WHO Launches Global Training Programme to Improve Safe Abortion Care, Address 45% Unsafe Procedures

The programme—now available via the WHO Academy—comes at a critical time, as global data shows that nearly 45 percent of abortions are still unsafe, posing serious risks to women’s health and lives.

In a major step toward improving global reproductive health standards, the World Health Organization (WHO), through its Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP), has launched a comprehensive new training initiative aimed at equipping health workers with the skills needed to deliver safe, respectful, and high-quality abortion care.

The programme—now available via the WHO Academy—comes at a critical time, as global data shows that nearly 45 percent of abortions are still unsafe, posing serious risks to women's health and lives.

A structured, global learning pathway for healthcare providers

The newly introduced Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) learning programme is designed as a four-part, integrated training pathway that brings together clinical expertise, patient-centred care, and human rights principles.

Developed collaboratively by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank, the programme reflects the latest WHO Abortion Care Guidelines and aims to standardise care practices across diverse healthcare settings.

The four core courses include:

• Medical abortion

• Surgical abortion

• Post-abortion care

• Human rights integration in abortion services

Each course is modular, interactive, and designed to mirror real-life clinical scenarios—allowing health workers to build practical decision-making skills relevant to everyday patient care.

Addressing a major global health gap

Despite abortion being a common and generally safe medical procedure when performed correctly, unsafe practices remain widespread—particularly in regions with limited access to trained providers or restrictive healthcare systems.

WHO experts stress that when abortion is carried out using recommended methods, appropriate to gestational age and by trained professionals, it is extremely safe. However, gaps in training, access, and awareness continue to drive unsafe procedures.

The new programme aims to close these gaps by:

• Strengthening clinical judgement and decision-making

• Improving counselling and patient communication

• Enhancing consistency in care standards

• Supporting early identification of complications and appropriate referrals

Real-world training for real-world challenges

A key innovation of the programme lies in its practical, scenario-based approach. Health workers engage with simulated consultations that reflect real patient interactions—helping them navigate complex decisions such as assessing gestational age, determining eligibility, and selecting appropriate care pathways.

"Health workers gain a clearer understanding of how decisions made early in care affect outcomes later," said Antonella Lavelanet, Medical Officer at HRP.

This approach not only strengthens technical skills but also improves communication—enabling providers to better support informed choice, address patient concerns, and deliver respectful, patient-centred care.

Comprehensive coverage across the care continuum

The programme's structure ensures that all aspects of abortion care are addressed in sequence:

• Medical abortion training focuses on medications, treatment regimens by gestational stage, pain management, and follow-up care

• Surgical abortion modules emphasise procedural safety, preparation, and quality standards before, during, and after interventions

• Post-abortion care addresses complications, recovery, and access to contraception—an area often overlooked in traditional training

• Human rights integration ensures care is delivered with respect for dignity, privacy, non-discrimination, and informed decision-making

By linking these components, the programme creates a unified framework for care delivery—ensuring consistency across different methods and healthcare settings.

Strengthening health systems and patient outcomes

Beyond individual training, the initiative is expected to have broader system-level impacts. By standardising knowledge and practices, the programme aims to:

• Improve patient safety and reduce complications

• Enhance quality and consistency of care

• Strengthen trust in healthcare systems

• Support better health outcomes for women globally

Health workers trained through the programme are also expected to feel more confident and empowered—particularly in challenging or resource-limited environments.

A rights-based approach to care

A distinguishing feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on human rights, integrating principles such as dignity, privacy, and non-discrimination into clinical practice.

This component addresses critical questions faced by healthcare providers daily:

• How to ensure respectful and non-judgmental care

• How to protect patient confidentiality

• How to support informed decision-making

• How accountability functions within health systems

By embedding these principles, the programme aligns medical practice with global human rights standards—an increasingly important dimension of modern healthcare.

A global push for safer reproductive health

The launch of the CAC learning programme reflects growing international efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and complications linked to unsafe abortion practices.

Public health experts say expanding access to evidence-based training is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes—particularly in low-resource settings where gaps in knowledge and infrastructure remain significant.

By making the programme accessible through the WHO Academy, the initiative ensures that health workers worldwide can stay updated with the latest scientific guidance and best practices.

Looking ahead

As countries continue to grapple with disparities in reproductive healthcare access, the success of initiatives like this will depend on widespread adoption, sustained investment, and supportive health policies.

With nearly half of all abortions globally still unsafe, the urgency for action remains high. WHO's new training programme represents a significant step toward closing that gap—offering a scalable, evidence-based solution to improve care, save lives, and strengthen health systems worldwide.