The SAFE Study:

Effectiveness of Self-Managed Abortion with Accompaniment Group Support

Prior research has indicated that self-managed medication abortion is effective and safe, but no prior study has formally compared it to effectiveness of medication abortion in clinical settings. The SAFE study formally made this comparison using historical clinical trial data, and found that self-managed medication abortion leads to similarly high levels of abortion completion compared to clinician-managed medication abortion. The SAFE study was designed and implemented in a very unique researcher/activist collaboration. Researchers often conduct studies without collaboration or input from those most impacted. But for SAFE, we knew the tremendous importance of tapping into and learning from the expertise of the safe abortion advocates that have supported people through self-managed abortion for decades. Thus, to design and implement the SAFE study, Ibis Reproductive Health researchers worked closely with safe abortion advocates from around the world to ensure that the research was grounded in an authentic and accurate understanding of the accompaniment model. Core study partners are listed here.

Colectiva Feminista La Revuelta

Colectiva Feminista La Revuelta. Created on March 8, 2001 in Neuquén, in the Patagonia region of Argentina. La Revuelta's approach centers the dismantling of all hierarchical power structures. La Revuelta focuses on training in and deployment of feminist principles articulated across many movements. The Collective has been part of the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe, and Free Abortion since its formation in 2005. In matters of reproductive and non-reproductive justice, La Revuelta strengthened their efforts in 2010, creating the first Socorro Rosa space in Argentina, to provide information to and to accompany those who decide to abort, so that they can do so with care and safety. In 2012, the Collective launched Socorristas en Red (feminists who abort), a network that currently includes 60 groups in Argentina.

 

 
 

Generation Initiative for Women and Youth Network (GIWYN)

Generation Initiative for Women and Youth Network (GIWYN), formerly known as Generation Foundation is a nongovernmental and non profitable organization. Our work is based on the principle that every woman and youth have the right to the highest standard of living, safe reproductive choices, high quality health care, and an enabling environment that promotes their fundamental human, reproductive and sexual health rights. Ever since it was founded, it has been strengthening, educating, and empowering women and youth in sustainable development activities. In 2014, GIWYN became an organisation in “Special Status” Category with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

 

 

GIWYN believes that supporting grassroots-driven change is key to bringing about sustained and sustainable improvements in SRHR. In doing so, we will continue to focus on neglected areas of Sexual Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights. This focus will deliver transformational impact of five thematic areas:

  • Freedom From Violence

  • Access to safe and legal abortion and post-abortion care for all

  • Eliminate stigma and discrimination on grounds of gender or sexual orientation

  • Access to comprehensive sexuality education and information

  • SRHR services for young people and services that are rights-based, culturally appropriate and gender-inclusive

GIWYN Best Practices include:

Practical community interventions to increase access to information and products e.g., toll free reproductive health hotline (Ms Rosy), Advocacy to achieve full spectrum of reproductive rights, Coalition Building, Empowerment and Research.

 

Ibis Reproductive Health

Ibis Reproductive Health is a global nonprofit driving change through bold, rigorous research and principled partnerships that advance sexual and reproductive autonomy, choices, and health worldwide. We believe that research can catalyze change when the entire process is viewed as an opportunity to shift power, is undertaken in partnership with the communities most impacted, and includes a focus on how data can be most effectively used to make change. We focus on increasing access to quality abortion care, transforming access to abortion and contraception through technology and service innovations, and expanding comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services. Ibis works with partners in more than 30 countries in six continents.

 

Samsara

Samsara is a feminist organization focusing on reproductive justice and the promotion of bodily autonomy. Since 2008, we at Samsara have worked to strengthen the grassroots community through education and advocacy work, and also through running a hotline to provide counseling on sexual and reproductive health and unplanned pregnancy. Our commitment is to create a world without discrimination where everyone's sexual and reproductive rights are fully recognized, respected and fulfilled.