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Dear KSOG

Welcome to the November edition of your members newsletter.

As a global community, too often and in too many places, we face the erosion of safe, unconditional access to reproductive healthcare. Recent global events have again signalled a likely increase in these challenges.

This month we have shone a spotlight on FIGO’s unwavering commitment to reproductive and bodily autonomy. Through articles, social media and in meetings with partner organisations globally, we have reaffirmed our support for accessible, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. As organisations representing obstetricians and gynaecologists, you play a vital role in advocating for women’s health and rights. FIGO will stand with our members, wherever they are, in this work.  

As we move towards 2025, I am energised by the strength of our community and the power of our voice. We have received a huge number of abstracts for FIGO Cape Town 2025, which is shaping up to be an unmissable event – thank you to all societies that have submitted a proposal. We are continuing to focus on developing strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to support our programmes work in low and middle-income countries, and our webinar series is delivering educational content on a broad range of women’s healthcare issues. Through the participation of our members, FIGO continues to deliver meaningful and lasting impact in our commitment to improving the health of women. 

FIGO’s collaboration with member societies is crucial to improving the lives of women, girls and newborns worldwide – this newsletter contains just some of the ways we do this. Please share widely with your society’s members and professional networks.

Frances Longley 
FIGO CEO

Ethics in obstetric and gynaecologic care for transgender and non-binary individuals

The FIGO Committee on Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women’s Health has published a special article in the IJGO on the ethics of providing care for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse patients, advocating for a sensitive approach based on patient autonomy.

Protecting reproductive rights globally

FIGO CEO Frances Longley comments on the potential global impact of the US election on women’s healthcare and reaffirms our commitment to reproductive and bodily autonomy.  FIGO will stand firm with our members, partners and allies to safeguard reproductive rights, including access to safe abortion, and champion legislative changes to secure these rights permanently. 

FIGO Webinar on Inclusive contraceptive care: Strategies for unique patient groups

On 5 December, the FIGO Committee on Contraception is leading a webinar on inclusive contraception, discussing strategies and special considerations when treating unique patient groups, including women with cardiac conditions, women over forty and women living with HIV. 

Insights from LDI Voices network on gender equity and leadership

Female healthcare professionals from the six countries participating in FIGO’s LDI:REACH recently shared their personal and professional reflections on their participation in the programme. They reflected on their roles, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.

Reducing ovarian cancer risk through opportunistic salpingectomy

The IJGO has published a paper emphasising the potential of opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) as an effective strategy to reduce ovarian cancer risk. FIGO advocates for the adoption of this risk-reducing strategy, supported by appropriate patient counselling and informed consent.

Expert Advisory Group meeting and workshop: Fistula care in Eldoret, Kenya

The FIGO Fistula Surgery Training Initiative (FSTI) project team recently convened the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of trainers and expert fistula surgeons from Africa and Asia for their annual meeting, followed by a hands-on workshop for Kenyan Fellows.  Surgical presentations from the  workshop are now available online.