According to a recent survey in the Latin America and Carribean (LAC) region, the highest priority issue in the region is childhood and adolescent pregnancy (85.1%), followed by access to reproductive health services (84.2%), comprehensive sexual education (83.5%), access to contraceptive methods (83.3%), and the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights (75.0%). The survey was conducted online by FP2030 LAC Regional Hub staff in partnership with Profamilia.
These issues also emerged in FP2030 LAC Hub workshops held in Honduras and Panama recently, particularly concerning comprehensive sexual education and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptive methods. These barriers limit the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights of adolescents and young people, exacerbated by discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, poverty, and migration status.
The survey included participation of 262 people, and key topics and populations in the regional family planning agenda were prioritized. The participation was conducted using the snowball sampling method. The main responding countries were Colombia with 37.1%, Panama (13.4%), Mexico (5.6%), Honduras (4.7%), Argentina (3%), and Peru (3%).
In conclusion, the survey reveals a clear urgency to address critical issues such as childhood and adolescent pregnancy, access to reproductive health services, and comprehensive sexual education. The results, supported by workshops in Honduras and Panama, highlight the need to overcome discrimination and inequality barriers to ensure the sexual and reproductive rights of adolescents and young people. These findings will serve as an essential guide for FP2030 in helping formulate policies and programs focused on improving the health and well-being of these populations in the region.
