A harm-reduction model of abortion counseling about misoprostol use in Peru with telephone and in-person follow-up: A cohort study.

Background: In Peru, abortion is legal only to preserve the life and health of the woman. A non-profit clinic system in Peru implemented a harm-reduction model for women with unwanted pregnancy that included pre-abortion care with instructions about misoprostol use and post-abortion care; they started offering telephone follow-up for clients in 2011. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the harm-reduction model, and to compare outcomes by type of follow-up obtained.

Young Mexicans' hopes and fears about abortion and abortion law: a qualitative study in two cities.

Background: In Mexico, abortion is legal only in limited, specific circumstances and unsafe abortion complications are estimated to be the fourth leading cause of maternal mortality. Our study sought to understand the opinions Mexicans hold about abortion and sexuality and to learn about their fears and hopes about more liberalized abortion laws in Mexico.

Methods: We carried out 12 focus groups with a total of 87 women and men, aged 18-24.

Patterns of men's use of sexual and reproductive health services.

Context: Men have been neglected as a target population for sexual and reproductive health services. As a result, little is known about the rates and antecedents of men's service utilization.

Methods: Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were used to examine utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among 3,611 men aged 20-44 who had ever had sex with a woman.

Linking cervical cancer to the human papillomavirus: findings from a qualitative study with Mexican women.

Cervical cancer is an important cause of mortality for women in developing countries. Researchers have established a link between cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV). We explored Mexican women's beliefs about cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HPV, to better understand the social implications of this linkage.

Policy implications of a national public opinion survey on abortion in Mexico.

In Mexico, recent political events have drawn increased public attention to the subject of abortion. In 2000, using a national probability sample, we surveyed 3000 Mexicans aged 15-65 about their knowledge and opinions on abortion. Forty-five per cent knew that abortion was sometimes legal in their state, and 79% felt that abortion should be legal in some circumstances.

Valuable safeguard or unnecessary burden? Characterization of physician consultations for oral contraceptive use in Mexico City.

Context: Given the safety and efficacy of oral contraceptives (OCs), many health professionals believe that these should be widely available over-the-counter (OTC). Opponents of OTC availability argue that without a physician's consultation, women will not be properly screened and will not use OCs correctly, thereby compromising safety and efficacy. However, little is known about the content or quality of physicians' consultations.