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Ipas

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Founded	1973
Type	Non-profit
Focus	Reproductive health and rights
Headquarters	Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Area served	Worldwide
Website	www.ipas.org

Ipas is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving women's reproductive health and rights, with a particular focus on expanding access to safe abortion and contraception. Founded in 1973, Ipas works in partnership with local, national, and international organizations to advocate for policy changes, provide training and resources to health care providers, and support community education initiatives.

History

Ipas was established in response to the high rates of unsafe abortion and the associated maternal mortality and morbidity. The organization was founded by Anne Firth Murray, who recognized the need for a dedicated effort to address these issues on a global scale. Since its inception, Ipas has been at the forefront of efforts to improve access to safe abortion services and to promote reproductive rights as fundamental human rights.

Mission and Goals

Ipas's mission is to ensure that women can obtain safe, respectful, and comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care. The organization's goals include:

• Expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive services.
• Reducing the stigma associated with abortion.
• Advocating for legal and policy changes that support reproductive rights.
• Strengthening health systems to provide high-quality reproductive health care.
• Empowering women and communities to advocate for their reproductive rights.

Programs and Initiatives

Ipas implements a variety of programs and initiatives to achieve its mission:

Health Systems Strengthening

Ipas works with health care providers and facilities to improve the quality and accessibility of reproductive health services. This includes training providers in safe abortion techniques, improving clinic infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of necessary medical supplies and equipment.

Policy Advocacy

Ipas engages in advocacy efforts at the local, national, and international levels to promote policies that support reproductive rights. This includes working with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to reform restrictive abortion laws and policies.

Community Engagement

Ipas supports community-based education and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about reproductive rights and reduce stigma. This includes working with local organizations to develop culturally appropriate educational materials and programs.

Research and Evidence Generation

Ipas conducts research to generate evidence on the impact of its programs and to inform policy and practice. This includes studies on the safety and efficacy of abortion methods, the impact of legal and policy changes, and the barriers to accessing reproductive health services.

Impact

Ipas has made significant contributions to improving reproductive health and rights worldwide. The organization has helped to increase access to safe abortion services in numerous countries, reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and promote legal and policy changes that support reproductive rights.

Also see

• Reproductive rights
• Unsafe abortion
• Maternal mortality
• Contraception
• Women's health

References

Template:Reproductive health organizations Template:Women's rights organizations