Tunisia National Dissemination Meeting: 15 Years of Medical Abortion Services in Tunisia

On April 29, 2016 Gynuity, in collaboration with the Office Nationale de la Famille et de la Population (ONFP), UCSF ANSIRH and Groupe Tawhida, hosted a national dissemination meeting in Tunis to present findings of recent research and celebrate 15 years of medical abortion services and innovation in Tunisia. Today, medical abortion is offered free of charge, and mostly by midwives in ONFP reproductive health clinics in almost all regions of Tunisia. While the overall number of abortions has remained steady since the method's introduction, medical abortion now constitutes 75% of all abortions in the public sector. Results presented for consideration and future service delivery innovations included studies examining expanding outpatient MA services in the 10-12th week of gestation, research on the role of multilevel pregnancy test (MLPT) to streamline follow-up, and studies on improving the quality of second trimester abortion. Qualitative research conducted by UCSF/ANSIRH and Groupe Tawhida as part of the Global Turnaway study was also shared and its implications discussed. The MOH and international partners used this momentous opportunity to congratulate ONFP on its tremendous efforts and encourage them to continue on their path towards quality reproductive health services, including accessible and streamlined abortion services.