Our Theory of Change
Our Theory of Change was co-created by our Founding members. It describes our vision, mission, aims, strategies, outcomes and desired impact.
Our Technical Working Groups
The work of ACORCA-COARCA is powered by three technical Working Groups, which serve as the coalition's core implementation arms.
Research Support & Empowerment
Our aim: To SUPPORT and EMPOWER abortion researchers by building an enabling environment for high-quality context-specific and policy-relevant abortion research in Africa.
- Knowledge exchange
- Support to young, female and underrepresented researchers
- Working with ethics boards
- Support to research prioritization processes
Chair: Caesar Agula, University of Ghana, Ghana
Deputy Chair: Jewelle Mesthazia, Ibis Reproductive Health, South Africa
Research Capacity Strengthening
Our aim: To strengthen abortion research CAPACITIES by building a critical mass of skilled and empowered researchers in Africa who generate and effectively communicate high-quality, policy relevant evidence on abortion.
- Research training and mentorship programmes
- Small grants and fellowships
- Development of multi-country research partnerships
Chair: Anissa Eyi-Tayo Abdoulaye, Cerrhud, Benin
Deputy Chairs: Dela Nai, Ibis Reproductive Health, Ghana; and Delayehu Bekele, St Paul Institute for Reproductive Health, Ethiopia
Research Communication & Advocacy
Our aim: To COMMUNICATE and ADVOCATE for safe abortion with evidence by increasing engagement of policy-makers, health practitioners, the media and community to shift public perceptions and influence policy and practice on abortion.
- Training and mentorship on research communication
- Stakeholder mapping and engagement
- Media and public engagement
Co-Chairs: Ayoola Ojewusi; and Charlotte Ofori, University of Ghana, Ghana
Deputy Chair: Wina Sangala, Malawi; Beniel Agossu, Centre ODAS, Côte d’Ivoire.
Abortion in Africa
Content coming soon...
The Role of Research in Reform
Strong evidence is the cornerstone of abortion advocacy. Without data on the extent and outcomes of unsafe abortion, policy-makers can more easily turn a blind eye to the pressing need for reform.
Case Study: Benin's Legal Reform
In Benin, a national assessment conducted by ACORCA’s partner member Ipas was instrumental in public debates around abortion and the consequences of legal restrictions. The research, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health, highlighted the burden of unintended pregnancy as well as unmet need for contraception and abortion services.
Ipas worked with advocacy groups to disseminate and discuss findings from the assessment. The presentation of the research at educational workshops with health professionals and parliamentarians allowed them to consider the health, social and economic consequences of unsafe abortion, while also reflecting on their own values and attitudes towards abortion.
Benin’s law was successfully reformed in 2021, allowing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if continuing the pregnancy would cause material, educational, professional, or moral distress. A subsequent sustainable abortion ecosystem assessment enabled community members and stakeholders to identify optimal approaches to support the new abortion ecosystem.
ACORCA Abortion Research Priorities
A link to our priorities document will be available here soon. For inquiries, please contact info@acorca-coarca.org.
Current Projects
Information about our current projects is coming soon.