Why the Leading Safe Choices programme is needed

This page explains why the RCOG Leading Safe Choices programme is responding to unmet needs.

• There is clear evidence that expanding contraceptive choice, particularly long-acting reversible methods, and increasing the provision of safe abortion services dramatically improves women’s health.
• Obstetricians, gynaecologists and allied healthcare workers are in an ideal position to improve the provision of family planning and abortion services, but sadly these services are often regarded as low priority.
• Opportunities are missed in the immediate postpartum period to provide women with a reliable method of contraception. To meet the family planning needs of women, a better understanding and wider acceptance of the value of intrauterine devices (a long-acting, effective and easily reversible method) immediately postpartum is urgently needed.  This is especially important for woman who have difficulty accessing services.
• In the case of abortion care, services remain limited owing to legal and policy barriers, a lack of skilled providers and the social stigma experienced by both providers and patients. 

Watch our videos to find out more

In the first video, Professor Lesley Regan discusses the importance of prioritising postpartum planning in South Africa and Tanzania.

In the second video, Professor Lesley Regan introduces Professor Alison Fiander, Leading Safe Choices Clinical Lead, to explore how obstetricians and gynaecologists can improve the lives of women in South Africa and Tanzania.

Contact us

If you have any questions about Leading Safe Choices, please email leadingsafechoices@rcog.org.uk or call +44 20 7772 6241