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[[File:Manama, Bahrain Decembre 2014.jpg| | {| class="wikitable" style="width:200px; border:1px solid black;float:right" | ||
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|colspan="8" style="text-align:center"|[[File:Manama, Bahrain Decembre 2014.jpg|300px | thumb|right|]] | |||
|- | |||
| '''Contraception: Over-the-Counter''' | |||
| condoms, pills | |||
|- | |||
| '''Contraception: Prescription Required’’’ | |||
| IUD, injectable, implant | |||
|- | |||
| '''Emergency Contraception''' | |||
| not legally available | |||
|- | |||
| '''STIs''' | |||
| testing available; some legal issues for foreigners who test positive | |||
|- | |||
| '''Menstrual Products''' | |||
| pads, tampons, cups | |||
|- | |||
| '''Pregnancy''' | |||
| law requires pregnant people are married | |||
|- | |||
| '''Abortion Law''' | |||
| technically legal but rarely accessible | |||
|- | |||
| '''LGBTQ Laws''' | |||
| grey area legal | |||
|- | |||
| '''Related Pages''' | |||
| [[Bahrain]] | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
While Bahrain is a generally conservative and religious country, the laws of the country are socially liberal for the Persian Gulf region. The 2002 Constitution states that all people are equal and that there should be no discrimination on the basis of "sex, | |||
origin, language, religion or creed."<ref>[https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bahrain_2002.pdf Bahrain's Constitution of 2002]</ref> | |||
Women have the right to vote and run for office in Bahrain, and they're entitled to the right to dress (i.e., no headscarves or any other clothing items are required). <ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/25/bahrain.country.profile/index.html | |||
Is Bahrain the most modern of the Gulf states?]</ref> While homosexuality is considered "immoral," it is not explicitly illegal. <ref>[https://www.equaldex.com/region/bahrain https://www.equaldex.com/region/bahrain]</ref> Finally, Bahrain is the home to people of a wide range of backgrounds (less than 50% of the population is Bahraini), leading to cultural influences from many nations and peoples.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html CIA World Factbook - Bahrain]</ref> | |||
At Bahraini pharmacies, you can obtain condoms and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) without a prescription, and you can obtain other forms of contraception, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive injectables, at clinics and hospitals. There are many clinics that provide HIV and other STI tests, although there are limited organizations and social services available to people with STIs. Furthermore, abortion is technically legal, though it is extremely rare and requires approval from physicians. | |||
However, Bahrain is still a country that follows traditional practices and laws. There are no registered emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) that we're aware of. While you can use regular birth control pills or IUDs as a form of emergency contraception, the health care system of Bahrain does not freely provide emergency contraceptive pills to anyone who needs them. Furthermore, Bahrain is extremely strict regarding foreigners and STIs. While tourists can visit Bahrain, regardless of their HIV status, a foreigner who plans to live in or work in Bahrain must test as HIV-negative. If they are found to be HIV-positive in Bahrain, they will be immediately deported. It should be noted that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) does not appear to be available in Bahrain, as of 2018. There is also no nationwide HPV vaccination program, but you can receive the HPV vaccine at hospitals and clinics in the country. | |||
Finally, like many other Persian Gulf countries, is illegal to be pregnant and unmarried in Bahrain. If you're found to be pregnant and unmarried in Bahrain, you may face legal repercussions. If you're a foreigner, you'll be imprisoned and/or deported. If you're pregnant and unmarried as a Bahraini, you could face possible imprisonment. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Bahrain, you can obtain condoms and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) without a prescription at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> You can find other forms of contraception, such as | In Bahrain, you can obtain condoms and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) without a prescription at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> You can find other forms of contraception, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive injectables, at hospitals and clinics as well. | ||
In 2015, around 66% of women in Bahrain (who were married/in unions and of reproductive) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods. This rate of usage was noticeably higher than the Western Asian average (58%), however it was still found that around 11% of women in Bahrain had unmet family planning needs.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | The fertility rate for women in Bahrain is less than 2 children born per woman, which is roughly comparable to many other developed nations in the world.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html CIA World Factbook - Bahrain]</ref> In 2015, around 66% of women in Bahrain (who were married/in unions and of reproductive) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods. This rate of usage was noticeably higher than the Western Asian average (58%), however it was still found that around 11% of women in Bahrain had unmet family planning needs.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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* If you want to purchase '''condoms''', you can purchase them without a prescription at pharmacies in Bahrain. For a list of pharmacies in Bahrain, click [https://www.expatwoman.com/bahrain/health-fitness/pharmacies-in-bahrain-complete-list here]. Furthermore, condoms can be purchased online and delivered to your local address in Bahrain. For example, the [https://www.nasserpharmacy.com/bh-en/condoms Nasser Pharmacy website] has over 30 types of Durex, Unity, and Skins condoms for sale, which can be purchased in BHD and shipped to residences in Bahrain. You can also find condoms for sale on the [https://www.caretobeauty.com/bh/condoms/ Care To Beauty website], which ships products to Bahrain as well. | * If you want to purchase '''condoms''', you can purchase them without a prescription at pharmacies in Bahrain. For a list of pharmacies in Bahrain, click [https://www.expatwoman.com/bahrain/health-fitness/pharmacies-in-bahrain-complete-list here]. Furthermore, condoms can be purchased online and delivered to your local address in Bahrain. For example, the [https://www.nasserpharmacy.com/bh-en/condoms Nasser Pharmacy website] has over 30 types of Durex, Unity, and Skins condoms for sale, which can be purchased in BHD and shipped to residences in Bahrain. You can also find condoms for sale on the [https://www.caretobeauty.com/bh/condoms/ Care To Beauty website], which ships products to Bahrain as well. | ||
* You can find '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' sold in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics in Bahrain. No prescription is required. Some of the brands you can expect to see are Diane, Graciel, Gynera, Marvelon, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversation with Bahrain pharmacy and Bahrain hospital, May 2018]</ref> You can also order birth control pills online from websites like [https://www.inhousepharmacy.vu/c-15-contraceptives.aspx InhousePharmacy.vu], which carries 16 different types of birth control pills (as of May 2018) and serves many countries, including Bahrain. | * You can find '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' sold in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics in Bahrain. No prescription is required. Some of the brands you can expect to see are Diane, Graciel, Gynera, Marvelon, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversation with Bahrain pharmacy and Bahrain hospital, May 2018]</ref> You can also order birth control pills online from websites like [https://www.inhousepharmacy.vu/c-15-contraceptives.aspx InhousePharmacy.vu], which carries 16 different types of birth control pills (as of May 2018) and serves many countries, including Bahrain. | ||
* You can get an ''' | * You can get an '''intrauterine device (IUD)''' in Bahrain. At [http://www.royalbahrainhospital.com/ Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH)], they have both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, and the insertion procedure costs BD50, as of May 201 | ||
* You can get '''contraceptive shots/injectables''' in Bahrain. At [http://www.royalbahrainhospital.com/ Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH)], they have Depo-Provera, which lasts three months. The shot costs BD6, as of May 2018. | * You can get '''contraceptive shots/injectables''' in Bahrain. At [http://www.royalbahrainhospital.com/ Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH)], they have Depo-Provera, which lasts three months. The shot costs BD6, as of May 2018. | ||
* We don't know if '''contraceptive implants''' are available in Bahrain. If you do know, please update this page. | * We don't know if '''contraceptive implants''' are available in Bahrain. If you do know, please update this page. | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Bahrain, emergency emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) do not appear to be available, based on conversations we have had with pharmacists. They are also not registered in Bahrain.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/bahrain/ EC Status and Availability: Bahrain]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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==Medications & Vaccines== | ==Medications & Vaccines== | ||
[[File:Juffair starbucks pharmacy.jpg|400px | thumb|left|Pharmacy in Bahrain (blue sign)]] | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
You can find public health facilities and private health facilities in Bahrain. The government manages 24 public health centers and three clinics in Bahrain, as well as Salmaniya Medical Complex. To learn more about the public health centers in Bahrain, click [http://newsite.moh.gov.bh/EN/MOHServices/Services/OurPrimaryServices/HealthCenter.aspx here]. | |||
====Public Hospitals==== | ====Public Hospitals==== | ||
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* [https://www.moh.gov.bh/HealthInstitution/SalmaniyaMedicalComplex?lang=en Salmaniya Medical Complex]: This is the main public hospital in Bahrain, established in 1979, which has an Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic. They accept walk-ins, but they prefer appointments. The hospital has fixed prices, which vary, depending on whether you're a Bahraini or non-Bahraini. For a list of prices for non-Bahrainis, click [https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Files/HealthInstitution/charges.pdf here]. Address: Rd No 2904, Manama, Bahrain. Hours: Open 24 hours. Phone: +973 1728 8888. | * [https://www.moh.gov.bh/HealthInstitution/SalmaniyaMedicalComplex?lang=en Salmaniya Medical Complex]: This is the main public hospital in Bahrain, established in 1979, which has an Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic. They accept walk-ins, but they prefer appointments. The hospital has fixed prices, which vary, depending on whether you're a Bahraini or non-Bahraini. For a list of prices for non-Bahrainis, click [https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Files/HealthInstitution/charges.pdf here]. Address: Rd No 2904, Manama, Bahrain. Hours: Open 24 hours. Phone: +973 1728 8888. | ||
====Private Hospitals==== | ====Private Hospitals & Practitioners==== | ||
* [http://www.royalbahrainhospital.com/ Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH)]: This is one of the best private hospitals in Bahrain. | * [http://www.royalbahrainhospital.com/ Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH)]: This is one of the best private hospitals in Bahrain. | ||
** Recommended Gynecologist - [http://kiranbijlani.blogspot.com/ Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani] has been recommended by many locals and can be found practicing at Royal Bahrain Hospital. From her website: "Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani, a Consultant OB-Gynae has over 21 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is very popular in the medical field in Bahrain. She has special interest in treating patients for deficiencies in pelvic floor support, complicated fibroids and ovarian and tubal pathologies and has introduced many innovative techniques in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology." Address: 29, Manama, Bahrain. Hours: Open 24 hours. Phone: +973 1724 6800. | ** Recommended Gynecologist - [http://kiranbijlani.blogspot.com/ Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani] has been recommended by many locals and can be found practicing at Royal Bahrain Hospital. From her website: "Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani, a Consultant OB-Gynae has over 21 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is very popular in the medical field in Bahrain. She has special interest in treating patients for deficiencies in pelvic floor support, complicated fibroids and ovarian and tubal pathologies and has introduced many innovative techniques in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology." Address: 29, Manama, Bahrain. Hours: Open 24 hours. Phone: +973 1724 6800. | ||
** Recommended Gynecologist - Dr Nissar: This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local and can be found at Royal Bahrain Hospital (Address: 29, Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1724 6800). | ** Recommended Gynecologist - Dr Nissar: This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local and can be found at Royal Bahrain Hospital (Address: 29, Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1724 6800). | ||
* Dr Sabah Baig (phone: 17232444) or her husband Dr. Dabeer Salaria. She has her own private clinic in Khaleej Polytechnic (next to Salmaniya) but she operates in American | * Dr Sabah Baig (phone: 17232444) or her husband Dr. Dabeer Salaria. She has her own private clinic in Khaleej Polytechnic (next to Salmaniya) but she operates in [http://www.amh.org.bh/ American Mission Hospital], [http://www.ashinternational.uk.com/hospitals/awali-hospital-bahrain.php Awali Hospital] and [https://ibnalnafees.com/ Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital]. | ||
* Dr Sharifa Ali (phone: 17680088). This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local. She has her own clinic and operates at Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital (Address: Rd No 3302, Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1782 8230). | * Dr Sharifa Ali (phone: 17680088). This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local. She has her own clinic and she also operates at [https://ibnalnafees.com/ Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital] (Address: Rd No 3302, Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1782 8230). | ||
* Dr Aisha Bhuneshwari: This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local and can be found at Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre (Address: Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1728 8000). | * Dr Aisha Bhuneshwari: This ob/gyn has been recommended by a local and can be found at [http://www.shifaaljazeera.com/ Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre] (Address: Manama, Bahrain; Hours: Open 24 hours; Phone: +973 1728 8000). The hospital has a 24-hour pharmacy and it accepts a variety of insurance providers, such as MedGulf, MedNet, Cigna, MetLife, etc. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
====Public Hospitals & Providers==== | |||
* Jidhafs Maternity Hospital: "The aimed is to deliver a high quality of medical services to wide sector of Gynecology and obstetrics patients and to reduce the pressure of maternity services delivered by S.M.C. to be specialized center for high risk patients only." Phone: +973 1755 6888 | |||
* Rural Maternity Hospital: Main objective is "to deliver a high quality of medical care to wide sector of obstetric and long stay patients in order to reduce the pressure on S.M.C maternity services and long stay wards in Muharraq." | |||
====Private Hospitals & Providers==== | |||
* [http://kiranbijlani.blogspot.com/ Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani]: She has been recommended by many locals and can be found practicing at Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH). From her website: "Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani, a Consultant OB-Gynae has over 21 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is very popular in the medical field in Bahrain. She has special interest in treating patients for deficiencies in pelvic floor support, complicated fibroids and ovarian and tubal pathologies and has introduced many innovative techniques in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology." | * [http://kiranbijlani.blogspot.com/ Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani]: She has been recommended by many locals and can be found practicing at Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH). From her website: "Dr. Kiran J. Bijlani, a Consultant OB-Gynae has over 21 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is very popular in the medical field in Bahrain. She has special interest in treating patients for deficiencies in pelvic floor support, complicated fibroids and ovarian and tubal pathologies and has introduced many innovative techniques in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology." | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Bahrain, abortion is | In Bahrain, abortion is technically legal and available upon request, according to the Penal Code of 20 March 1976.<ref>[https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/bhr/1976/bahrain_penal_code_html/Bahrain_Penal_Code_1976.pdf Bahrain Penal Code, 1976]</ref> This means that all reasons for abortion are technically permitted. However, the reality of abortion availability is much more complicated. For an abortion to be legally permitted, a panel of physicians must approve of the abortion. Furthermore, only a licensed physician may perform the abortion.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm Abortion Policies, A Global Review - Bahrain (United Nations Report]</ref> If someone receives an abortion without the advice and assistance of a doctor, they may receive a 6-month jail term or a fine of up to BD 50.<ref>[https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/bhr/1976/bahrain_penal_code_html/Bahrain_Penal_Code_1976.pdf Bahrain Penal Code, 1976]</ref> | ||
While abortion is legal in Bahrain, it is not very common. This is because physicians rarely grant abortions, unless the pregnancy seriously endangers the life of the pregnant person, if the pregnancy seriously endangers the life of the baby, if there is serious risk of fetal impairment or miscarriage, or if the baby has stopped growing or has died. In other words, it is extremely rare for a woman to seek out a legal abortion for a non-medical reason and be granted abortion services. Furthermore, there are social stigmas, community pressures, and shame related to abortion and premarital sex in Bahrain. As a result, people may feel extremely uncomfortable seeking out legal abortions, even if they believe that may qualify to receive them. For this reason, it's much more common for women to seek out abortions through unofficial channels, such as purchasing "abortion pills" on the black market, or by traveling abroad to obtain abortion services. | |||
It should be noted that the "abortion pills" sold in Bahrain are often times pills for gastric ulcers, sold on the black market.<ref>[http://www.tradearabia.com/news/HEAL_175194.html Bahrain women in high-risk abortions]</ref> These tactics can be risky, since they are unregulated, and may lead to health issues. Furthermore, the distributors of "abortion pills" and providers of clandestine abortions may not be properly trained or informed regarding medical procedures. | |||
For more information: | For more information: | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Bahrain, abortion is | * In Bahrain, abortion is technically permitted and available upon request. However, it is extremely rare and locals report that abortions are typically only granted for medical reasons, such as when the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant person, when the pregnancy endangers the life of the child, or when there is risk of serious fetal malformation. To get more information about abortion laws, procedures, and services in Bahrain, you can contact Bahrain Family Planning Association (BFPA): Address: Villa 377, Road No.1210, PO Box 20326, Manama. Phone: +97317232 233 or +97317256 622. Fax: +97317244 671 | ||
* According to one local (June 2018): "If the baby stops growing before 12 weeks and there is no bleeding, then you will be referred to Salmaniya Hospital for a scheduled termination/D&C. They will make you wait up to 2 weeks to spontaneously miscarry, if your blood work comes back clear. Also, if the baby dies in utero, you will be referred to Salmaniya Hospital." Note that this is a private anecdote and has not been fully verified. | |||
* If you are pregnant and wish to obtain an abortion, your best option is to seek an abortion outside Bahrain. While there is an underground illegal abortion industry in every country, including Bahrain, it's not safe and not recommended. Rather, you may consider traveling to countries like [[Turkey]], [[Greece]], [[Azerbaijan]] or [[India]], where you can legally obtain an abortion. If you are interested in traveling to Europe, there are also many countries where abortion is legal. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* If you are pregnant and considering getting an abortion outside Bahrain, you will need to consider the following costs: visa processing costs, transportation to the country where you will be obtaining an abortion, hotel or accommodation costs in that country, cost of the abortion in the country and the total amount of days you may need to be in the country both before and after the abortion. | |||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||