalizado devido à presunção de estupro de vulnerável. Realizamos análise documental com perspectiva etnográfica de projetos de lei recentes que regulamentam ou promovem a adoção/entrega voluntária. O argumento de que existem "30 mil casais" à espera de um bebê para adotar tem sido frequentemente utilizado a fim de atrasar ou impedir o acesso ao aborto legal. Ainda que seja um direito de qualquer gestante, o acionamento desse dispositivo como "solução" para o aborto tem sido um importante instrumento de ataque aos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos no Brasil.(AU)

El artículo discute los usos de la entrega voluntaria, medida en la que la mujer opta por entregar al bebé engendrado para adopción, como estrategia de limitación al aborto legal. Utilizamos como punto de partida dos casos ampliamente divulgados que envuelven a gestantes menores de 14 años, casos en los que el aborto no está penalizado debido a la presunción de violación de vulnerable. Realizamos un análisis documental con perspectiva etnográfica de proyectos de ley recientes que reglamentan o promueven la adopción/entrega voluntaria. El argumento de que existen "30 mil parejas" a la espera de un bebé para adopción se ha utilizado frecuentemente con la finalidad de atrasar o impedir el acceso al aborto legal. Aunque sea un derecho de cualquier gestante, la puesta en acción de tal medida como "solución" para el aborto ha sido un importante instrumento de ataque a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos en Brasil.(AU)

This paper discusses the use of voluntary relinquishment, a legal mechanism through which pregnant women can choose to place their babies for adoption, as a strategy to curtail legal abortion. We begin with two widely publicized cases involving pregnant girls under the age of fourteen - situations in which abortion is not criminalized due to the presumption of statutory rape. We conduct a documentary analysis from an ethnographic perspective of recent legislative bills that regulate or promote voluntary relinquishment. The argument that there are "30,000 couples" waiting to adopt a baby is often used to delay or prevent legal abortion access. Although it is the right of every pregnant woman, the use of this apparatus as a "solution" to abortion has been an important instrument in attacks on sexual and reproductive rights in Brazil.(AU)

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This perspective article situates the 2022 United States (U.S.) Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade (1973) within the broader history of abortion rights activism and legislation in the greater Americas. The U.S. public has stereotyped Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as socially conservative regarding gender issues and anti-reproductive rights. But twenty-first-century LAC presents a more complicated landscape than this dominant narrative suggests. In the past 15 years, political, legislative, and public health advances and setbacks across the region provide both a blueprint for re-establishing access to safe and legal abortion and a warning on the consequences of the criminalization of abortion for the U.S. Employing a narrative approach that summarizes recent interdisciplinary literature, this perspective traces the history of the expansion of abortion access in the Americas. Mexico (2007, 2023), Uruguay (2012), Argentina (2020), and Colombia (2022) legalized abortion on demand within specific timeframes. These expansions coexist with severe restrictions on abortion in various nations including Haiti (1835), the Dominican Republic (1884, 2009), Honduras (1985, 2021), El Salvador (1997), and Nicaragua (2006), as well as some states in the United States (2022). This perspective finds that legalization occurs when feminist activists eschew U.S.-based feminist rhetoric of individual rights and choice to reframe abortion as a form of gender-based violence within a discourse of health and wellbeing as a human right. According to this perspective, restrictions on access to the procedure constitute a form of violence against women and people capable of bearing children and violate human rights.

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Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de las interrupciones voluntarias del embarazo (IVE) recurrentes y efectuar una exploración de los factores asociados a esta. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte trasversal descriptivo, en el que se incluyeron mujeres atendidas entre 2015 y 2021 en cinco sedes, en el Departamento de Antioquia, de una Institución que promueve la atención en salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) en Colombia. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, de SSR, así como la realización de IVE recurrente, tipo de procedimiento utilizado en la primera IVE, y método de anticoncepción elegido posterior a esta. Se presenta la prevalencia de período de aborto recurrente global y por año. Se hace exploración de los factores asociados por medio de análisis multivariado. Se obtuvo aval del comité de investigación de la institución. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 20.423 mujeres. La prevalencia de IVE recurrente fue del 4,07 % (n = 831) en todo el período, y varió del 2,3 al 6 % en los 6 años. El método más utilizado para la IVE recurrente fue inducción farmacológica (48,50 %). Después de la primera IVE, el 69,81 % de las mujeres utilizó métodos anticonceptivos clasificados como "muy efectivos", según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se identificaron como factores de riesgo de la IVE recurrente pertenecer al régimen de aseguramiento subsidiado por el Estado (Odds ratio ajustado (ORa) = 1,35; IC 95 %: 1,05-1,72) y haber tenido dos o más gestaciones (ORa = 1,23; IC 95 %: 1,06 - 1,44). Como factores protectores se identificaron: contratación del servicio de IVE bajo modalidad de pago de bolsillo (ORa = 0,71; IC 95 %: 0,61-0,82), el antecedente de IVE tardía (ORa = 0,30; IC 95 %: 0,11-0,81), y la elección del implante subdérmico posterior al primer aborto primer aborto como (ORa =0,64; IC 95 %: 0,49 - 0,83). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de IVE recurrente posiblemente está incrementando. Se requieren estudios prospectivos que evalúen si existe una tendencia al incremento y que verifiquen posibles hipótesis de asociación que surgen de este trabajo.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of recurrent voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) and to explore associated factors. Material and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study which included women seen between 2015 and 2021 in five sites of an institution located in the Department of Antioquia which promotes sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in Colombia. Measured variables included sociodemographics, SRH, recurrent performance of VTP, type of procedure used in the first VTP and contraception method selected afterwards. The prevalence of global and yearly recurrent abortion period is presented. Associated factors were explored using a multivariate analysis. The research committee of the institution approved the study. Results: In total, 20,423 women were included. The prevalence of recurrent VTP was 4.07 % (n = 831) during the entire period, ranging between 2.3 and 6 % over the 7 years. The most commonly used method for recurrent VTP was pharmacological induction (48.50 %). After the first VTP, 69.81 % of women used contraceptive methods classified as "very effective" according to the World Health Organization. The risk factors identified as being associated with recurrent VTP included being part of the state-subsidized health insurance system (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35; 95 % CI:1.05-1.72) and having had two or more pregnancies (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.44). Protective factors were identified and included out-of-pocket payment for VTP service (aOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61-0.82), a history of late VTP (aOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11-0.81), and the selection of a subdermal implant for contraception following the first abortion (sOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49 - 0.83). Conclusions: It is possible that the prevalence of recurrent VTP is increasing. Prospective studies are required in order to determine whether there is a growing trend and to verify potential association hypotheses derived from this work.

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Objetivo: Avaliar o desejo de gestantes, vítimas de violência sexual, em manter ou interromper a gravidez. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo que avaliou o desejo da gestante vítima de violência sexual pela manutenção ou interrupção da gravidez, no Programa de Atendimento às Vítimas de Violência Sexual, no período de janeiro de 2019 a setembro de 2022. Resultados: Foram acolhidas 67 gestantes vítimas de violência sexual que procuraram atendimento com vistas a orientação, manutenção ou interrupção da gestação. Entre elas, 56 (83,6%) pacientes solici- taram a interrupção da gestação e para 32 (57,2%) a solicitação foi aceita; 9 (16%) não tiveram a solicitação de interrupção autorizada por equipe multidisciplinar e mantiveram a gestação; 11 (16,4%) não solicitaram a interrupção e também optaram pela manutenção da gestação. A média das idades foi de 26 anos. Em sua maio- ria, eram solteiras, brancas e procedentes de munícipios do entorno de Caxias do Sul. O agressor era quase sempre desconhecido, e a agressão teria ocorrido pre- dominantemente na residência da vítima ou do agressor. Conclusão: No período estudado, foram avaliadas 67 gestações decorrentes de violência sexual. Dessas, 56 pacientes solicitaram a interrupção da gestação e 32 tiveram a solicitação aceita; nove não tiveram a solicitação de interrupção autorizada e mantiveram a gestação; 11 não solicitaram a interrupção e também optaram pela manutenção da gestação. Não cabe ao médico julgar a decisão da vítima, mas, sim, acolher e ofertar o seu direito de escolha.

Objective: To evaluate the desire of pregnant women, victims of sexual violence, to maintain or terminate pregnancy. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study that evaluated the desire of pregnant women victims of sexual violence for the mainte- nance or interruption of pregnancy in Program to Assist Victims of Sexual Assault, from January 2019 to September 2022. Results: Sixty-seven pregnant women who were victim of sexual assault and who sought care for maintenance or interruption of pregnancy were received. Among these, 56 (83.6%) patients requested the interruption of pregnancy and in 32 (57.2%) cases the request was accepted; 9 (16%) didn't have the interruption request authorized by the multidisciplinary team and have kept the pregnancy; 11 (16.4%) didn't request the interruption and have chosen to keep the pregnancy. The average age was 26 years. They were single, white, and mostly from cities around Caxias do Sul. The aggressor was almost always unknown, and the assault occurred mostly at the victim's or aggressor's home. Conclusion: Sixty-seven pregnancies resulting from sexual assault were evaluated during the period of the study. Fifty-sixth patients of those have requested pregnancy termination and 32 had their request accepted; nine didn't have their request for termination authorized and have kept their pregnancy; eleven didn't request termination and have chosen to keep their pregnancy. It isn't up to the physician to judge the victim's decision, but to welcome and offer her the right to choose.

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BACKGROUND: The 2020 Law on Access to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy is a landmark piece of legislation regarding access to abortion in Argentina. Under the new law, abortion is legal up to 14 weeks and 6 days gestation, with exceptions made to the gestational age limit to save a woman´s life, to preserve a woman´s health, and in case of rape. However, widespread refusal to provide care by authorized health providers (due to conscientious objection or lack of awareness of the new law) could hinder access to legal abortion. This study aimed to assess knowledge of the current legal framework and willingness to perform abortions by authorized professionals in Argentina, to compare perceptions about any requirements necessary to perform abortions on legal grounds between willing and unwilling providers and to explore factors associated with refusal to provide care. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered, anonymous survey to authorized abortion providers in public health facilities in four provinces of Argentina. FINDINGS: Most authorized providers knew the grounds upon which it is currently legal to perform abortions; however, almost half reported being unwilling to perform abortions, mainly due to conscientious objection. Both willing and unwilling providers believed there were additional requirements not actually stipulated by law. Using logistic regression, we found that province where providers serve, working in a tertiary level facility, and older age were factors associated with unwillingness to provide care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that, even in a favorable legal context, barriers at the provider level may hinder access to abortion in Argentina. They help to demonstrate the need for specific actions that can improve access such as training, further research and public policies that guarantee facilities have sufficient professionals willing to provide abortion care.

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BACKGROUND: Induced abortion in Costa Rica is illegal in all cases except to save the life of the pregnant person. Despite severe restrictions to legal abortion, individuals in Costa Rica still induce abortions outside of the formal healthcare system. These individuals and those with spontaneous abortions, also known as miscarriages, occasionally need medical care for complications. In Costa Rica, an estimated 41% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion, yet there is very little published literature exploring the perspectives of healthcare providers on abortion in Costa Rica. METHODS: We interviewed ten obstetrician-gynecologist clinicians and five obstetrician-gynecologist medical residents in San José, Costa Rica about their beliefs and practices related to extra-legal abortion and post-abortion care (PAC) using a Spanish language in-depth semi-structured interview guide. After transcription and translation into English, analysis team pairs used a combination of deductive and inductive coding to identify themes and sub-themes within the data. RESULTS: Obstetrician-gynecologist clinicians and medical residents were aware of the presence of extra-legal abortion, and particularly, medication abortion, in their communities, but less familiar with dosing for induction. They expressed the desire to provide non-judgmental care and support their patients through extra-legal abortion and PAC journeys. Study participants were most familiar with providing care to individuals with spontaneous abortions. When discussing PAC, they often spoke about a policy of reporting individuals who seek PAC following an extra-legal abortion, without commenting on whether or not they followed the guidance. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a gap in research about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Costa Rican obstetrician-gynecologist clinicians and medical residents around extra-legal abortion and PAC. The results reveal an opportunity to train these healthcare providers as harm reduction experts, who are able to accurately counsel individuals who are seeking abortion services outside of the healthcare system, and to provide training to improve care for individuals needing PAC.

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OBJECTIVE: Explore the use of two abortion care models in Argentina over the period 2016-2019: pro-rights private medical service providers and abortion accompaniment (via self-management and via health institutions); and compare the profile of who accesses these models and when. METHODS: We used data from accompaniment collectives in the Socorristas en Red and private service providers. We estimated annual abortion rates via these service models and compared the profile of the populations by type of service and gestational age (2019) using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS: In 2016, 37 people per 100,000 women of reproductive age obtained accompanied self-managed abortions, and the number increased to 111 per 100,000 in 2019, a threefold increase. The rate of abortions via care providers was 18 per 100,000 in 2016 and 33 in 2019. Higher proportions of those who obtained abortion via care providers were 30 years or older. A higher proportion of those accompanied were 19 years or younger; 11% of those who obtained accompanied self-managed abortions were more than 12 weeks gestation compared with 7% among those who had accompanied abortions via health institutions and 0.2% among those who had abortions with private providers. A higher proportion of those who accessed accompanied abortions after 12 weeks gestation had lower educational levels, did not work or have social security coverage, had more past pregnancies, and attempted to terminate their pregnancies prior to contacting the Socorristas compared to those who had accompanied abortions at 12 weeks or earlier. CONCLUSIONS: In Argentina, prior to Law 27.610 models of care guaranteed access to safe abortion. It is important to continue making visible and legitimizing these models of care so that all those who decide to have an abortion, whether inside or outside health institutions, have safe and positive experiences.