Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #99880

Jersey Garcia, MPH and Heather Blank. Planned Parenthood Federation of America - International, Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office, 8360 West Flagler Street, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33144, 305-480-0030, jersey.garcia@ppfa.org

BACKGROUND: The National Youth Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Ecuador was founded under the auspices of Planned Parenthood Federation of America – International in 2000 with the purpose of increasing advocacy and awareness around youth sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Currently, the Network involves over 120 members, representing 30 nongovernmental organizations located within 18 cities throughout the country that work on issues affecting SRHR among youth. DESIGN/METHODS: The Network members work closely with national and local government policy makers to ensure that adolescent SRHR are examined and integrated into policies and programs. In addition, the Network educates youth about SRHR, publishes educational materials, and supports youth who report SRHR violations. RESULTS/OUTCOME: Through effective lobbying, the Network members have successfully acquired legislative support to reform the Ecuadorian National Youth Law. Network members have successfully used their knowledge and might to procure the SRHR of several Ecuadorian youth. For example, the Network fought and won, for the reinstatement of a schoolgirl that was expelled from school for becoming pregnant. In addition, the network has developed and produced an educational video, an accompanying training manual, and a website that are being effectively used to raise awareness around SRHR. CONCLUSIONS: The unique youth-led structure of the Network has enabled Ecuadorian youth to directly impact policy concerning SRHR at a local and national level, as well as exercise their intrinsic right to be heard and have full participation in the political and social decisions that affect their lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants attending this session will be able to define methods used for the identification, recruitment, and motivation of youth to form a network to advance adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Ecuador, and cite both the barriers and the benefits of this design.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation