ABSTRACT
PIP: The Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception (AVSC) investigated the linkages between induced abortion and family planning services in a qualitative research project conducted in Colombia, India, and Turkey. Study methodologies included interviews with abortion and family planning service providers, record review, observation, and discussions with policy-makers. In general, abortion and family planning services were entirely separate. Although postabortion clients clearly wanted to avoid another unwanted pregnancy, they generally failed to receive family planning information and services. Abortion providers tended not to view contraceptive provision as their responsibility and, in many cases, had negative attitudes toward abortion patients. Services for abortion and family planning often were not available on the same day or in the same location. In some areas in India, where abortion patients were provided with contraception (IUD and sterilization), its provision was coerced as a condition for abortion. AVSC is working to raise awareness of the need to integrate service links between abortion and family planning programs.^ieng
Subject(s)
Aftercare , Counseling , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Health Planning , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Americas , Asia , Asia, Western , Colombia , Developing Countries , Family Planning Services , India , Latin America , Organization and Administration , Reproduction , South America , TurkeyABSTRACT
PIP: It traditionally has been believed that Latin American men are not receptive to vasectomy. The limited acceptance of vasectomy in this part of the world has been attributed to misconceptions confusing vasectomy with castration, and linking the procedure with weight gain, loss of libido, and reduced sexual performance. This article presents the experiences of involving men in family planning programs in 3 Latin American countries. These examples may disprove the accepted generalization that Latin American men will not choose vasectomy. Experience in different settings demonstrates that when services are oriented to male needs and are private, not expensive, and available at convenient hours, vasectomy becomes a viable contraceptive choice. Integrating vasectomy with other male services may attract potential clients, defray costs, spread information, and help defuse opposition to family planning. Promotion through the media and satisfied clients contributes to the increasing acceptance of vasectomy in Latin America.^ieng