Definitions.

Unsafe Abortion

Unsafe abortion is the termination of a pregnancy carried out by someone without the skills or training to perform the procedure safely, or in an environment that does not meet minimal medicals standards, or both.

World Health Organizations. (WHO). 1993. Abortion: Frequency and Mortality of Unsafe Abortion. Geneva, WHO.

Menstrual Regulation

A procedure for evacuation of the uterus by vacuum aspiration within 14 days of delayed menses. Menstrual regulation can only be used for the first trimester.

Stein, Karen., Winikoff, Beverly.& Kallianes, Virginia. 1998. Abortion: Expanding Access and Improving Quality-report of a Meeting. New York: Population Council, Inc. pp. 50

Advocacy

A strategic, long-term process founded on analysis and goal-setting to bring about change within a system.

Hera Secretariat. 1998. Women's Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health: Action Sheets. New York: Hera/International Women's Health Coalition.

Full Abortion Access

Access is described in relation to the law; health services; information, education and communication; health service providers; and the public domain.

1) Law: The abortion law should be decriminalized.

2) Health Service Providers: Women should have the power to make decisions on termination of pregnancy without negative interventions from gatekeepers.

* No restriction based on age or parental/spousal consent;

* No gatekeeping e.g. no mandatory counseling, multiple doctor approval, waiting periods;

* Enough activities and providers available;

* Assure confidentiality, privacy;

* Geographically accessible, free and affordable and

* Procedures used: appropriate, current and safe.

3) Information, Education and Communication: (IEC) Women need to know their rights under the law, how to access services, and what procedures are available.

4) Health Services Providers:

* Teaching and training in abortion provisions should be included in undergraduate and in-service curriculum of doctors amd midwives;

* Gender awareness programmes to help health providers separate their personal feelings from their professional responsibility and

* Supervision to prevent provision of biased information or bureaucratic obstacles.

5) Public Domain Attitudes: Abortion should be destigmatised. Strategies must be developed to counter anti-abortion movements.

Hlatsswayo, Zanele; Klugman, Barbara. 2002. Strenghtening Strategic Planning for Advocacy: A Workshop Manual. Johannesburg: Women's Health Project, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand. 121 p.