FIGO position statement on comprehensive sexuality education.

Now is a pivotal moment in the fight for reproductive health and justice internationally. Well-established research has recognized the benefits of comprehensive sexuality education for youth and adolescents-including vast reproductive health benefits, decreased interpersonal violence, and improvements on measures of academic success and well-being. Despite these established benefits, challenges to the implementation of culturally sensitive and holistically framed sexuality education are intensifying across the globe. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stands firmly in its support of comprehensive sexuality education and re-emphasizes the importance of the implementation of scientifically accurate, age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and inclusive education. Successful implementation relies on active youth leadership, physician involvement, and a renewed focus on high-quality monitoring mechanisms to assess impact and accountability at all levels. Most importantly, future efforts to improve and scale comprehensive sexuality education must emphasize the importance of an inclusive curriculum that addresses previously marginalized youth, such as LGTBQ+ and disabled individuals, through a reproductive justice lens. FIGO commits, and encourages the international healthcare community, to provide continued advocacy for the rights to health, education, and equality, in order to achieve improvement in health outcomes for young people across the globe.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings: a matter of life and death.

It is estimated that approximately 4.3 million sexually active persons worldwide will receive poor and/or limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in their lifetime. Globally, approximately 200 million women and girls still endure female genital cutting, 33,000 child marriages occur daily, and a myriad of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) agenda gaps continue to remain unaddressed. These gaps are particularly pertinent for women and girls in humanitarian settings where SRH conditions including gender-based violence, unsafe abortions, and poor obstetric care are among the leading causes of female morbidity and mortality. Notably, the past decade has featured a record high number of forcibly displaced persons globally since World War II and has led to over 160 million persons requiring humanitarian aid globally, 32 million of whom are women and girls of reproductive age. Inadequate SRH service delivery continues to persist in humanitarian settings, with basic services insufficient or inaccessible, putting women and girls at higher risk for increased morbidity and mortality. This record number of displaced persons and the continued gaps that remain unaddressed pertaining to SRH in humanitarian settings require renewed urgency to create upstream solutions to this complex issue. This commentary discusses the gaps in the holistic management of SRH in humanitarian settings, explores why these gaps persist, and addresses the unique cultural, environmental, and political conditions which contribute to continued SRH service delivery inadequacies and increased morbidity and mortality for women and girls.

Indigenous Women's Resistance of Colonial Policies, Practices, and Reproductive Coercion.

This analysis of urban Indigenous women's experiences on the Homeland of the Métis and Treaty One (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), Treaty Four (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada), and Treaty Six (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) territories illustrates that Indigenous women have recently experienced coercion when interacting with healthcare and social service providers in various settings. Drawing on analysis of media, study conversations, and policies, this collaborative, action-oriented project with 32 women and Two-Spirit collaborators demonstrated a pattern of healthcare and other service providers subjecting Indigenous women to coercive practices related to tubal ligations, long-term contraceptives, and abortions. We foreground techniques Indigenous women use to assert their rights within contexts of reproductive coercion, including acts of refusal, negotiation, and sharing community knowledge. By recognizing how colonial relations shape Indigenous women's experiences, decision-makers and service providers can take action to transform institutional cultures so Indigenous women can navigate their reproductive decision-making with safety and dignity.

The influence of social and cultural practices on maternal mortality: a qualitative study from South Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: A disproportionately high rate of maternal deaths is reported in developing and underdeveloped regions of the world. Much of this is associated with social and cultural factors, which form barriers to women utilizing appropriate maternal healthcare. A huge body of research is available on maternal mortality in developing countries. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature on the socio-cultural factors leading to maternal mortality within the context of the Three Delays Model. The current study aims to explore socio-cultural factors leading to a delay in seeking care in maternal healthcare in South Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: We used a qualitative method and performed three types of data collection with different target groups: (1) 60 key informant interviews with gynaecologists, (2) four focus group discussions with Lady Health Workers (LHWs), and (3) ten case studies among family members of deceased mothers. The study was conducted in Dera Ghazi Khan, situated in South Punjab, Pakistan. The data was analysed with the help of thematic analysis. RESULTS: The study identified that delay in seeking care-and the potentially resulting maternal mortality-is more likely to occur in Pakistan due to certain social and cultural factors. Poor socioeconomic status, limited knowledge about maternal care, and financial constraints among rural people were the main barriers to seeking care. The low status of women and male domination keeps women less empowered. The preference for traditional birth attendants results in maternal deaths. In addition, early marriages and lack of family planning, which are deeply entrenched in cultural values, religion and traditions-e.g., the influence of traditional or spiritual healers-prevented young girls from obtaining maternal healthcare. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of high maternal mortality is deeply alarming in Pakistan. The uphill struggle to reduce deaths among pregnant women is firmly rooted in addressing certain socio-cultural practices, which create constraints for women seeking maternal care. The focus on poverty reduction and enhancing decision-making power is essential for supporting women's right to medical care.

Round the world, many women are dying because of complications during pregnancy or in childbirth. These deaths are more frequent in developing and underdeveloped countries. Some reasons for this are related to social and cultural factors, which form barriers to women using appropriate maternal healthcare. Therefore, this study aims to explore socio-cultural factors leading to a delay in seeking maternal healthcare in South Punjab, Pakistan. We interviewed a variety of people to get an overview of this topic: (1) 60 interviews were conducted with gynaecologists, (2) we performed four focus group discussions with eight to ten Lady Health Workers providing maternal healthcare, and (3) we talked with family members of mothers who had died.The study shows that delays in seeking care are related to poor socioeconomic status, limited knowledge about maternal care, and low incomes of rural people. The low status of women and male domination keeps women less empowered. In addition, early marriages and lack of family planning due to cultural values, religion and traditions stopped young girls from getting maternal healthcare.The number of new mothers who die is very worrying in Pakistan. One of the important tasks for reducing deaths among pregnant women is to address certain socio-cultural practices. It is very important to reduce poverty and improve decision-making power to make sure women can use their right to medical care.

Percepção de parturientes sobre experiência de parto em uma maternidade pública baiana / Womens' perceptions on the childbirth experience in a public maternity hospital in Bahia, Brazil / Percepción de las parturientas sobre la experiencia del parto en una maternidad pública de Bahía, Brasil

A assistência ao parto tem passado por muitas transformações. Sintetizadas em protocolos, essas transformações buscam humanizá-la. No entanto, é importante escutar parturientes para compreender se essas mudanças se concretizam na prática da assistência. Nesta pesquisa descritiva, avaliou-se a experiência de parto de parturientes em uma maternidade pública de Feira de Santana, na Bahia. Por meio de um questionário, foram consultadas cinquenta mulheres, entre novembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2020. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS, versão 22.0, mediante análises descritivas e inferenciais. Foram considerados os aspectos éticos de pesquisa com seres humanos, conforme o parecer nº 3.656.149. As participantes tinham entre 18 e 41 anos. Nesse grupo, 92% delas eram negras e 74% multíparas. Foi identificado que 94% das participantes se sentiram respeitadas, 88% com a privacidade resguardada e 84% se sentiram seguras. Constatou-se que 88% adotaram posições horizontais para o parto, 56% receberam ocitocina e 24% amamentaram no pós-parto imediato. As médias de satisfação foram altas em relação: à equipe de saúde (M = 9,74; DP = 0,69); ao espaço físico (M = 9,3; DP = 0,99); e à experiência de parto (M = 8,62; DP = 1,93). Características individuais e condutas adotadas pelos profissionais no parto foram fatores influentes para essa avaliação. Em comparação com outros atendimentos realizados em Feira de Santana e na Bahia, constatou-se uma experiência de satisfação acima da média. Experiências como essa sugerem um caminho em que a assistência abandone os procedimentos proscritos e incentive o protagonismo feminino por meio de comunicação efetiva e estimulação à escolha da posição de parto e ao aleitamento precoce.

Despite the many transformations undergone by childbirth care in an effort to humanize it, and which are summarized in protocols, we must to listen to pregnant women to understand if such changes are materialized in the care practice. Hence, this descriptive study evaluated the birth experience of pregnant women in a public maternity hospital in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. By means of a questionnaire, 50 women were interviewed between November 2019 and January 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, by descriptive and inferential analysis. Ethical aspects of research with human beings was considered, according to opinion no. 3,656,149. Participants were between 18 and 41 years old. Of these, 92% were black and 74% were multiparous. A total of 94% of the participants felt respected, 88% felt their privacy was protected, and 84% felt safe. Results showed that 88% adopted horizontal positions for delivery, 56% received oxytocin, and 24% breastfed in the immediate postpartum period. Mean satisfaction scores were high for: the health care team (M = 9.74; SD = 0.69); the physical space (M = 9.3; SD = 0.99); and the birth experience (M = 8.62; SD = 1.93). Individual characteristics and behavior adopted by professionals during delivery influenced this assessment. Compared to other services provided in Feira de Santana and Bahia, user satisfaction was above average. Experiences such as this suggest a path where care abandons proscribed procedures and encourages female protagonism via effective communication and stimulation of choice of delivery position and early breastfeeding.

La atención al parto ha sufrido transformaciones. Y estos cambios sintetizados en protocolos tienen el objetivo de humanizarla. Por esto, es importante escuchar a las parturientas para comprender si estos cambios se materializan en la práctica asistencial. A partir de una investigación descriptiva, se evaluó la experiencia del parto de parturientas en una maternidad pública de Feira de Santana, en Bahía (Brasil). Desde un cuestionario se pudo consultar a cincuenta mujeres, entre noviembre de 2019 y enero de 2020. Los datos se analizaron con el programa SPSS versión 22.0, mediante análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Se consideró el aspecto ético en la investigación con seres humanos bajo el Parecer n.º 3.656.149. Las participantes tenían entre los 18 y los 41 años de edad. En este grupo, el 92% eran negras y el 74% multíparas. El 94% de ellas se sintió respetada, el 88% con privacidad resguardada y el 84% segura. Se encontró que el 88% adoptó posiciones horizontales para el parto, el 56% recibió oxitocina y el 24% amamantó en el posparto inmediato. Las medias de satisfacción fueron altas en relación al equipo de salud (M = 9,74; DE = 0,69), al espacio físico (M = 9,3; DE = 0,99) y a la experiencia del parto (M = 8,62; DE = 1,93). Las características individuales y el comportamiento adoptado por los profesionales durante el parto fueron los factores influyentes en esta evaluación. Se concluye que la experiencia de satisfacción con la atención estuvo por encima de la media en comparación con aquella realizada en Feira de Santana y otras ciudades de Bahía. Estas experiencias sugieren una atención que evite los procedimientos proscritos y fomente el protagonismo femenino a través de la comunicación efectiva y la estimulación de la elección de posición de parto y lactancia temprana.

"O escuro das cores, na pele afrodescendente, herdeira das dores": dimensões do racismo no contexto de assistência ao parto / "The dark of colors, in the afro-descendant skin, heir of pain": dimensions of racism in the context of childbirth care

Resumo Partindo de uma pesquisa mais ampla sobre as vivências de mulheres negras na assistência ao período gestacional e parto, este artigo aborda alguns aspectos do racismo na rotina de atenção à mulher negra durante este ciclo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa empírica de abordagem qualitativa com mulheres e mães que se autodeclaram negras e antirracistas. Nas narrativas, os pontos apresentados envolviam, na sua maioria, estereótipos associados ao corpo negro construídos sob um imaginário social racista. Nas relações interpessoais, discursos permeados por estereótipos racistas desumanizam a mulher negra, gerando barreiras na sua saúde reprodutiva.

Abstract Starting from a broader research on the experiences of black women in assisting the gestational period and childbirth, this article addresses some aspects of racism in the routine of care for black women during this cycle. This is an empirical research with a qualitative approach with women and mothers who declare themselves black and anti-racist. In the narratives, the points presented involved, for the most part, stereotypes associated with the black body constructed under a racist social imaginary. In interpersonal relationships, speeches permeated by racist stereotypes dehumanize black women, creating barriers in their reproductive health.

Contribución científica y académica de estudios sobre sexualidad juvenil realizados en una facultad de enfermería de Colombia / Scientific and Academic Contribution of Studies on Youth Sexuality Conducted in a Colombian Nursing School / Contribuição científica e acadêmica de estudos sobre sexualidade juvenil realizados em uma escola de enfermagem na Colômbia

Introducción: el objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la contribución científica y académica de los estudios en torno a la sexualidad juvenil realizados entre los años 2014 y 2018 en una facultad de enfermería de Colombia. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de revisión documental, a través del cual se seleccionaron y analizaron 14 productos derivados de investigación docente y de estudiantes que cursaron un posgrado. El análisis se realizó mediante una evaluación crítica y analítica de los resultados reportados en los estudios seleccionados, lo que permitió presentar el estado actual de desarrollo del conocimiento, sus tendencias y avances con una visión global y contextualizada. Resultados: los estudios revisados tienden a profundizar en componentes psicosociales de la sexualidad juvenil con visión holística, lo que explica el predominio de enfoques cualitativos, que, a su vez, son coherentes con la educación y la formación en enfermería y psicología, profesiones que han liderado dichas investigaciones. Conclusiones: en los estudios revisados, predomina el tema del embarazo adolescente desde diferentes perspectivas. Esta prelación es explicable por tratarse de una de las problemáticas más frecuentes en este grupo poblacional y con mayores consecuencias psicosociales ya que suele alterar su calidad de vida presente y futura. Con menor frecuencia, se estudian otros aspectos de la sexualidad juvenil y se inician acercamientos a la educación virtual para la prevención y el manejo de las situaciones que más afectan la sexualidad en esta etapa.

Introduction: This research aims to describe the scientific and academic contribution of studies on youth sexuality conducted between 2014 and 2018 in a Colombian nursing school. Methods: A document review study was carried out in which 14 research products of teachers and graduated students were selected and analyzed. The analysis involved a critical and analytical evaluation of the results reported in the selected studies, making it possible to present the current state, development, trends, and advances of knowledge under a global and contextualized vision. Results: The reviewed studies tend to delve into psychosocial components of youth sexuality using a holistic view, which explains the predominance of qualitative approaches that, in turn, are consistent with education and training in nursing and psychology, two subject fields that have led these pieces of research. Conclusions: In the reviewed studies, the topic of adolescent pregnancy addressed from different perspectives predominates. This preference can be explained by the fact that pregnancy in adolescence is one of the most frequent problems in this population and one with the greatest psychosocial consequences since it tends to alter teenagers' present and future quality of life. Other aspects of youth sexuality are less frequently studied, and approaches to virtual education are initially tried to prevent and manage situations that most affect sexuality at this stage.

Introdução: objetivou-se descrever a contribuição científica e acadêmica de estudos sobre sexualidade juvenil realizados entre 2014 e 2018 em uma escola de enfermagem na Colômbia. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo de revisão documental, por meio do qual foram selecionados e analisados 14 produtos derivados de pesquisa docente e de alunos de pós-graduação. A análise realizou-se mediante uma avaliação crítica e analítica dos resultados reportados nos estudos selecionados, o que permitiu apresentar o estado atual do desenvolvimento do conhecimento, suas tendências e avanços com uma visão global e contextualizada. Resultados: os estudos revisados vontalm-se a aprofundar os componentes psicossociais da sexualidade juvenil com uma visão holística, o que explica o predomínio de abordagens qualitativas, que, por sua vez, são consistentes com a educação e a formação em enfermagem e a psicologia, profissões que têm encabeçado tais pesquisas. Conclusões: nos estudos revisados predomina a questão da gravidez na adolescência desde diferentes perspectivas. Essa escolha pode ser explicada por ser um dos problemas mais frequentes nesse grupo populacional e de maiores consequências psicossociais, pois tende a alterar sua qualidade de vida presente e futura. Com menos frequência, outros aspectos da sexualidade juvenil são estudados e abordagens de educação virtual são iniciadas para a prevenção e gerenciamento das situações que mais afetam a sexualidade nesta etapa

Maternity care providers' involvement in research.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the widely acknowledged importance of research for improving patient care and outcomes, research in pregnant women is lacking. Many challenges innate to conducting research in pregnant women may discourage maternity care providers from engaging in research. Thus, the current study assessed maternity care providers' involvement in research, their perception of the relevance of research, as well as facilitators and barriers to participating in research. STUDY DESIGN: A total sample of 145 maternity care providers were recruited from a large tertiary-referral university-based teaching maternity hospital. Maternity care providers included, midwives, nurses, sonographers, consultant obstetricians, and non-consultant hospital doctors. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey between May and October 2018. RESULTS: The present study found that overall, 49.7% of maternity care providers who participated reported never taking part in conducting research. Medical staff were more likely to report being given the opportunity and to have ever conducted research compared to midwives (p < 0.05). Participants agreed that research is important to maintain the quality of care provided to women (Mean = 4.86/5 in agreeance). However, medical staff were more likely to report understanding research methodology and feeling competent to undertake research compared to midwives (Mean = 3.85 v 3.28, p = 0.002; Mean = 3.56 v 2.60, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest future strategies aimed at increased opportunities and additional research training will likely support maternity care providers', specifically midwives, involvement in conducting effective research studies in pregnancy. Such actions hold the potential to contribute research evidence lacking in pregnant women necessary to provide appropriate maternity care.

Texas women's decisions and experiences regarding self-managed abortion.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has shown that a small proportion of U.S. women attempt to self-manage their abortion. The objective of this study is to describe Texas women's motivations for and experiences with attempts to self-manage an abortion. The objective of this study is to describe Texas women's motivations for and experiences with attempts to self-manage an abortion. METHODS: We report results from two data sources: two waves of surveys with women seeking abortion services at Texas facilities in 2012 and 2014 and qualitative interviews with women who reported attempting to self-manage their abortion while living in Texas at some time between 2009 and 2014. We report the prevalence of attempted self-managed abortion for the current pregnancy among survey respondents, and describe interview participants' decision-making and experiences with abortion self-management. RESULTS: 6.9% (95% CI 5.2-9.0%) of abortion clients (n = 721) reported they had tried to end their current pregnancy on their own before coming to the clinic for an abortion. Interview participants (n = 18) described multiple reasons for their decision to attempt to self-manage abortion. No single reason was enough for any participant to consider self-managing their abortion; however, poverty intersected with and layered upon other obstacles to leave them feeling they had no other option. Ten interview participants reported having a complete abortion after taking medications, most of which was identified as misoprostol. None of the six women who used home remedies alone reported having a successful abortion; many described using these methods for several days or weeks which ultimately did not work, resulting in delays for some, greater distress, and higher costs. CONCLUSION: These findings point to a need to ensure that women who may consider self-managed abortion have accurate information about effective methods, what to expect in the process, and where to go for questions and follow-up care. There is increasing evidence that given accurate information and access to clinical consultation, self-managed abortion is as safe as clinic-based abortion care and that many women find it acceptable, while others may prefer to use clinic-based abortion care.

Child marriage of female Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: The Syrian conflict has resulted in major humanitarian crises. The risk is particularly high amongst female children who face additional gendered risks, such as harassment and sexual violence, including a rise in prevalence of child marriage. Despite the importance of this topic, current literature remains relatively scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the social and healthcare repercussions of Syrian refugee child marriages in Jordan and Lebanon. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out to gather evidence, from a total of eight articles. Data analysis was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme check tool to systematically assess the trustworthiness, relevance and results of the included papers. RESULTS: The findings of this research identify tradition, honour, economics, fear, and protection-related factors as drivers of child marriage of refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. These motives overlap with findings regarding access to reproductive health and reproductive rights. The lack of autonomy of the child to give informed consent is augmented in the context of protracted violence and displacement. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a holistic approach to provide safe spaces, education, and protection to young girls and their families to reduce their acceptance of child marriage.

Atenção integral à saúde da população LGBT: Experiência de educação em saúde com agentes comunitários na atenção básica / Integral health care of LGBT population: Health education experience with community agents in basic attention / Atención integral la salud de la población LGBT: Experiencia de educación en salud con agentes comunitarios en la atención básica

Objetivo: Relatar uma experiência de educação em saúde com agentes comunitários de saúde acerca da saúde da população LGBT na atenção básica. Métodos: Foi realizada uma ação de educação continuada por meio do estudo de casos escolhidos pelos agentes de saúde dentro de suas microáreas de atuação seguida de discussão em grupo e reflexão sobre as práticas vigentes. Resultados: Foram discutidos três casos apresentados pelos agentes de saúde que abordavam as temáticas de: (1) a escola e o preconceito; (2) a importância do apoio familiar e social; e (3) o papel da estratégia saúde da família e da educação em saúde. Percebeu-se que o tema permanece excluído das grandes discussões, sobretudo nas escolas médicas e na atenção básica, que é o primeiro contato do usuário com o Sistema Único de Saúde. Dessa forma, estratégias que objetivem discutir as peculiaridades da prevenção, promoção e assistência à saúde desses grupos devem ser estimuladas e reproduzidas tendo em vista uma melhor qualidade do atendimento a fim de captar esses pacientes em um ambiente favorável a práticas integrativas com respeito à diversidade sexual. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a atividade educacional realizada foi de extrema importância para desmistificar mitos e preconceitos envolvendo a saúde LGBT no cenário da atenção básica. Observou-se que após a atividade educacional os ACS se mostraram mais confiantes e sensibilizados sobre as temáticas abordadas e mudaram concepções no sentido de respeitar as decisões dos pacientes e realizar abordagem adequada para o acolhimento a esses usuários.

Objective: To report a health education experience with community health agents about the health of the LGBT population in basic care. Methods: A continuous education action was carried out by means of the study of cases chosen by health agents within their micro-areas of action followed by group discussion and reflection on current practices. Results: Three cases presented by the health agents that dealt with the themes of: (1) school and prejudice; (2) the importance of family and social support; and (3) the role of family health strategy and health education. It was noticed that the theme remains excluded from the great discussions, especially in medical schools and primary care, the first contact with the Brazilian health system (SUS), thus strategies that aim to discuss the peculiarities of prevention, promotion and health care of these groups should be stimulated and reproduced with a view to a better quality of care in order to capture these patients in an environment favorable to integrative practices with respect to sexual diversity. Conclusion: It was concluded that the educational activity performed was extremely important to demystify myths and prejudices involving LGBT health in the primary care setting. It was observed that after the educational activity the CHAs were more confident and sensitized on the topics addressed and changed conceptions in order to respect the decisions of the patients and to carry out an appropriate approach to the reception of these users.

Objetivo: Informar una experiencia de educación en salud con agentes comunitarios de salud acerca de la salud de la población LGBT en la atención básica. Métodos: Se realizó una acción de educación continuada por medio del estudio de casos escogidos por los agentes de salud dentro de sus microáreas de actuación seguido de discusión en grupo y reflexión sobre las prácticas vigentes. Resultados: Hemos discutido tres casos presentados por los funcionarios de salud que abordaron los siguientes temas: (1) la escuela y el prejuicio; (2) la importancia del apoyo familiar y social; y (3) el papel de la estrategia sanitaria de la familia y de la educación en salud. Se percibió que el tema permanece excluido de las grandes discusiones, sobre todo en las escuelas médicas. Estrategias que objetiven discutir las peculiaridades de la promoción y asistencia a la salud de esos grupos deben ser estimuladas teniendo en vista una mejor calidad de la atención a fin de captar esos pacientes en un ambiente favorable a prácticas integrativas con respecto a la diversidad sexual. Conclusión: Se concluye que la actividad educativa realizada fue de extrema importancia para desmitificar mitos y prejuicios involucrando la salud LGBT en el escenario de la atención básica. Se observó que después de la actividad educativa los ACS se mostraron más confiados y sensibilizados sobre las temáticas abordadas y cambiaron concepciones en el sentido de respetar las decisiones de los pacientes y realizar un abordaje adecuado para la acogida a esos usuarios.

Implicancias del marco legal chileno en la prevención del embarazo adolescente: conflicto e inseguridad en los profesionales de la salud / Implications of chilean legal framework in teen pregnancy prevention: conflict and insecurity in health professionals

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a psychosocial and multifactorial problem described as a lack of exercise of rights in sexual and reproductive health. There are important aspects in the doctor-patient relationship and confidentiality that directly affect the continuity and quality of care. There are controversies in the laws relating to the provision of contraception and confidentiality, and those that protect the sexual indemnity, especially in adolescents under 14 years. Aim: To describe the implications of the legal framework for professional midwives in the care of adolescents younger than 14 years in sexual and reproductive health. Material and Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted to 13 female and 2 male midwives working at Primary Health Care Centers in the Metropolitan Region. Results: The attention of adolescents younger than 14 years in sexual and reproductive health involves medical-legal issues for health professionals. All professionals recognize that mandatory reporting sexual activity is a complex situation. All professionals notify pregnancies. In relation to the delivery of contraception, clinical care is problematic since professionals should take shelter from a legal standpoint. Conclusions: The medical-legal context of pregnant women under 14 years of age care generates a context of uncertainty and fear for professionals and becomes a source of conflict and insecurity in the exercise of the profession.

Tensiones entre lo (i)legal y lo (i)legítimo en las prácticas de profesionales de la salud frente a mujeres en situación de aborto / Tensions between the (il)legal and the (il)legitimate in professional health practices regarding women who seek abortion

RESUMEN La implementación de una estrategia sanitaria de atención pre y post aborto adoptada a partir del año 2004 en Uruguay, en un escenario legal restrictivo previo a su despenalización en 2012, abrió una ventana de oportunidad para vincular a las mujeres en situación de embarazo no deseado y aborto con los servicios de salud con el objetivo de disminuir su práctica insegura. En este contexto, este artículo busca indagar cuáles son y cómo operan las tensiones generadas por el cambio de un enfoque materno-infantil hacia otro centrado en la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos. A través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales, se analizan las prácticas de los/as profesionales y sus esquemas de percepción y apreciaciones, en la atención a mujeres en situación de embarazo no deseado y aborto en los servicios del Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud (SNIS) en Montevideo. Los resultados obtenidos brindan insumos para analizar algunas de las barreras y dificultades que se pueden observar actualmente en la implementación de la nueva ley.

ABSTRACT The implementation of a pre- and post-abortion health care strategy, adopted in 2004 in Uruguay within a restrictive legal context prior to the decriminalization of abortion in 2012, opened a window of opportunity to link women facing unwanted pregnancies and abortion to health services in order to prevent unsafe abortion practices. This article looks into the tensions generated by the change of focus from maternal-child health to health and sexual and reproductive rights, and how those tensions operate. Using semi-structured interviews and focus groups, the practices and perception and assessment frameworks of professionals in their care of women facing unwanted pregnancy and abortion in the National Integrated Health System in Montevideo are analyzed. The results offer insights into some of the barriers and difficulties that can currently be observed in the implementation of the new law.

50 años de planificación familiar en Chile, 1965-2015: Experiencias de las primeras generaciones de mujeres urbanas usuarias del programa / 50 años de planificación familiar en Chile, 1965-2015. Experiencias de las primeras generaciones de mujeres urbanas usuarias del programa

ANTECEDENTES: En el año 1965, el Servicio Nacional de Salud chileno comenzó la ejecución directa de acciones sanitarias destinadas a implementar programas de planificación familiar, evento considerado hito fundacional que inició formalmente una política nacional de planificación familiar de carácter público y con respaldo gubernamental. OBJETIVO: Analizar la experiencia de las primeras generaciones de mujeres urbanas usuarias del programa de planificación familiar durante la década de 1960. MÉTODO: Estudio cualitativo con enfoque biográfico, realizado en 64 mujeres adultas mayores urbanas pertenecientes a las primeras generaciones usuarias del programa. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron entrevistas con enfoque biográfico. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron cuatro dimensiones: contexto familiar y social de la sexualidad femenina en infancia y adolescencia; proyecciones frente a la maternidad; experiencia personal de la usuaria en el programa y valoraciones de la usuaria en torno al programa. El programa impulsó el ejercicio del derecho de la mujer de decidir libremente y sin presiones el número de hijos que deseaba procrear. No obstante, por ser un derecho inédito hasta ese momento, su ejercicio fue instalándose progresivamente desde una construcción cultural de maternidad que no poseía dominio sobre sus eventos reproductivos, hacia una nueva construcción cultural que reconocía incipientemente mayores grados de decisión en la propia vida reproductiva. CONCLUSIÓN: Se proponen tres perfiles tipo que ilustran las experiencias de las mujeres usuarias a partir de los componentes condición de fertilidad probada como requisito para el ingreso al programa de planificación familiar, número de hijos totales y espaciamiento entre nacimientos.

BACKGROUND: In 1965, the Chilean National Health Service began the direct implementation of sanitary measures to implement family planning programs; considered foundational milestone event formally launched a national family planning policy of public and government-backed. AIMS: To analyze the experience of the first generation of urban women users of family planning program during the 1960s. METHOD: Qualitative study with biographical approach, conducted in 64 elderly women in urban users belonging to the first generations of the program users. For data collection interviews were used to biographical approach. RESULTS: We identified four dimensions: family and social context of female sexuality in childhood and adolescence; projections toward motherhood; personal experience of the user in the program and ratings of the user around the program. The program promoted the exercise of the right of woman to decide freely and without pressure the number of children they wanted to procreate. However, being an unpublished right so far, the exercise was settled progressively from a cultural construction of motherhood did not have control over their reproductive events, to a new cultural construction incipient recognized higher levels of decision itself reproductive life. CONCLUSION: It propose three kinds profiles that illustrate the experiences of women users from components proven fertility status as a requirement for admission to the program of family planning, total number of children and birth spacing.

Características da oferta de contracepção de emergência na rede básica de saúde do Recife, Nordeste do Brasil / Emergency contraception supply on primary health care in Recife, Northeastern Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as características da utilização da contracepção de emergência (CE) em unidades de saúde da família (USF) da cidade do Recife entre março e setembro de 2011. O questionário foi respondido por 234 profissionais, 154 enfermeiros e 80 médicos selecionados por amostragem aleatória em 117 USF. Quase todos os profissionais (90,6 por cento) informaram disponibilidade da CE na USF; médico e/ou enfermeiro foram os principais dispensadores (73,9 por cento) e 27,4 por cento conheciam a estratégia de distribuição através do ôkit saúde da mulherö. Apesar de 85,0 por cento dos profissionais já terem prescrito a CE, apenas 8,5 por cento a consideram como direito da mulher. A maioria (80,7 por cento) conhecia o manual de Planejamento Familiar do Ministério da Saúde e cerca de metade (51,2 por cento) conhecia o manual de Direitos Reprodutivos do município. Entre os entrevistados, 51,3 por cento conheciam o correto mecanismo de ação e 77,4 por cento costumam informar às mulheres sobre CE. Os principais motivos para não informar foram: ôfalta de oportunidadeö (10,0 por cento) para os médicos e ôpara evitar que se tornem rotinaö (6,5 por cento) para os enfermeiros. Metade dos profissionais (50,0 por cento) informaram prescrever nas três situações preconizadas (relação desprotegida, estupro e falha do método contraceptivo em uso) e 65,8 por cento concordam que a religião interfere na decisão da prescrição/orientação. Os profissionais de saúde demonstraram ter conhecimento técnico suficiente para prescrever a CE, porém não a reconhecem como um direito das mulheres. Além disso, consideram que a influência religiosa pode interferir na decisão da prescrição e no uso da CE pelas mulheres.(AU)

From HIV prevention to reproductive health choices: HIV/AIDS treatment guidelines for women of reproductive age.

In South Africa, the private sector has responded to the HIV epidemic by providing treatment in the form of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The private sector has paved the way for policy and treatment regimens, while the public sector has reviewed health-systems capacity and the political will to provide treatment. The paradigm of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) has led the way as a clear evidenced-based method of treatment and prevention in South Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, the HIV epidemic is feminised as a growing proportion of infections occurs among women or affects women. While access to HIV treatment has been contested in South Africa, women's sexual and reproductive health has been neglected. This paper is a reflection and critical review of current practice. Many HIV-positive women desire to choose to have a child, while the best choice of contraception for women on HAART is not well understood. In some areas there are reports of women being forced to accept injectable contraceptives. Some women who learn of their HIV-positive status during pregnancy may want to choose to terminate their pregnancy. There is a clear absence of HIV/AIDS-treatment guidelines for women of reproductive age, including options for HAART and options regarding fertility intentions. A range of other sexual and reproductive health areas (relevant to both the public and private health sectors) are neglected; these include depression and anxiety, violence against women, HIV-testing practices, screening for cervical cancer, and vaccination. Given the narrow focus of HAART, it is important to expand HIV treatment conceptually, by applying a broader view of the needs of working women (and men), and so contribute to better HIV prevention and treatment practices. There is a need to move from an HIV/AIDS-care maternal-health paradigm to one that embraces women's sexual and reproductive health and rights.

International program confronts myths.

PIP: The concept of reproductive rights (RR) is being attacked in an ultra-conservative backlash based on myth and misinformation. One such myth, that supporters of RR favor coercive population control measures, is the exact opposite of the truth. A second myth, that reproductive health (RH) is a euphemism for abortion, ignores the many facets of RH addressed by a holistic approach to RH needs in the areas of family planning, maternal and child health care, sexuality, infertility, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, detection and treatment of reproductive tract cancer, and female genital mutilation. The third myth, that only radical feminists and anti-family interests support women's reproductive choice, fails to recognize the broad support among women and men worldwide for the RR movement. A fourth myth, that emergency (postcoital) contraception is a form of abortion, defies the physical reality that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy by interrupting the process of implantation that leads to pregnancy. Finally, the myth that promoting reproductive freedom neglects the real needs of women in developing countries denies the fact that women have identified RH needs as a major concern and that RR are promoted as part of a holistic approach to attaining full gender equality and equity.^ieng

Women's health, rights are vital for development.

PIP: The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt, provided women with the chance to challenge the world for neglecting the basic needs and rights of half of its population. During the conference, women presented one important issue in need of immediate attention, that is, women's reproductive health and rights. The conference tapped the essential role of nongovernmental organizations as implementers of activities at the community level. Furthermore, the major achievement was the reorientation, which addressed the health of women from a narrow perspective to a holistic and comprehensive approach. Women's needs are addressed not only during the reproductive period but also throughout their lifespan, and other women's concerns, apart from diseases and medicines, are also given due consideration. These concerns include education, socioeconomic and cultural variables, and social attitudes that shape the status of women and their lives. Lastly, ICPD views women¿s empowerment as an important factor for the betterment of the present and future generations. Therefore, the achievements of ICPD will mean nothing if not translated into action, both at the national and local levels, and women¿s organizations have multiple roles to play in implementing the ICPD Program of Action.^ieng