Creating a profile about the abortion situation in a country is a challenging task. It requires a careful analysis of various factors, including legal regulations, societal attitudes, and access to healthcare services. But each country is different, and cultural and political contexts vary extremely. This is why we follow a distinct methodology to offer comparable country profiles that respect each unique characteristic.
Step 1: Gather data
Finding the right sources of information
Gathering up-to-date and reliable sources of information is an essential part of constructing an accurate country profile. Unfortunately, this is a time-consuming, difficult process, especially in countries where abortion is legally and socially criminalized, as people may not report their abortion experiences for fear of repercussions.
Therefore, it is important to begin by identifying key sources of information, such as government websites, official databases, and international institutions. We typically start by consulting National Official Sources, followed by data produced by the Guttmacher Institute. To gain a more nuanced understanding of the country, it is also necessary to use other sources of information, including scholarly databases and data produced by local NGOs and feminist collectives. To get a more profound understanding of the local environment and the key issues affecting people’s lives regarding abortion, we also review qualitative studies to explore the opinions and feelings of those living in a particular area.
The following list includes some of the most reliable resources we have found:
- Ministry of Health of the country
- Guttmacher Institute
- Women on Web
- Women on Waves
- Center for reproductive rights
- IPAS
- Ibis Reproductive Health
- World Health Organization
- Women Help Women
- CLACAI
- safe2choose
- HowToUseAbortionPil
- Medab
Are we missing an important source? Email us at info@abortiondata.org
To conclude, researching the most reliable sources of information is a crucial component of creating a precise country profile. It can be an arduous process that necessitates commitment, but with the correct sources, it is possible to construct a profile that compiles the most important data of the country regarding abortion.
Local Context
Understanding the social context of a country is a critical part of developing a comprehensive and accurate country profile. For this reason, we suggest to review the information provided and gathering by:
- Feminist collectives
- Local escort groups
- Local NGOs
Then, it is necessary to do an effective assessment of the social context requires an understanding of the characteristics of the country and its population. Several components can be used to provide a broad overview of the key social dynamics; for our purposes, we have chosen to use indices that measure the level of basic needs met in the population.
- Hunger and undernourishment
- Human rights violations
- Access to safely drinking water
- Access to clean fuels for cooking
- level of literacy
The selection of indicators was based on the concept that humans need to have their fundamental needs satisfied to make autonomous decisions, free from the structural violence of their environment. By considering these various components, analysts can develop a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the social context of a given country. Such an understanding is crucial to developing an accurate country profile and can help inform decisions on key social issues.
Step 2: Analyze the data
Understanding the information
Developing an accurate country profile requires an analysis of the key data points relevant to the country. This includes verifying the gathered information, considering the most relevant issues for the local context, and categorizing the information.
To categorize the information, we answer the following questions:
- What is the abortion law in my country?
- How many abortions are done in my country? Am I alone? Are they successful?
- How do the people of my country feel about abortion?
- What is the experience of people who have requested abortions?
- What abortion services are available?
- How does the environment affect abortion access in my country?
It is essential to identify what information is available, up-to-date, and which data is missing or outdated. The presence of data is just as significant as its absence. We also have a method to record the data gaps we encounter in each country. It is necessary to identify where further research is needed to be done. The mapping of the gaps is a tool to support the compliance with our rights. As, the importance of sexual health and reproductive rights data has been recognized in various international human rights conferences and agreements.
Step 3: Translate knowledge
Creating the content
Creating content requires careful thought to ensure that the information is accurate, easily understood, and reader-friendly. Everyone has their strategy for creating content, but it always involves creating both text and infographics for each section of the country profile. To achieve this, we start by organizing the data and arguments we plan to use, then selecting the data to be used for the infographics, and finally creating the text. It is important for the infographics to be aware of the data available that is more interesting and what is the most appropriate format to present it. This can be done with visuals such as graphs, charts, and maps that help to quickly communicate the most essential information. The goal is to create an infographic that is both visually appealing and easy to understand.
Finally, it is significant to ensure the accuracy of the reference. This includes verifying the sources, the reference system and creating the reference list.
Step 4: Review & Feedback
Proofreading and Correcting
A systematic approach can help ensure that all areas are covered and that the right type of information is captured. Firstly, the general content of writing and infographics will be reviewed on the basis of use of language and the clarity of the message. Secondly, if there is any question regarding the content, the reviewer team will support the author for further research. This can help to provide a more comprehensive picture of the abortion situation and can help identify any potential mistakes.
As well, we consider the work and effort that has been done for the other parts of the team. For this reason, the feedback process is done with care, respect and ensuring that any comment is for the improvement of the content.
Finally, because we believe in the ongoingness of learning, all the profiles have space for external feedback. This way, we ensure that our website users can help us improve the information we provide.
Step 5: Publish the content
Publishing
Finally, we publish the content and celebrate being able to cover a new country. Developing an accurate country profile takes time and effort, but the potential benefits to share truthful and accessible information regarding abortion are immense. By following the strategies outlined in this article, we ensure that we have a standardized methodology to cover the data of each country.
If you would like to send us a suggestion on our methodology or participate in our work, please email us at info@abortondata.org
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