Page 131 - S. Ličen, I. Karnjuš, & M. Prosen (Eds.). (2019). Women, migrations and health: Ensuring transcultural healthcare. Koper, University of Primorska Press.
P. 131
Migrant Women’s Perspectives on Reproductive Health Issues and Their Healthcare Encounters
[. . .] in Bosnia some check-ups during pregnancy are only administra-
tive in nature. It’s not like in Slovenia. I tell you, it is better here (in Slove-
nia). [INTE_35_3_BIH]
Freedom of reproductive choice in countries where contraceptives must
be purchased privately is particularly challenged, with serious consequences
for women’s lives, ranging from abortion to social marginalisation. One inter-
viewee from Bosnia and Herzegovina (INTE_25_3_BIH) admitted that ‘there
was little knowledge about contraceptive methods among her friends’ and
that ‘one’s income limits the use of contraceptive pills.’ In some countries, the
different possibilities of contraception are also very limited.
In Slovenia, more kinds of contraceptives are available than in Bosnia.
[INTE_25_3_BIH]
The practice of privately paying for oral contraceptives was also pointed
out by a woman from Russia:
I was taking the same contraceptive pills in Russia as I’m taking now in
Slovenia; however, I had to buy them in Russia. [INTE_37_1_RU]
At the end, this was seen as just one aspect of women’s reproductive free-
dom. The women also described other factors that shape their right to use
contraceptives and exercise their autonomy over reproductive freedom.
The Impact of Culture-Based Beliefs on Women’s Reproductive Health
The second theme focuses on the culture-based beliefs surrounding women’s
health in relation to women’s autonomy and their right to reproductive free-
dom. Societal expectations concerning reproduction and women’s role in
this process are challenging not only for women migrants in countries where
reproductive freedom is fully exercised but also for societies themselves be-
ing challenged by the need to protect individuality as well as respect indi-
vidual culture.
Women’s Autonomy and the Right to Reproductive Freedom
Most interviewees stated they had used contraceptives in the past and some
will probably continue to do so in the future. Yet they believe the decision for
a woman to use contraceptives should be made together with the partner.
All women confirmed that their partner was not opposed to the idea of using
contraceptives, except in one case.
129
[. . .] in Bosnia some check-ups during pregnancy are only administra-
tive in nature. It’s not like in Slovenia. I tell you, it is better here (in Slove-
nia). [INTE_35_3_BIH]
Freedom of reproductive choice in countries where contraceptives must
be purchased privately is particularly challenged, with serious consequences
for women’s lives, ranging from abortion to social marginalisation. One inter-
viewee from Bosnia and Herzegovina (INTE_25_3_BIH) admitted that ‘there
was little knowledge about contraceptive methods among her friends’ and
that ‘one’s income limits the use of contraceptive pills.’ In some countries, the
different possibilities of contraception are also very limited.
In Slovenia, more kinds of contraceptives are available than in Bosnia.
[INTE_25_3_BIH]
The practice of privately paying for oral contraceptives was also pointed
out by a woman from Russia:
I was taking the same contraceptive pills in Russia as I’m taking now in
Slovenia; however, I had to buy them in Russia. [INTE_37_1_RU]
At the end, this was seen as just one aspect of women’s reproductive free-
dom. The women also described other factors that shape their right to use
contraceptives and exercise their autonomy over reproductive freedom.
The Impact of Culture-Based Beliefs on Women’s Reproductive Health
The second theme focuses on the culture-based beliefs surrounding women’s
health in relation to women’s autonomy and their right to reproductive free-
dom. Societal expectations concerning reproduction and women’s role in
this process are challenging not only for women migrants in countries where
reproductive freedom is fully exercised but also for societies themselves be-
ing challenged by the need to protect individuality as well as respect indi-
vidual culture.
Women’s Autonomy and the Right to Reproductive Freedom
Most interviewees stated they had used contraceptives in the past and some
will probably continue to do so in the future. Yet they believe the decision for
a woman to use contraceptives should be made together with the partner.
All women confirmed that their partner was not opposed to the idea of using
contraceptives, except in one case.
129
