Using data from Cambodia and Ghana, Ipas authors compare the SMA information and counseling provided by pharmacists to women with that provided by a health provider at a clinic. While pharmacists and clinic-based providers focused on different aspects of SMA counseling, results indicate that both cadres would benefit from training to ensure their clients receive the best information and counseling possible.

In Cambodia, an exploration of women’s SMA experiences reveals that young women’s success rates were comparable to those of adult women, and they generally had better experiences than their older counterparts. Young women were more likely to seek support from family and friends, highlighting the important role of social support and the need for accurate information on abortion to be disseminated at the community level.

Ipas’s SMA research in Cambodia and Ghana provides insights into women’s uptake of post-abortion contraception from pharmacists versus clinics. Results showed that although the rates of contraceptive use were the same between women who got abortion pills from a pharmacy versus a clinic, pharmacy clients were more likely to use a less effective method, and contraceptive information and options were more readily offered by clinics, indicating a need for supporting pharmacies in providing more information and effective methods at the time of SMA purchase.