Safe Abortion Within Reach: How Telemedicine is Transforming Reproductive Health in Rural Colombia

Reina, a 24-year-old woman from Istmina, in the heart of Chocó, Colombia, was overwhelmed when she discovered she was pregnant. The news was compounded by her unemployment, the precariousness of her daily life, and her economic dependence on her father, an unemployed provider. In a region where poverty is a constant reality, access to safe abortion seemed like an unattainable option. 

Chocó,  long plagued by violence, neglect, and poverty, faces significant gaps in health services, particularly for sexual and reproductive rights. For young women, these barriers are even more pronounced, with socioeconomic and gender inequalities severely limiting their autonomy. Reina’s struggle to access her rights reflects the broader difficulties faced by women in this underserved region. 

Reina’s situation was dire: “My period didn’t come, and I didn’t have the means to take a pregnancy test, so I borrowed money. I couldn’t believe it when I saw those two red lines; I felt the worst chill of my life.” Her biggest fear was that the pregnancy would erase her chances of finding a job to help her father. 

Amid this adversity, telemedicine emerged as a crucial solution. Through a Facebook ad, Reina accessed a chat where she could receive guidance and support. This channel connected her with qualified health personnel, transforming her situation. 

Telemedicine Innovation:  Bridging Gaps in Remote Areas 

The telemedicine program developed by Oriéntame with the support of the OPTions Initiative has broken down barriers of distance and addressed the shortage of healthcare providers in Istmina. Thanks to this innovation, Reina was able to access a safe abortion from her home. After receiving counseling, she was sent the “Kit Alas,” which contains everything needed to ensure a safe abortion. This kit, designed to reach the most remote areas of the country, ensures that legal abortion is truly within everyone’s reach. 

“I am so grateful for the support I received to pay for my care. In my home, when we have money for breakfast, there isn’t enough for lunch. This gave me my life back. I would never have been able to afford such high-quality care. In my desperation, I made the call, and everything was real; they made me feel calm about the decision I was making for my future” Reina shared. 

The telemedicine program’s impact extends beyond Reina, benefiting many women in similar situations. By providing quality healthcare, it enhances women’s autonomy and supports their reproductive rights, even in regions where such rights are frequently denied. 

A New Path Forward: The Broad Impact of Telemedicine 

“The most gratifying thing is knowing that we are reaching the women who need it most, even in the most remote places in Colombia. Our goal is simple: to ensure that no woman is left without safe and dignified care, no matter where she lives“, explained one of the program’s leaders. 

Currently, this innovative program is being replicated in other rural and vulnerable regions of Colombia, with the goal of expanding its reach and ensuring that more women can benefit from it. With continued support from sponsors and allies, the program is building a solid network that is changing the landscape of sexual and reproductive health in the country. 

For Reina, the future now seems brighter. Free from the worries of an unwanted pregnancy, she can focus on building a better life for herself and her family. “I received excellent care. Here, where I live, everything is of poor quality, and it’s hard to get an appointment. This service was easy; I didn’t have to leave my house. Today, I feel like I can decide about my life and my body. I want all women to know that they have the right to that freedom, and that they are not alone”, she says with hope. 

Despite challenges such as connectivity and the digital divide, telemedicine has become an alternative for hundreds of women who, for various reasons, cannot access healthcare services. 

When Oriéntame staff is asked why they work on this initiative, they always remember the words of Cristina Villarreal, former director of Oriéntame: “How could we not do it?” The Oriéntame team’s passion is to ensure that women and all people that can get pregnant have autonomy over their bodies and lives. That is why Oriéntame invites everyone to support this cause because solidarity in tackling unsafe abortion will never be too much.

 

Learn more about the innovator here.

This story is shared by Fundación Oriéntame.

Names of individuals in the story have been changed to protect their privacy.