Participation in reproductive health policies in the context of health system reform in Mexico. (Special issue: State reform and social accountability: Brazil, India and Mexico)

摘要

One of the core aims of Mexico's health sector reform in the two last administrations has been the extension of essential health services to the whole population, including sexual and reproductive healthcare. This article presents some relevant examples of reform where citizen participation contributed to improve the coverage of these services. In cases of support to victims of domestic violence and the inclusion of the method of emergency contraception into the basic set of public medications, the years-long advocacy work by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was able to raise government interest in strategies of assistance not offered previously. Also, the strategy of NGOs' participation in the design and implementation of public policies has contributed to widening the effects of those policies. We can assume that the incorporation of civil society in decision making is not likely to be reverted. However, the opening of new spaces for collaboration will take place in the long run.