Barriers and Facilitators of Access to and Use of Post-Abortion Care Services: International Medical supported facilities in Juba Protection of Civilian (POCs) sites and Maban refugee camps

In collaboration with the Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies (RAISE) Initiative at Columbia University, International Medical Corps conducted a mixed-methods study to identify the factors that influence access to, use and provision of post-abortion care (PAC) services at four International Medical Corps-supported facilities in two Protection of Civilian camps in Juba and two Sudanese refugee camps in Maban, South Sudan. The study included focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with post-abortion care clients, health facility assessments, key informant interviews with community leaders and register reviews. The study found that attitudes were generally favorable related to PAC access, including provision of post-abortion contraception, except for those in Maban, who believed a husband’s consent was required to access contraceptive services. However, attitudes were mixed towards women who induce abortion, as well as regarding access to induced abortion under certain circumstances. While these findings are specific to the study locations in South Sudan, the recommendations may be relevant for other conflict-affected populations where women and girls experience heightened SRH needs and protection risks.