Some of the greatest sexual and reproductive health needs on the African continent are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where women and girls struggle to access contraception and face high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexual violence. Many resort to clandestine, unsafe abortions and risk death and injury as a result. Abortion had long been legally restricted in the DRC, but the conditions under which women can legally access abortion were greatly expanded in 2018 to include in cases of sexual assault, rape or incest, and when a continued pregnancy would endanger the mental and physical health of the woman or the life of the woman or the fetus.
Ipas DRC works with local partners to educate all relevant stakeholders—including women and communities—on women’s newly expanded right to access safe abortion. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and key partners, we helped draft new standards and guidelines for comprehensive abortion care that align with the Maputo Protocol and are now working to see that they are fully implemented. We also are training health-care providers to offer abortion and contraceptive care, and linking with community-based organizations and community health workers to ensure that women and girls know where they can access services.
Leadership: Dr. Jean-Claude Mulunda
Office: Kinshasa
Ready for the next 50 years
As a country where contraception and abortion went from being illegal to being accessible through the Maputo Protocol that expands access to safe abortion care, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving closer to women’s and girls’ bodily autonomy and empowerment. I am proud that Ipas DRC has helped guide policymakers and communities toward protecting the lives of thousands of women nationwide. Looking ahead, I see the impact of Ipas DRC’s ground-breaking reproductive justice movement, “Makoki Ya Mwasi” (a Lingala term loosely translated as “the rights of women”)—reaching well beyond our borders.
Dr. Jean-Claude Mulunda
Impact in 2024
people received abortion at Ipas-supported facilities
people received contraceptive services at Ipas-supported facilities
abortion self-care access points supported by Ipas
positive public statements/commitments supporting access to abortion
At the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence
Ipas Democratic Republic of Congo is making sure that access to abortion is included in humanitarian aid response to the devastating armed conflict in North Kivu.
Healing in the heart of conflict: A typical day for Ipas DRC’s Dr. Buyibuyi
Ensuring care for internally displaced people
Dialogue with sex workers in DRC raises awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights
Milestone anniversary for the Maputo Protocol
Ipas DRC celebrates 20 years of impact and progress for women.
Investing in sexual and reproductive health to accelerate the gender equity agenda
The development of a nation is inextricably linked to its investment in the rights, education and health of young girls and women. In collaboration with youth-led organizations nationwide, Ipas Democratic Republic of Congo has reached over 1 million youth with accurate and reliable information on sexual and reproductive health and rights, including abortion rights, through dialogues, advocacy initiatives, and outreach campaigns.
Read more about how Ipas DRC is advancing gender equity for youth
Ipas DRC and Canada partner for sustainable access to reproductive health care in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Ipas DRC and Global Affairs Canada have been working together for the past 5 years to expand access to information on SRHR and to safe abortion care. Covering North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tanganyika and Kinshasa, this project aims to improve women’s ability to make safe reproductive choices that support their educational and professional goals, thus contributing to greater gender equality in the DRC.
Read more about how Canada is helping Ipas DRC expand sustainable access
Expanding abortion access with new health system tools
“These new tools are a vital part of the DRC government’s efforts to promote reproductive justice as a critical component of women’s empowerment,” said Dr. Jean-Claude Mulunda, Director of Ipas Democratic Republic of Congo.
Supporting the integration of safe abortion services into the health system
The CAC-TWG is a branch within the DRC’s Ministry of Health that brings together all stakeholders and their interventions in the comprehensive abortion care (CAC) field. In collaboration with Ipas DRC, the CAC-TWG held its annual meeting on January 26.
Ipas DRC in the news
Abortion rights: Global repercussions continue six months after US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision (ibanet.org)