The Regional Conference, 3rd edition, “Self-care in Reproductive Health, including Medical Abortion, in accordance to WHO recommendations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: How Close Are We?”

On May 15–16, 2025, in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, the 3rd Regional Scientific and Practical Conference “Self-care in Reproductive Health: Family Planning and Safe Abortion According to WHO Recommendations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia” was held.

The event was organized by the Regional Training Center, coordinated by the Reproductive Health Training Center of the Republic of Moldova.

The conference was held in a hybrid format: with physical attendance for participants in Moldova and online participation through the Zoom platform. Attendance was by invitation only.

Approximately 60 participants from Eastern European and Central Asian (EEAC) countries took part in the event, including policymakers, service providers, activists, NGO leaders, international and national experts, as well as representatives from WHO, IPPF, UNFPA, DKT International, ESC, Gynuity Health Projects, and other organizations.

The objectives of the conference were:

To exchange experience and discuss lessons learned in EEAC countries regarding the implementation of WHO recommendations on self-care in reproductive health, including abortion and family planning. The participants identified gaps and opportunities for practical application and integration into national protocols.
To address critical issues and explore mechanisms for resolving challenges related to safe abortion and family planning. Updates were shared by partners and colleagues on supporting the de-medicalization of family planning and abortion services.
To discuss possible next steps to expand access to and improve the quality of services in reproductive health, family planning, and safe abortion in the EEAC region.

The conference was organized with the support of the Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF), within the framework of the project “Women’s Reproductive Health Services in Line with the Latest WHO Recommendations.”