ABOUT US

The Asia Pacific Network on Emergency Contraception (APNEC) was established in October 11, 2003 after a series of meetings initiated by the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health (PIWH) on emergency contraception in Asia. We are a multi-sectoral group of policymakers, health professionals and providers, educators, community leaders, youth representatives, and human rights advocates who recognize the common experience in the Asia Pacific region that information about emergency contraception, its products and services remain unavailable to most women. We resolved to come together to address this reproductive health and rights issue.

Emergency contraception (EC) is the only means to prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Rape happens. Contraceptives may be forgotten. Pregnancy remains the leading cause of maternal mortality. Instead of resorting to abortion, EC provides women a second chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It provides a means for women to control her fertility, to decide the number and spacing of her children, to plan her family, and to realize her right to sexual and reproductive health. EC has been available over 40 years ago. Yet in spite of scientific progress and government commitments, sexual and reproductive health continues to elude millions of women around the world. EC remains unknown to most women who need it. The experiences of women and health care practitioners in Asia with regard to EC reveal barriers in the areas of policies, laws, structures, and cultural beliefs in each country. APNEC is a collaborative effort to remove impediments that restrict women’s access to EC in the Asia Pacific region.