News and media
New COST Action on second trimester uterine evacuation surgery launched
The European network for Quality Uterine evacuation Integration and Professional training (EQUIP) COST Action (CA25123) was officially launched in Brussels on Wednesday 28 October.
Across Europe, access to surgical methods of second trimester uterine evacuation (dilatation and evacuation) is uneven. This compromises management of miscarriage, termination of pregnancy and pregnancy complications where prompt uterine evacuation is critical. Over the next four years, EQUIP will bring together colleagues across countries to build sustainable capacity, strengthen research and training, and address the barriers that prevent dilatation and evacuation from being offered.
EQUIP is chaired by Dr Patricia Lohr, Director of Research and Innovation at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), with Vice Chair, Mr Jordi Baroja Benlliure, the Association of Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Spain. Dr Deirdre Hayes-Ryan, PLRG member, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Clinical Lead for Early Pregnancy and Termination of Pregnancy at Cork University Maternity Hospital, is co-representing Ireland on the Management Committee along with Dr Aoife Mulally, Health Service Executive (HSE) Clinical Lead for Termination of Pregnancy Services.
The four EQUIP Working Groups encompass:
- BRIDGE: Building Relationships and Integrating D&E Globally in Europe. Lead: Dr Cristian Furau, "Pius Brînzeu" County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania.
- TRAIN: Transnational Resources and Action for Improving Networks. Lead: Dr Aoife Mulally, HSE, Ireland.
- ACCESS: Advancing Clinical and Collaborative Evidence Synthesis and Standards. Lead: Dr Nathalie Kapp, Chief Medical Advisor, International Planned Parenthood Federation.
- SHIFT: Supporting Healthcare Integration and Framing of Second-trimester Techniques. Lead: Professor Isabel Stabile, University of Malta.
Want to get involved?
The four EQUIP Working Groups are open to new members. Find out more and apply through the COST website: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA25123/.