Peru: Closing the gaps between law and attitudes

Overview

Closing the gaps between law and attitudes: advocating for legal and dignified abortion in Peru

Our implementation story from PROMSEX showcases how persistent advocacy and litigation strategies were used in Peru to tackle misconceptions that abortion is illegal under all circumstances. Advocates for instance challenged medically unjustified waiting periods, the requirement of approvals from authorities, and efforts to limit the circumstances (or grounds) for when abortion is legally permitted. Advocacy led to a national abortion guideline that acknowledges abortion as a health-care service, and recognizes that safe, timely and respectful abortion can prevent severe and permanent damage to women’s health.