On September 21, 2024, MDFC held a capacity-building workshop to enhance medical doctors’ knowledge on providing safe and legal abortion services in Rwanda and deepen their understanding of the legal framework, ethical considerations, and practical tools needed for high-quality reproductive healthcare. A key feature of the workshop was the Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) session led by Dr. Serge, which helped participants reflect on personal biases and commit to delivering non-judgmental, empathetic care. Dr. Claude provided a detailed review of Rwanda’s abortion laws under the Ministerial Order, addressing common misconceptions and clarifying legal obligations to ensure compliance and patient protection.
The introduction of the AASAP Finder by Richard demonstrated the platform’s ability to improve access to safe abortion services through a user-friendly digital tool that connects patients with nearby providers. Participants recognized the tool as transformative in bridging gaps caused by stigma and lack of information. Dr. Clarisse
highlighted MDFC’s ongoing initiatives, including advocacy for reproductive health services, capacity-building programs, and collaboration with key stakeholders, emphasizing their role in creating sustainable change.
Recommendations from the workshop included scaling up VCAT training nationwide to include other healthcare providers such as nurses and midwives, creating simplified legal guides for practitioners, and launching awareness campaigns to promote the AASAP Finder to both the public and healthcare providers. This interactive and insightful workshop reaffirmed MDFC’s commitment to advancing women’s reproductive rights.
