Access to Emergency Contraception and Safe Abortion Services for Survivors of Rape

This study examined how pregnancy prevention and management services (specifically, the provision of emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and counselling, and termination or referral for termination of pregnancy services) feature within post-rape care (PRC) services in sub-Saharan Africa. Guidance provided by the World Health Organisation was used as a benchmark for examining these issues. The study drew on a range of sources via a desk review, as well as on information provided through key informant interviews. The existence of numerous national guidelines in the region demonstrates countries’ desire to respond to this public health and legal challenge. However, if left in their current state, the gaps and inconsistencies observed across most national guidelines contribute to a violation of survivors’ rights and of good medical practice as outlined in international protocols. In conclusion, countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region would benefit from intensive support to update and consolidate guidance on these critical issues.