On December 21st, 2024, Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) hosted a pivotal workshop that convened junior practicing medical doctors across Rwanda. The gathering aimed to strengthen the delivery of safe abortion services by sharing insights, exploring innovations, and enhancing collaboration among junior healthcare providers.
The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Clarisse Mutimukeye, MDFC’s Executive Director, who warmly welcomed the participants and encouraged them to share their real-life experiences and practical suggestions to improve service delivery. Her call for openness set a reflective and collaborative tone for the day.
The first session, “MDFC_Abortion 101,” was led by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Serge Ndagijimana. He comprehensively overviews MDFC’s mission, vision, and impact. He also presented current global and national data on safe abortion access, outlining Rwanda’s legal framework that permits abortion under five specific conditions. This session helped contextualize the national landscape while reaffirming MDFC’s commitment to reproductive rights and justice.
A key highlight of the workshop was the open discussion facilitated by Programs Director Richard Mbazumutima, titled “Clients’ Journey: Experiences and Challenges in Accessing Safe Abortion Services.” Medical doctors shared observations from their respective hospitals, revealing persistent barriers faced by clients seeking abortion care. These included long travel distances, judgmental or misinformed healthcare providers, a lack of confidentiality at points of admission, and misinformation that leads to service delays. The candid nature of this session emphasized the urgent need for systemic improvements and compassionate care practices.
Richard then introduced AASAPFinder, MDFC’s digital innovation designed to connect users with verified, stigma-free safe abortion services across Rwanda. He demonstrated its functionality and emphasized how such tools can bridge access gaps, particularly for vulnerable or marginalized populations. This session sparked interest among attendees in the role technology can play in advancing reproductive healthcare delivery.
The workshop concluded with a collaborative feedback session where participants proposed practical steps to enhance service provision. Suggestions included revising hospital admission procedures, granting adolescents greater access to family planning, and ensuring that Integrated One Stop Centre (IOSC) personnel receive comprehensive training tailored to youth-friendly abortion care. Attendees also called for setting up dedicated, non-judgmental healthcare workers to engage with young people seeking these services.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Clarisse Mutimukeye thanked the doctors for their active participation and affirmed that the workshop was just the beginning of a renewed commitment to supporting providers, reducing stigma, and integrating innovations into safe abortion care delivery.
Conclusion:
The workshop underscored the importance of provider-centered engagement in addressing the challenges women face when seeking safe abortion services in Rwanda. It provided a platform for experience sharing, solution development, and the strengthening of a national network of compassionate, informed healthcare providers. With digital tools like AASAPFinder and growing momentum for reform, MDFC continues to lead in making safe abortion care accessible, dignified, and rights-based across the country.