What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to describe the experience and outcomes of a public referral center providing legal abortion for victims of sexual violence.

February 5, 2026

(O-37) Access to legal abortion in cases of sexual violence: experience of a public referral service in southern Brazil

Key Points

The aim is to describe the experience and outcomes of a public referral center providing legal abortion for victims of sexual violence.
Conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative analysis from cases managed between 2023 and 2024.
Focused on cases where legal abortion was requested at the referral service.
Analyzed patient profiles, care protocols, and overall service outcomes.
Out of 190 victims of sexual violence, 124 (65.3%) underwent a legal abortion.
16.7% of cases were deemed ineligible based on technical criteria.
Some procedures were not performed due to patients choosing to continue the pregnancy or loss to follow-up.
64.7% of participants self-identified as white, with 54% aged between 18-29 years.
63% of cases saw admission to discharge times ranging from 5 to 14 days.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objectives Despite current legislation, access to legal abortion in Brazil remains limited due to unequal distribution of services, shortage of trained professionals, misinformation, delays in care, conscientious objection, and stigma. This study describes the experience of a public referral center providing legal abortion for victims of sexual violence, focusing on care protocols, patient profiles, and outcomes. Methods A retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative analysis was conducted based on cases managed between 2023 and 2024 at a public referral service in southern Brazil. Data included only cases where a legal abortion was requested, although the center also delivers other sexual health services. Results Among 190 pregnant women who were victims of sexual violence, 124 (65.3%) underwent legal abortion. A total of 16.7% were deemed ineligible according to technical criteria. In other cases, procedures were not performed due to the patient’s decision to continue the pregnancy, loss to follow-up, or spontaneous abortion. Most participants self-identified as white (64.7%), and the predominant age group was 18–29 years (54%), with 8.9% younger than 14 years. Care was delivered by a multidisciplinary team through structured interviews, laboratory and imaging tests, and a person-centered approach. In 63% of cases, the interval from admission to discharge ranged from 5 to 14 days. Conclusion The findings underscore the relevance of structured services, with clear protocols and trained teams, to ensure timely access to legal abortion and provide ethical, safe, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. Keywords: Legal abortion; Sexual violence; Reproductive health; Person-centered care. Financing No conflict

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