Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) is dedicated to supporting students worldwide to advocate for reproductive freedom, access to contraception, and safe abortion education. Through local chapter events, these student-led initiatives have sparked meaningful conversations, provided hands-on training, and reached communities needing accurate and accessible health information. Below are the recent activities of MSFC chapters in Africa, detailing how each chapter has approached education, advocacy, and community engagement to positively impact in their regions.

FSS COTONOU UNIVERSITY – BENIN

During the first half of 2024, FSS Cotonou organized a webinar on the importance of contraception, during which they addressed numerous uncertainties that their fellow students had on the topic. Subsequently, they conducted an initiation activity for new members on Sexual and Reproductive Health. In addition to this, they carried out various information campaigns, notably on International Women’s Rights Day and International Menstrual Hygiene Day.

GULU UNIVERSITY – UGANDA

In collaboration with the student body of Gulu University in Uganda, the MSFC Gulu chapter organized a march through Gulu. Accompanied by a band, medical students wore their clinical coats to advocate for accessible medical abortion services, aiming to reduce the mortality rates and post-abortion complications faced by individuals, who are unable or unprepared to continue pregnancies for personal reasons. Due to the inaccessibility of abortion services, many are forced to resort to unsafe, self-administered methods, such as the use of herbs.

In their efforts to bring about positive change, the group also sought to reach the entire community. They utilized Radio Pacis as a platform to educate the public on various family planning methods, including where these services can be accessed, how they work, their uses, and potential side effects. This initiative had a significant impact as there was an increased turnover of community members accessing the family planning services compared to before.

MSFC Gulu Chapter members at Radio Pacis, a community-based radio station in Arua, Uganda.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY – UGANDA

In Uganda, the MSFC-MAK Chapter organized a two-day Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Day Fair in collaboration with various partners at the College of Business Administration and Management Studies (COBAMS). The event provided students with opportunities to showcase innovations in sexual and reproductive health and access services such as condoms, safe male circumcision, contraceptive services, menstrual hygiene services, HIV/AIDS and STI testing and screening, pregnancy testing, reproductive health education, emergency contraception, and more.

The fair also included activities aimed at reducing unsafe abortions among university students. There was a collaborative evaluation meeting with Makerere University Hospital and partnering clinics, preliminary debates for the SRH Inter-University Dialogue, a menstrual campaign, and the national launch of the “Community Check Now” HIV testing services in Uganda.

Flyer for the Sexual and Reproductive Health Day Fair organized by the MSFC Makerere Chapter

MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – UGANDA

The MSFC chapter organized a sexual and reproductive health event in collaboration with Reproductive Health Uganda, students, and the Mbarara Medical Students Association. The event attracted 87 students and provided services such as SRH education, guidance and counseling, safe abortion education, family planning information, condom distribution (56 boxes distributed), and HIV testing and counseling (22 individuals tested). A key goal was also to raise the visibility of Medical Students for Choice within Mbarara University.

In addition to the event, they conducted outreach in university halls, distributing flyers and posters about Medical Students for Choice, family planning, safe abortion, and women’s rights. These materials were posted on notice boards in various hostels, allowing students who may not attend SRH events to access vital information and reach more students.

SOROTI UNIVERSITY – UGANDA

The chapter hosted hands-on training in surgical abortion, utilizing models and Manual Vacuum Aspirator (MVA) sets. First-time participants gained foundational knowledge in the use of MVA as a vital tool in abortion training, in addition to learning other methods such as dilatation and curettage.

In collaboration with university religious groups, the chapter also organized a one-day workshop on engaging traditional and religious leaders in sexual and reproductive health and rights activism. Recognizing that religious leaders hold significant influence, the workshop allowed participants to explore what different faiths say about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SHRH).

Additionally, the chapter conducted a capacity-building session on self-care and personal resilience in SRHR activism, addressing common obstacles and how to navigate them in any context.

UNIVERSITY OF NGOZI – BURUNDI

During the semester, the chapter organized three key events advocating for reproductive justice for all.

• On February 13th, medical students gathered to discuss how they can engage in comprehensive family planning, including abortion, by breaking the stigma surrounding these services. The event was attended by 50 students (27 girls and 23 boys).
• On March 5th, the chapter, which included 25 students, celebrated International Women’s Day. This event focused on empowering girls to stand up for their rights, including abortion rights.
• On May 28th, in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day, 55 students met to discuss how menstruation can be normalized and how to avoid stigmatizing girls during their periods. The event emphasized supporting girls throughout their monthly physiological journey.

Medical students in MSFC chapters have been at the forefront of reproductive health advocacy, striving to create safer, more informed communities. By addressing topics such as family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe abortion practices, these students are empowering their peers and local communities to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.