The Abortion Policy & Programming module will cover abortion policy and programming around the world, including in settings where abortion is restricted. The module will discuss concepts of safety in abortion care, global and regional policies, programming for abortion care, and the roles of stakeholders in influencing policies and programmes.

The overall module aim is to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to strengthen health sector policies and programmes for safe abortion care.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. Appraise the historical, socio-political, cultural, legal, ethical and health systems facilitators and barriers to provision of and access to safe abortion care;
2. Discuss how abortion care policies impact access to safe abortion care;
3. Critically appraise programmatic strategies and apply lessons learned to inform comprehensive abortion care in different contexts;
4. Identify key stakeholders and decision-makers involved in abortion policy and programming and communicate recommendations to them to improve access to and provision of safe abortion care in different contexts.

Mode of delivery

The programme will be delivered wholly online, with no in-person attendance. There will be a mix of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as recorded or self-directed study (asynchronous learning). Examples of synchronous learning are live online lectures, group discussions and seminars. Asynchronous learning includes pre-recorded lectures, independent reading and activities. Live synchronous lectures and class sessions usually take place Monday-Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm UTC.

Assessment

Students will prepare and deliver a country-specific presentation, critically appraising abortion policy & programming in that setting, directed at a specific group of stakeholders, in which they will make recommendations for improving provision of and access to safe abortion care specific to the setting they have investigated.

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.

Please note: information based on the 2024-25 module specification subject to change for 2025-26 entry.