Engaging doctors as agents of change to improve access to safe abortion in Mexico: an innovative network linking supportive physicians with acompañantes

  CONSORCIO DE INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE VIH SIDA TB CISIDAT, A.C.       Mexico

CISIDAT will collaborate with investigators at ECOSUR and activists across Mexico to support the creation of the first nationwide network of female pro-choice physicians in Mexico, engaging them to de-medicalize abortion, enhance interactions with acompañantes, increase access to safe medical abortion, and reduce stigma. Virtual trainings targeting physicians will be conducted to increase awareness on abortion guidelines, local laws, self-managed abortion, de-medicalization of abortion and accompaniment models, as well as establishing goals for the network. In-person workshops for physicians and acompañantes will promote trust, exchange of information and experiences, and promote collaboration with acompañantes. The evidence generated will be shared through open access publications and a book, and will be used to refine and adapt the network and training model for continued expansion in Mexico, and ultimately in other Latin American countries.