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August 22.2025

2 Minutes Read

How Advocacy in the AAFP is reshaping Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Advocacy in AAFP booth with a group highlighting reproductive health.

Advocacy in Action: A Historic Shift at the AAFP Conference

In a powerful display of advocacy, family physicians gathered for the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) annual Family Medicine Experience (FMX) conference in Washington, D.C. This year's event was particularly significant, marking a resurgence of commitment to progressive policy changes in sexual and reproductive healthcare. The initiative, spearheaded by RHAP (Reproductive Health Access Project), has been instrumental in pushing for inclusive practicesto address diverse patient needs.

Training for Impact: Preparing Advocates for Change

The week commenced with comprehensive training sessions that equipped advocates with the necessary skills to communicate effectively at the AAFP’s Congress of Delegates (COD). These sessions focused on critical issues, including the adoption of gender-inclusive language and enhancing access to comprehensive postpartum care. The family physician advocates voiced their concerns and recommendations on various resolutions that could bring about systemic change in healthcare practices.

A Leap Towards Inclusivity: Policy Amendments

The AAFP’s decision to revise its policies concerning abortion access marks a significant victory. Previously limited to first-trimester procedures, the new policy now supports family physician's capabilities to provide abortion care throughout all trimesters. Additionally, the organization embraced gender-inclusive language, reflecting modern understandings of family structures and individual identities.

Engagement and Outreach: Connecting with New Clinicians

After a prolonged hiatus due to the pandemic, RHAP reestablished its presence in the exhibition hall, facilitating connections with new clinicians and expanding the reach of its foundational resources on reproductive health. The engagement efforts at FMX highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue around services like IUDs and self-managed abortion, proving essential for rising practitioners.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Continued Advocacy

Despite the progress made, the journey toward comprehensive reproductive health access continues. Advocates remain committed to ensuring that the AAFP champions these causes not merely as rhetoric but as tangible actions. Moving forward, ongoing training and support for informed advocacy are critical to solidifying the advancements achieved at this pivotal gathering.

Lifestyle & Wellness

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How Advocacy in the AAFP is reshaping Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Advocacy in Action: A Historic Shift at the AAFP Conference

Training for Impact: Preparing Advocates for Change

A Leap Towards Inclusivity: Policy Amendments

Engagement and Outreach: Connecting with New Clinicians

Looking Ahead: The Path to Continued Advocacy

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