Emergency Contraception: Asia

• Asia Pacific Network on Emergency Contraception
  
• Southeast Asian Workshop on Emergency Contraception

Asia Pacific Network on Emergency Contraception

In spite of scientific progress and government commitments, sexual and reproductive health continues to elude millions of women around the world. Emergency contraception (EC) remains unknown to most women who need it. The experiences of women and health care practitioners in Asia with regard to EC reveal barriers in the areas of policies, laws, structures and cultural beliefs in each country. Responding to the situation, the Pacific Institute for Women's Health initiated meetings and workshops on emergency contraception in Asia from 2001 to 2003. The multi-sectoral participants at these meetings recognized the common experience that EC information, products, and services remain unavailable to most women in the region and resolved to come together to address the issue. This gave birth to the Asia Pacific Network on Emergency Contraception, or APNEC.

APNEC's goals are to:

1. Actively advocate for social and reproductive health policies founded on human dignity, equality and scientifically-substantiated information;
2. Systematically eradicate all impediments which restrict access to EC across the Asia and Pacific region; and
3. Provide technical assistance to advance local, regional and international efforts — including the creation of national and sub-regional work plans and strategies—that enable women to fully realize their right to control their own fertility, prevent unwanted pregnancy and attain sexual and reproductive health.

For more information, contact:

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