Safe Abortion Access Through Digital Companions: Lessons from Aya Contigo

How youth-led digital companions build trust, break stigma, and expand reproductive justice

Every year, September 28 marks the Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion. At Vitala, we believe this day is a powerful reminder of why safe abortion access is not only a matter of health, but also of justice, dignity, and human rights. To honor this date, we spoke with members of the Aya Contigo digital companion team (acompañantes), who shared insights about their work, the challenges they face, and why their role is essential to advancing safe abortion access across Latin America and beyond.

Why Safe Abortion Access Still Faces Barriers

Abortion remains surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and judgment. These barriers make an already complex process even harder, especially for women, girls, and gender-diverse people navigating personal, emotional, social, and economic challenges.

The World Health Organization recognizes self-managed medical abortion with pills at home as safe, provided that people have access to accurate information and support. That is where digital companions play a transformative role: they create safe virtual spaces to listen, inform, and accompany.

How Digital Companions Support Safe Abortion Access

We asked our team: “In the context of sexual and reproductive health, what are the most common challenges faced by Latina women and migrants in the U.S. and Latin America, and how can technology help overcome them?”

Dana* told us:

“Latina women and people who can get pregnant who are migrants face confusing health laws, fear due to immigration status, and constant surveillance. There are also language barriers, stigma, and misinformation. Many work long, exploitative hours without regular days off, making it hard to attend medical appointments. Many also care for children and struggle to find flexible schedules. On top of this, the internet is full of false information or content without scientific evidence, leaving them unsure about whether their privacy will be respected.”

Technology, when used with a feminist and justice-centered approach, helps reduce these barriers. Aya Contigo provides a bilingual app (English and Spanish) offering confidential information, live support, and connections to trusted local partners. No matter where users are, they can feel guided, respected, and supported.

Empowering Users with Contraception Tools

We also asked: “How does Aya Contigo, which offers information on contraception and menstruation, empower people to make informed decisions about their bodies and future?”

Maya* shared:

“An app like Aya Contigo allows you to manage your sexual and reproductive health autonomously. It helps you understand your cycle, choose a contraceptive method that fits your goals, and resolve doubts without judgment. From our care team, we walk users through every question with patience, which helps them fight myths with evidence-based information. If they need additional support, we guide them to safe networks and services.”

Aya Contigo includes a contraception decision-making quiz—a practical tool to reflect on frequency, health history, and personal goals. By matching lifestyle with contraceptive choices, the app reduces confusion and increases confidence.

Building Trust Through Empathy and Confidentiality

Information alone is not enough. True support requires empathy and trust. We asked: “Beyond information, how do you build trust with users when discussing sensitive topics like abortion, and what role does empathy play in this process?”

One companion explained:

“Talking about abortion, contraception, or sexual violence requires deep respect. Aya Contigo builds trust through active listening, confidentiality, empathy, inclusive language, and clear, evidence-based information.”

Another added:

“Trust starts from the first contact. We explain clearly how we can support, refer when necessary, and safeguard confidentiality so people can choose the pace and channel they prefer. We validate what they feel, use non-judgmental language, and always ask their name, pronouns, and context. We never assume.”

These insights highlight the essence of Aya Contigo’s model: safe abortion access is not only about pills—it is about dignity, agency, and the human connection of being listened to without judgment.

Safe Abortion Access and the Future of Digital Care

Finally, we asked: “Considering the Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, what message would you share with the community, especially with those who hesitate to seek information or support?”

Our team responded:

“Caring for your sexual health is as important as any other aspect of your well-being—and it is your right. Everyone deserves clear information and dignified care. If you need to talk, Aya Contigo is here: informed, safe, and ready to listen. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

A Call to Action

The work of Aya Contigo’s digital companions (acompañantes) demonstrates how feminist technology can transform access to abortion and reproductive health. By creating confidential, empathetic spaces, they reduce barriers and expand safe abortion access.

📢 Become part of our community. Contact us to explore how you can support and partner with our growing companion network. You can also donate here or reach us at admin@vitalaglobal.org.

*Names changed for privacy.