Introduction to Postabortion Care (PAC)

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Postabortion care (PAC) addresses hemorrhage, sepsis, and other complications from miscarriage, incomplete, and induced abortions while providing voluntary family planning counseling to meet unmet contraceptive needs. The model is supported by USAID and has been implemented in over 40 countries since 1994. Community mobilization and the Community Action Cycle are used to expand access and evaluate program impact. Guidance clarifies funding streams, equipment use such as manual vacuum aspiration, and the distinction between PAC and abortion services. Evidence from 1994‑2014 supports the effectiveness of these approaches in reducing unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality.