Advancing Women’s Health Through Medical Education: A Systems Approach in Family Planning and Abortion (Original PDF from Publisher)

“While this book’s focus is on integrating training after contraception and abortion become legal, many, if not all of the systems and approaches described in this book are equally applicable in countries where abortion is illegal or access to abortion and contraception is limited. Our educational concepts and approaches may seem too complex, expensive or impractical for resource-poor countries where family planning services, no matter how poorly delivered, are judged adequate or are so controversial that ignoring them is the safest course. In fact, this attitude perpetuates the status quo, prevents progress or leads to a deterioration of health care. In the context of family planning, this view is particularly detrimental. It reinforces the perception that family planning and reproductive health have little status or value in health care delivery, and therefore in medical education. Ensuring a properly informed, motivated, and caring workforce to drive research and policy must be the aim of every country. Education of that workforce is paramount for promoting health in general and reproductive health in particular. While legalization of abortion is an essential element in promoting women’s and public health, the advocates for reform and those responsible for implementation often do not consider the essential link: the systemic education of all involved in providing the care, for which we hope this book will offer inspiration and guidance”–