From choice, a world of possibilities

The Power of the Internet

More than ever before, young people in Mexico and around the world are using the internet to research contraceptives and other reproductive health issues. This brings a new level of responsibility to information technology, particularly social media.

Educating Young People About Their Health and Rights

When addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in Latin America and the Caribbean, we must first identify the many obstacles they face.

A Brighter Future for Young People in Belize

Upon entering the offices of Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), I immediately felt cozy. Colorful murals covered the walls and the atmosphere is attractive and informal -- the perfect setting for a program exclusively for youth. After a lunch of an amazing variety of homemade tamales, I found myself thinking that a hammock would be the perfect addition to the comfortable conference room, which had a warm breeze coming through shaded windows. This was the place where I met Arthur Usher, a long-time participant of BFLA who eventually became its Youth Officer.

MTV Latin America Honors Our Youth Advocate from Panama as an "Agent of Change"

Last month, MTV Latin America, Bayer, the Latin American Center for Health and Women, and IPPF/WHR joined forces to launch the "Agents of Change" contest to mark World Contraception Day. Under the slogan "Your Future. Your Choice. Your Contraceptives. " Latin American youth were called upon to share their initiatives on sexual and reproductive health aimed at changing high rates of teen pregnancy and inspiring positive change in their communities.

The Future of Sex Education in Latin America

Last month in Santiago, Chile, a group experts and decision makers in the field of sexual and reproductive health were brought together to examine how much progress has been made in increasing young people’s access to comprehensive sexuality education in Latin American schools.

Returning Home: A Reflection on Progress in Brazil

Earlier this summer, I returned to my home country of Brazil, where I was reminded of the old adage that looks can be deceiving. Despite Brazil’s recent rise as a global economic giant, a quarter of the population still lives below the poverty line.

Profamilia Nicaragua Celebrates 42 Years of Promoting Health and Well-being

"Sometimes abuse makes us lose our self-esteem,” says Angela, a member of Mutuo Apoyo, a support group at Profamilia Nicaragua for women who have survived gender-based violence. “What Profamilia is doing is a step in the right direction. It has been a breakthrough for me. Here, we are informing each other of the rights that one has as a woman."

Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Trinidad & Tobago

On today’s Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago celebrates 50 years as a sovereign nation, and our local partner, Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT), has been fulfilling the country's sexual and reproductive health needs for the duration of that history.

APROFAM Celebrates 48 Years of Making Change in Guatemala

A group of Guatemalan youth advocates for comprehensive sexuality education are gathered in a circle, sharing common myths about sex. If a girl has wide hips, she’s not a virgin. Boys cannot properly develop if they don’t have sex. It’s impossible to get pregnant the first time you have sex.

In a society where comprehensive sexuality education is the exception rather than the norm, myths like these spread, shaping attitudes, influencing decisions, and leaving young people unequipped and misinformed.

Changing the Conversation about Trafficking and Prostitution

At the start of the twenty-first century, the United Nations adopted the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, identifying human trafficking as a transnational crime. Although the world has gained awareness of the scope of the problem since then, human trafficking remains largely misunderstood.