Why is this review being conducted?
In 2019, more than half of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls aged 15–19 ended in abortion, many of which were unsafe in low- and middle-income countries. Access to accurate and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, including information on abortion, together with access to contraception, is a first line of defence against unintended pregnancy.
Robust evidence shows that well-designed and well-implemented comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programmes improve young people’s sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. CSE empowers young people to make informed decisions and helps prevent unintended pregnancies. However, evidence-based information on comprehensive abortion care is often excluded from CSE, limiting young people’s ability to make fully informed choices and to exercise their right to bodily autonomy.
This rapid review aims to map whether and how information on comprehensive abortion care is incorporated into CSE materials and programmes globally. The International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education and the WHO Abortion Care Guideline will serve as foundational documents in the review.
What kind of submissions are being sought?
We invite submissions of relevant grey literature in English, French or Spanish published since 2009, including:
i) CSE research, curricula and training packages (online or offline), implementation materials such as manuals, monitoring and evaluation reports, commentaries, policy briefs and similar resources (but not social media posts), that includes information related to comprehensive abortion care; and
ii) CSE guidance developed or endorsed by global or regional organisations that is not published in peer-reviewed journals but would be a valuable contribution to the rapid review.
If you do not have materials to share but know colleagues or organisations who have expertise in this field and may be able to contribute, we would welcome their contact details.
What is the deadline?
Please submit all suggested grey literature related to CSE and abortion or any suggested expert contacts who may be able to share relevant materials by February 16 2026.
Fill out form below and either upload relevant documents or paste in links.