Page 51 - S. Ličen, I. Karnjuš, & M. Prosen (Eds.). (2019). Women, migrations and health: Ensuring transcultural healthcare. Koper, University of Primorska Press.
P. 51
Reproductive Health of Migrant Women in Slovenia: State of the Art
cess to a gynecological clinic in their place of residence is problematic, and (3)
where there is inconsistent respect for privacy, confidentiality and the right
to make an independent decision on pregnancy.
Another important issue concerning the reproductive health of migrant
women is access to medical services. There have been recent efforts to im-
prove knowledge of (equal) access to health services of immigrants, which
is reflected in the fact that a majority of available literature deals with the is-
sue. Thus, Bufolin and Bešter (2010) have questioned the existence of inequal-
ities between immigrants and non-immigrants regarding access to health
services, their quality and general satisfaction with healthcare. Their study
revealed that, with the (partial) exception of applicants for international pro-
tection and refugees, immigrants in the Slovenian health system are not rec-
ognized as a group that should have special attention in healthcare and in-
tegration policies. Their results indicated that the main problems faced by
immigrants in the Slovenian health system include: language barriers, lack
of intercultural competences of health personnel and their (hidden) discrim-
inatory relationship towards migrants. These factors were also confirmed as
a main source of unequal access to the health system in a recent study im-
plemented by Lipovec Čebron (2017).
Healthcare as a human right is the starting point of the article published
by Rajgelj (2012). Because of its universal status, an individual is entitled to
healthcare regardless of his/her personal circumstances, but in the legisla-
tive process different systems have different criteria for the accessibility and
funding of this right. In the case of Slovenia, the author observed how respec-
tive social priorities affect inclusion and exclusion of beneficiaries of health-
care on the ground of their legal status. To that end, she analyzed national
and international legislation regarding the constitutional right to healthcare,
health insurance, employment and family relations. Based on the analysis,
the conclusion was drawn that since the enjoyment of the right of health in-
surance depends on an individual’s employment, citizenship and family sta-
tus, users of healthcare are treated unequally. The author also emphasizes
that the most vulnerable group in the context of the access to health are im-
migrants without permanent residence.
Although in Slovenia applicants for international protection are eligible
(only) for emergency treatment, research has identified several discrepan-
cies between the rights afforded on paper and experiences in practice. Two
similar studies were implemented with the purpose of examining conditions
and opportunities for applicants for international protection to have access
to health services. Lipovec Čebron (2009) and Jazbinšek and Palaić (2009)
49
cess to a gynecological clinic in their place of residence is problematic, and (3)
where there is inconsistent respect for privacy, confidentiality and the right
to make an independent decision on pregnancy.
Another important issue concerning the reproductive health of migrant
women is access to medical services. There have been recent efforts to im-
prove knowledge of (equal) access to health services of immigrants, which
is reflected in the fact that a majority of available literature deals with the is-
sue. Thus, Bufolin and Bešter (2010) have questioned the existence of inequal-
ities between immigrants and non-immigrants regarding access to health
services, their quality and general satisfaction with healthcare. Their study
revealed that, with the (partial) exception of applicants for international pro-
tection and refugees, immigrants in the Slovenian health system are not rec-
ognized as a group that should have special attention in healthcare and in-
tegration policies. Their results indicated that the main problems faced by
immigrants in the Slovenian health system include: language barriers, lack
of intercultural competences of health personnel and their (hidden) discrim-
inatory relationship towards migrants. These factors were also confirmed as
a main source of unequal access to the health system in a recent study im-
plemented by Lipovec Čebron (2017).
Healthcare as a human right is the starting point of the article published
by Rajgelj (2012). Because of its universal status, an individual is entitled to
healthcare regardless of his/her personal circumstances, but in the legisla-
tive process different systems have different criteria for the accessibility and
funding of this right. In the case of Slovenia, the author observed how respec-
tive social priorities affect inclusion and exclusion of beneficiaries of health-
care on the ground of their legal status. To that end, she analyzed national
and international legislation regarding the constitutional right to healthcare,
health insurance, employment and family relations. Based on the analysis,
the conclusion was drawn that since the enjoyment of the right of health in-
surance depends on an individual’s employment, citizenship and family sta-
tus, users of healthcare are treated unequally. The author also emphasizes
that the most vulnerable group in the context of the access to health are im-
migrants without permanent residence.
Although in Slovenia applicants for international protection are eligible
(only) for emergency treatment, research has identified several discrepan-
cies between the rights afforded on paper and experiences in practice. Two
similar studies were implemented with the purpose of examining conditions
and opportunities for applicants for international protection to have access
to health services. Lipovec Čebron (2009) and Jazbinšek and Palaić (2009)
49
