Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with great joy and heartfelt warmth that we welcome you, our cherished returning friends and new colleagues alike to Bangkok, Thailand, for “The 5th International Congress on Women’s Health and Unsafe Abortion (IWAC 2026)”.

Since we last gathered at IWAC 2019, our world has faced many challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed our continued collaboration. Yet, amidst it all, our shared mission has remained clear: to eliminate unsafe abortion and the resulting morbidity and mortality among women in Thailand by 2028, and to ensure that women everywhere have access to safe, legal, dignified, and compassionate care.

Significant progress has been made. In Thailand, abortion is now legally permitted up to 12 weeks of gestation and up to 20 weeks when performed by qualified medical professionals without criminal liability. This marks a vital step forward in placing women at the center of their own reproductive health choices.

Under the theme “Putting Women at Centerstage: New Solutions and Innovations in Abortion,” IWAC 2026 aims to showcase the advancements, innovations, and best practices that are transforming abortion care around the world. Our focus is firmly on solutions that respect, empower, and serve women because when women are at the center, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

As we come together again, we also acknowledge the remaining challenges. Achieving universal access to safe abortion demands unwavering commitment, collaboration, creativity, and courage. In Thai, we call this spirit “Ga-La-Ya-Na-Mitr”, a deep and faithful friendship forming our collective journey’s foundation.

We sincerely hope you will join us at IWAC 2026, not only to share knowledge and shape the future of abortion care, but also to strengthen the bonds that connect us as a global community committed to women’s health and rights. After all, women are our mothers, sisters, daughters, teachers, and partners in life.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bangkok in February 2026. May this congress be a source of inspiration, action, and unity as we work together to ensure no woman is left behind.

Warm regards,
Kamheang Chaturachinda
President, WHRRF
Chair, Organizing Committee, IWAC 2026