A Q&A with SRHR champion and Ipas board member David Imbago-Jácome
Working for a world where every person has abortion access is a longstanding passion for David Imago-Jácome. An accomplished advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), adolescent wellbeing and youth participation, he currently serves as the director of YIELD Hub, which works to empower young people and promote their SRHR.
On July 1, Imbago-Jácome became a member of the Ipas Board of Directors—a full-circle moment, as he first collaborated with Ipas as a young medical student in Ecuador on reproductive rights advocacy trainings for himself and his fellow students. He went on to work as a medical doctor and began the advocacy work that he continues today.
Here he shares how he began his journey as a young advocate and what inspires him most about the next generation.
From your point of view, having grown up in Ecuador, why must young people have access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion?
Imbago-Jácome: Growing up in Ecuador, a country with a strong religious and conservative background, I was exposed to biased information about abortion, often depicted as a bloody and deadly procedure. I lacked accurate information about the burden of unsafe abortion and how access to safe abortion can be conditioned by power and privilege. Comprehensive sexuality education was non-existent in my background, and accurate information about safe abortion was not available. It is crucial for young people to have access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, to ensure their health, rights, and well-being.
How did you first become interested in advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)?
My interest in advocacy for SRHR began during my early years in medical school. My training as a medical doctor lacked a rights-based approach, especially concerning abortion. As a queer person, I recognized how interconnected systems of oppression are, with the same patriarchal norms that restrict abortion access, also targeting my identity. This realization ignited a passion in me to work toward a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, particularly abortion.
Can you share how you first connected with Ipas as a young medical student?
As a young medical student, I engaged with Ipas through the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). Collaborating with Ipas provided me with invaluable training and resources to advocate for safe and legal abortion. I became a trainer for other medical students and organized the first Latin American Cooperation for Maternal Health and Safe Abortion during my tenure as president of the National Association of Medical Students. This transformative experience inspired me to pursue a career in public health.
What are some achievements you’re most proud of from your work as a young SRHR advocate?
One of my proudest achievements was my involvement with the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, where we influenced global policies to better reflect the needs of young people. My time with Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health also allowed me to push for progressive language in various strategies and frameworks, particularly those related to adolescents and young people. Keeping SRHR on the agenda of partners, especially within the current political climate, remains a priority.
Young advocates—including young professionals like health workers, lawyers, etc.—are bringing so much to global and local movements for abortion access. In your view, what’s most promising about the next generation of advocates?
The most promising aspect of the next generation of advocates is their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality. They bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, challenging traditional norms and pushing for comprehensive, rights-based solutions. Their passion, coupled with their ability to leverage technology and social media, makes them a formidable force in advancing abortion access and SRHR globally.