The Tunisian Association for Reproductive Health (ATSR), created in April 1968, works in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and promotes rights through a multi-sectoral partnership.
ATSR provides and facilitates access to SRH information and services, particularly for women, young people and the most underserved and vulnerable populations including migrants and refugees, LGBT, PLHIV, and sex workers.
ATSR also provides comprehensive sexuality education programmes for young people in and out of school to develop their capacity to empower themselves and assert their right to dignity, equality and a healthy, satisfying and responsible sexual life.
In 2023, Tunisia celebrated the 50th anniversary of the legalization of abortion. The North African country has played a pioneering role in advocating for sexual rights. It was the first Arabic and Muslim country to legalize the right to abortion.
In recent years, however, Tunisia has faced a shortage of abortion pills. Some women are forced to turn to illegal markets to buy the pills. Moreover, despite the law, more and more health professionals are illegally denying women access to safe abortion. Already in 2013, according to the study “Denial of Abortion in Legal Settings,” Selma Hajri estimated that a quarter of women seeking safe and legal abortion in Tunisia were denied their rights. As a result, women who can afford it have gone to private clinics to get safe abortions and avoid being judged.
In addition, medical centers face a shortage of personnel. In Tunis, there are 8 obstetrician-gynecologists per 10,000 women. In Tatouine, there is less than one doctor for every 10,000 women.
To support the IPPF Tunisian Member Association, Association Tunisienne de la Santé de la Reproduction, follow them on social media here.
Phot credits: ATSR