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[[File:Flag of Haiti.svg.png|450px | thumb|right|alt=Image provided by Creative Commons.|]]
[[File:Flag of Haiti.svg.png|450px | thumb|right|alt=Image provided by Creative Commons.|]]
'''OVERVIEW''' <br>
Generally speaking, Haiti struggles with having the reputation as the poorest country in Western hemisphere and its turmoils have been compounded in 2010 and 2016 by disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes. This has left the country in need of international aid and a devastating lack of resources. This has obviously had a dramatic effect on sexual, reproductive and women's health care needs throughout the country. Though Port-au-Prince has more civil resources available than many of the countries more rural areas, there is still undoubtedly a lot of improvement to be made in these areas. Some of the issues include the lack of availability of contraception, overpriced feminine hygiene products, lack of proper medical facilities,  unaffordable and outdated hospitals, a high rate of HIV infection and an alarming rate of sexual abuse against women<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_violence_in_Haiti Sexual Violence in Haiti]</ref>. Additionally, abortion is completely illegal and there is little help from government organizations to curb the STI infection rate and lack of education on family planning.
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'''OVERVIEW''' <br>
'''OVERVIEW''' <br>
In Haiti, women face significant challenges in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health. The country struggles with having the reputation as the poorest country in Western hemisphere and its turmoils have been compounded by disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes in recent years. This has left the country in need of international aid and a devastating lack of resources. This has obviously had a dramatic effect on sexual, reproductive and women's health care needs throughout the country. Though Port-au-Prince has more civil resources available than many of the countries more rural areas, there is still undoubtedly a lot of improvement to be made in these areas. Some of the issues include the lack of availability of contraception, overpriced feminine hygiene products, lack of proper medical facilities,  unaffordable and outdated hospitals, a high rate of HIV infection and an alarming rate of sexual abuse against women<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_violence_in_Haiti Sexual Violence in Haiti]</ref>. Additionally, abortion is completely illegal and there is little help from government organizations to curb the STI infection rate and lack of education on family planning. Historically, women's rights are not a high priority for the Haitian government. As of 2016, not a single woman holds a seat in the senate of Haiti.<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article55358850.html No women in new Haitian parliament]</ref>
In Haiti, women face significant challenges in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health. The country struggles with having the reputation as the poorest country in Western hemisphere and its turmoils have been compounded by disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes in recent years. This has left the country in need of international aid and a devastating lack of resources. This has obviously had a dramatic effect on sexual, reproductive and women's health care needs throughout the country. Though Port-au-Prince has more civil resources available than many of the countries more rural areas, there is still undoubtedly a lot of improvement to be made in these areas. Some of the issues include the lack of availability of contraception, overpriced feminine hygiene products, lack of proper medical facilities,  unaffordable and outdated hospitals, a high rate of HIV infection and an alarming rate of sexual abuse against women<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_violence_in_Haiti Sexual Violence in Haiti]</ref>. Additionally, abortion is completely illegal and there is little help from government organizations to curb the STI infection rate and lack of education on family planning. Historically, women's rights are not a high priority for the Haitian government. As of 2016, not a single woman holds a seat in the senate of Haiti.<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article55358850.html No women in new Haitian parliament]</ref>
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==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==Contraception (Birth Control)==
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Despite the fact that Haiti has a long history with oral contraceptives<ref>[http://ethique-tic.fr/2013/wp-content/uploads/1/2013/02/JunodMarks-pill02.pdf Women’s Trials: The Approval of the First Oral Contraceptive Pill in the United States and Great Britain]</ref>, the country has a staggeringly low rate of 37.8% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 report using any kind of contraception at all. This is the lowest rate of any Caribbean country. An overwhelming majority of women that do use birth control opt for the contraceptive injection.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use 2015]</ref> There have been multiple campaigns with mixed results to raise awareness for the use of contraceptives. Many women are raised in a conservative Christian families and don't want to admit that they are having premarital sex, so discussions about birth control are not likely to be widely discussed by most Haitians, especially amongst the youth. <ref>[http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/family-planning-delicate-subject-haiti Family Planning is a Delicate Subject in Haiti]</ref>
Despite the fact that Haiti has a long history with oral contraceptives<ref>[http://ethique-tic.fr/2013/wp-content/uploads/1/2013/02/JunodMarks-pill02.pdf Women’s Trials: The Approval of the First Oral Contraceptive Pill in the United States and Great Britain]</ref>, the country has a staggeringly low rate of 37.8% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 report using any kind of contraception at all. This is the lowest rate of any Caribbean country. An overwhelming majority of women that do use birth control opt for the contraceptive injection.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use 2015]</ref> There have been multiple campaigns with mixed results to raise awareness for the use of contraceptives. Many women are raised in a conservative Christian families and don't want to admit that they are having premarital sex, so discussions about birth control are not likely to be widely discussed by most Haitians, especially amongst the youth. <ref>[http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/family-planning-delicate-subject-haiti Family Planning is a Delicate Subject in Haiti]</ref>


* For a comprehensive list of all available hormonal contraceptive available in the country, visit the [http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search?search.searchtext=&search.component=&search.countrycode=HT Haiti IPPF page].
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* '''Condoms''' can be purchased at larger retailers but more difficult to find at smaller businesses.
* According to the International Planned Parenthood Federation, there are over 20 types of '''hormonal contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' available. Most that are available are phasic and combined oral pills, but there is also a wide variety of hormonal implants available. There is only one hormonal IUD available by the name of "Mirena." The contraceptive ring (Nuvaring) does not seem to available for purchase in Haiti.<ref>[http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search IPPF - Haiti]</ref>
* You may be able to find '''contraceptive injectables''', like Depo-Provera SAS 150mg/ml, Mesigyna, Mesigyna Instayect and Noristerat, according to IPFF.<ref>[http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search?search.searchtext=&search.component=&search.countrycode=HT IPFF - Haiti]</ref>
* You may be able to find '''contraceptive implants''', like Implanon and Jadelle, according to IPFF.<ref>[http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search?search.searchtext=&search.component=&search.countrycode=HT IPFF - Haiti]</ref>


===Costs===
===Costs===
KORE, loosely translated, means "I've got your back" in Haitian Creole, is a brand of condom that became available in Haiti in 2013. The company aimed to provide a widely available and much more affordable condom for the people of Haiti. <ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/29/health/haiti-condom-donation</ref>
KORE, loosely translated, means "I've got your back" in Haitian Creole, is a brand of condom that became available in Haiti in 2013. The company aimed to provide a widely available and much more affordable condom for the people of Haiti. <ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/29/health/haiti-condom-donation</ref>


===Costs===
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==
KORE, loosely translated, means "I've got your back" in Haitian Creole, is a brand of condom that became available in Haiti in 2013. The company aimed to provide a widely available and much more affordable condom for the people of Haiti. <ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/29/health/haiti-condom-donation Haiti Condom Donation]</ref> A pack of 3 brand name condoms usually costs somewhere between 200-300 gourde.


==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==


'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here].
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
The morning after pill is not widely available over the counter in Port-au-Prince. If it can be found, it is likely imported and will contain instructions in a foreign language which may render the product useless.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/opinion/sunday/haitis-silenced-victims.html Haiti's Silenced Victims]</ref> If you are in need of emergency contraception in Haiti, you have the option of taking larger doses of regular hormonal birth control instead of the morning after pill.<ref>http://ec.princeton.edu/countryquery.asp</ref>


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
The morning after pill is rarely available over the counter in Port-au-Prince. If it can be found, it is likely imported and will contain instructions in a foreign language which may render the product useless.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/opinion/sunday/haitis-silenced-victims.html Haiti's Silenced Victims]</ref> If you are in need of emergency contraception in Haiti, you have the option of taking larger doses of regular hormonal birth control instead of the morning after pill.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>


'''Note:''' The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


The following is a list of available oral Contraceptives used for emergency contraception (Progestin Only)<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu Princeton EC Website]</ref>
The following is a list of available oral Contraceptives used for emergency contraception (Progestin Only)<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu Princeton EC Website]</ref>
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  Minigynon 30
  Minigynon 30
  Nordette
  Nordette
===Costs===


===Costs===
===Costs===


==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)==
==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)==
'''Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ here]. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].


'''Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ here]. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].
'''Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ here]. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here].
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


===Costs===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
"Fluconazole" is the name of the active ingredient in yeast infection medication. Make sure this is listed under active ingredients to ensure that you are buying an effective medication. PReP is not available to buy in Haiti.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> As far as HPV vaccinations go, Haiti has a "Pilot Program", which means it is available but not readily accessible to everyone. [https://www.facebook.com/search/110097772353183/places-in/134381433294944/places/intersect/ Click here] to be redirected to a list of 11 pharmacies in Port-au-Prince and their Facebook pages.<br>[http://hiccayeshaiti.e-monsite.com/ Hôpital Immaculée Conception] has a steady supply of antiretroviral HIV medication.<ref>[https://blog.usaid.gov/2016/05/delivering-life-saving-hivaids-drugs-around-the-world/ Delivering Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Drugs Around the World]</ref>
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==Menstruation==
==Menstruation==
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
The women of Haiti have little access to education on feminine hygiene and menstruation. In one poll, nearly 25% of women surveyed did not know why they had their period. Given the income of the women ranged from an estimated $1 – $3/day, disposable sanitary pads are often too expensive. Therefore, more than 80% of the women regularly used folded cloth sheets or old T-shirts to absorb menstrual blood. The women with no access to sanitary pads are often forced them to modify daily activities such as going to school or work.<ref>[http://ganm.nursing.jhu.edu/partnership-not-aid-how-the-women-of-haiti-are-claiming-a-new-future-3/ PARTNERSHIP, NOT AID – HOW THE WOMEN OF HAITI ARE CLAIMING A NEW FUTURE]</ref>


"Kotex" is the most common brand of disposable pads available in Port-au-Prince.
"Kotex" is the most common brand of disposable pads available in Port-au-Prince.
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


===Costs===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* Dr. Serge Guichard<br>
Address: 13 Rue Faubert, Port-au-Prince , Haiti.<br>
Tel: +509 257 1109<br>
Specialism: Obstetrics & Gynaecology<br>
* Marco Percque<br>
Phone: 2257-4711 / 2257-3646<br>
Address: Unite Chirurgical
#75 Rue Lambert, Petion Ville<br>
* Ronald Fouche<br>Phone: 2245-6301/ 2244-2970/ 2968<br>Email: Email: rfouche@obgyn.net<br>Address: 42, Chemin des Dalles, entre rues<br>
St-Cyr & Magny- La Maison
Medicale, P-au-P<ref>[http://photos.state.gov/libraries/haiti/231771/PDFs/LOCAL%20ENGLISH%20SPEAKING%20PHYSICIANS%20_August%202011_.pdf LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING PHYSICIANS - American Embassy]</ref><br>
<br>[http://www.shog.org/
* Société Haïtienne d'Obstétrique et de Gynécologie]<br>
Address : 27 Ruelle Berne, Port-au-Prince, HAITI<br>
Email: shog@hainet.net<br>
</div>


===Costs===
===Costs===
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All women in Haiti are legally entitled to 6 weeks of maternity leave with 100% of their average pay to be compensated by their employer.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave Parental Leave]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/---publ/documents/publication/wcms_242615.pdf Maternity and paternity at work]</ref> However, the reality of the situation can be much different and many women find that they are not in a position to receive this aid. <ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/29706995/ns/health-pregnancy/t/giving-birth-fraught-danger-haiti/#.WLVr_BJ94y4 Giving Birth is Fraught with Danger in Haiti]</ref> In Haiti, there are only 201 nurse-midwives for a population of 10 million. NGO Midwives for Haiti are trying to fill this gap with much needed help to improve mother and child survival. As of 2013, For every 100,000 babies born in Haiti, 630 women die of pregnancy-related causes.<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article1957834.html Women in Haiti embracing birth control despite taboos]</ref>
All women in Haiti are legally entitled to 6 weeks of maternity leave with 100% of their average pay to be compensated by their employer.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave Parental Leave]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/---publ/documents/publication/wcms_242615.pdf Maternity and paternity at work]</ref> However, the reality of the situation can be much different and many women find that they are not in a position to receive this aid. <ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/29706995/ns/health-pregnancy/t/giving-birth-fraught-danger-haiti/#.WLVr_BJ94y4 Giving Birth is Fraught with Danger in Haiti]</ref> In Haiti, there are only 201 nurse-midwives for a population of 10 million. NGO Midwives for Haiti are trying to fill this gap with much needed help to improve mother and child survival. As of 2013, For every 100,000 babies born in Haiti, 630 women die of pregnancy-related causes.<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article1957834.html Women in Haiti embracing birth control despite taboos]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===Costs===
The cost for a stay in a Public hospital in Port-au-Prince can cost less than 1 USD a day. However, the patient is accountable to pay for all other expenses, such as syringes, medicine, transportation etc. Because of this, the price of giving birth in a public hospital is out of the question for most people since about 60% of Haiti lives beneath the poverty line.


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* An option available for women in need of medical care regarding their pregnancy is provided by the organization [http://www.msf.org/en/where-we-work/haiti Médecins Sans Frontières]has at least one location in Port-au-Prince that offers prenatal care for women with pressing health complications regarding their pregnancy. Unfortunately, their facilities are often overwhelmed with too many patients seeking aid and only have room for very few of them. However, these facilities do their best not to reject any woman in labor, regardless of their health status.<ref>[https://www.ft.com/content/4ecb945a-1e97-3369-9117-8fb3c2b61908 Improving Maternity Care in Haiti]</ref><br>
* An option available for women in need of medical care regarding their pregnancy is provided by the organization [http://www.msf.org/en/where-we-work/haiti Médecins Sans Frontières]has at least one location in Port-au-Prince that offers prenatal care for women with pressing health complications regarding their pregnancy. Unfortunately, their facilities are often overwhelmed with too many patients seeking aid and only have room for very few of them. However, these facilities do their best not to reject any woman in labor, regardless of their health status.<ref>[https://www.ft.com/content/4ecb945a-1e97-3369-9117-8fb3c2b61908 Improving Maternity Care in Haiti]</ref><br>
* Pran Men’m - Located in the Delmas 33 neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, MSF’s 148-bed Centre de Référence des Urgences en Obstétrique (CRUO) <ref>[http://www.msf.org/en/where-we-work/haiti Medecins San Frontieres - Haiti]</ref><br>
* Pran Men’m - Located in the Delmas 33 neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, MSF’s 148-bed Centre de Référence des Urgences en Obstétrique (CRUO) <ref>[http://www.msf.org/en/where-we-work/haiti Medecins San Frontieres - Haiti]</ref><br>
* Many women, if they can afford it, choose to fly to Jimani in the Dominican Republic to give birth where healthcare is more widely accessible.<ref>[http://cronkite.asu.edu/buffett/dr/giving_birth_full.html</ref>
* Many women, if they can afford it, choose to fly to Jimani in the Dominican Republic to give birth where healthcare is more widely accessible.<ref>[http://cronkite.asu.edu/buffett/dr/giving_birth_full.html</ref>
* [https://www.facebook.com/UNFPAHaiti/ UNFPA]: Address: LOCAL MINUSTAH, Log Base - Zone 5, Boulevard Toussaint Louverture and Clercine 18, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Email address: Office@unfpahaiti.org, Work timetable: Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM<br> Telephones: 509 2815-6000, 509 2813-0415.
* [https://www.facebook.com/UNFPAHaiti/ UNFPA]: Address: LOCAL MINUSTAH, Log Base - Zone 5, Boulevard Toussaint Louverture and Clercine 18, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Email address: Office@unfpahaiti.org, Work timetable: Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM<br> Telephones: 509 2815-6000, 509 2813-0415.
</div>


===Costs===
===Costs===
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The cost for a stay in a Public hospital in Port-au-Prince can cost less than 1 USD a day. However, the patient is accountable to pay for all other expenses, such as syringes, medicine, transportation etc. Because of this, the price of giving birth in a public hospital is out of the question for most people since about 60% of Haiti lives beneath the poverty line.
The cost for a stay in a Public hospital in Port-au-Prince can cost less than 1 USD a day. However, the patient is accountable to pay for all other expenses, such as syringes, medicine, transportation etc. Because of this, the price of giving birth in a public hospital is out of the question for most people since about 60% of Haiti lives beneath the poverty line.


==Abortion==
'''Important Note:''' There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion here].


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
Haiti has some of the strictest laws regarding abortion in the world. There are no grounds in which abortions are legally permitted<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/ib_aww-latin-america.pdf Latin America Fact Sheet]</ref> with the rare exception that it be necessary to save the mother's life, but even that is not guaranteed by law. Women often turn to highly unsafe and illegal underground abortion options. In large part, this is also due to the fact the contraception itself is not widely accepted, available or properly used. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref> Despite the fact that it is illegal, abortion is common in Haiti.<ref>[http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/20644-a-look-at-abortion-in-haiti A Look at Abortion in Haiti]</ref> The number of post-abortion deaths in Haiti is unknown, but physicians say post-abortion complications are a leading cause of maternal death, with the health ministry estimating it could possibly account for as many as 30 percent of them. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref>
Haiti has some of the strictest laws regarding abortion in the world. There are no grounds in which abortions are legally permitted<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/ib_aww-latin-america.pdf Latin America Fact Sheet]</ref> with the rare exception that it be necessary to save the mother's life, but even that is not guaranteed by law. Women often turn to highly unsafe and illegal underground abortion options. In large part, this is also due to the fact the contraception itself is not widely accepted, available or properly used. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref> Despite the fact that it is illegal, abortion is common in Haiti.<ref>[http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/20644-a-look-at-abortion-in-haiti A Look at Abortion in Haiti]</ref> The number of post-abortion deaths in Haiti is unknown, but physicians say post-abortion complications are a leading cause of maternal death, with the health ministry estimating it could possibly account for as many as 30 percent of them. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
It is considered extremely dangerous by almost all health professionals to seek an unlicensed abortion illegally. The most affordable and safest alternative to this is to travel to Miami, Florida and get the procedure done there. Additionally, you may be able to order the "abortion pill" by mail. Check out [https://www.womenonweb.org/en/i-need-an-abortion this link] for details
Haiti has some of the strictest laws regarding abortion in the world. There are no grounds in which abortions are legally permitted.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/ib_aww-latin-america.pdf Latin America Fact Sheet]</ref> with the rare exception that it be necessary to save the mother's life, but even that is not guaranteed by law. Women often turn to highly unsafe and illegal underground abortion options. In large part, this is also due to the fact the contraception itself is not widely accepted, available or properly used. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref> Despite the fact that it is illegal, abortion is common in Haiti. <ref>[http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/20644-a-look-at-abortion-in-haiti A Look at Abortion in Haiti]</ref> The number of post-abortion deaths in Haiti is unknown, but physicians say post-abortion complications are a leading cause of maternal death, with the health ministry estimating it could possibly account for as many as 30 percent of them. <ref>[http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131128/women-in-haiti-embracing-birth-control-despite-taboos Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos]</ref>


===Costs===
===Costs===
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
[[File:MSF157486.jpg|350px | thumb|right|frame|'''Line outside the Doctor Without Borders Clinic in Port-au-Prince''']]
Rape and all other sexual assault goes largely unreported throughout Haiti due to the fact that many victims are subject to victim blaming by their communities. Many women also don't report such incidents due to fear of potential reprisals from their attackers. Haiti has a long history of of enforcing minor penalties for those convicted of rape and sexual assault, but this trend has been slowly changing since new legislation was passed in 2005. The new law now holds the attackers more accountable for their crime as well as guaranteeing free health coverage for sexual assault victims. The legal procedure for reporting a sexual assault to police is convoluted and difficult, further diminishing the number of reports made. Critics of Haitian police have called their response to reported rapes inadequate. <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_violence_in_Haiti Sexual Violence in Haiti]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
The Pran Men’m clinic is a facility offering the emergency medical assistance required during the 72 hours following an assault, along with longer-term medical care and psychological support.
The Pran Men’m clinic (Creole for “Take My Hand”) is a facility offering the emergency medical assistance required during the 72 hours following an assault, along with longer-term medical care and psychological support. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. <ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/08/world/cnnphotos-sexual-assault-haiti/ Sexual Assault in Haiti]</ref>


===Costs===
===Costs===
The Pran Men’m clinic offers most of its services free of charge.


===Costs===
<div class="mw-translate-fuzzy">
The Pran Men’m clinic offers most of its services free of charge.
==List of Additional Resources==
[http://http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/HTI_FS.pdf Haiti HPV Vaccine Status]<br>
[http://www.handsupforhaiti.org/about-us/ Hands Up For Haiti]<br>
[https://www.ippfwhr.org/en/country/haiti International Planned Parenthood Federation]<br>
[http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/country-region/haiti Doctors Without Borders - Haiti]<br>
[http://ganm.nursing.jhu.edu/partnership-not-aid-how-the-women-of-haiti-are-claiming-a-new-future-3/ GANM Blogs]<br>
[http://www.expat.com/en/business/central-america/haiti/6_health/pharmacies/ Expat Pharmacy List]<br>
[http://www.msf.ca/en/country-region/haiti MSF]<br>
[http://www.scms.pfscm.org/scms SCMS (Global Access to HIV/AIDS Medication]<br>
[http://iwhp.sogc.org/index.php?page=171 International Women's Health Program (Haiti)]
</div>


==References==
* [https://www.profamilhaiti.org/ Association Pour la Promotion de la Famille Haitienne (PROFAMIL)]: "In a country with high rates of poverty and HIV, Profamil is a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care and education in Haiti. In addition to its static clinics, it reaches marginalized populations through its mobile health units and network of health promoters." This is an affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Email: info@profamilhaiti.org
<references />
* [http://http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/HTI_FS.pdf Haiti HPV Vaccine Status]
* [http://www.handsupforhaiti.org/about-us/ Hands Up For Haiti]
* [http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/countrEy-region/haiti Doctors Without Borders - Haiti]
* [http://ganm.nursing.jhu.edu/partnership-not-aid-how-the-women-of-haiti-are-claiming-a-new-future-3/ GANM Blogs]
* [http://www.expat.com/en/business/central-america/haiti/6_health/pharmacies/ Expat Pharmacy List]
* [http://www.msf.ca/en/country-region/haiti MSF]
* [http://www.scms.pfscm.org/scms SCMS (Global Access to HIV/AIDS Medication]
* [http://iwhp.sogc.org/index.php?page=171 International Women's Health Program (Haiti)]


==References==
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Latest revision as of 17:46, 26 October 2020

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Image provided by Creative Commons.

OVERVIEW
Generally speaking, Haiti struggles with having the reputation as the poorest country in Western hemisphere and its turmoils have been compounded in 2010 and 2016 by disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes. This has left the country in need of international aid and a devastating lack of resources. This has obviously had a dramatic effect on sexual, reproductive and women's health care needs throughout the country. Though Port-au-Prince has more civil resources available than many of the countries more rural areas, there is still undoubtedly a lot of improvement to be made in these areas. Some of the issues include the lack of availability of contraception, overpriced feminine hygiene products, lack of proper medical facilities, unaffordable and outdated hospitals, a high rate of HIV infection and an alarming rate of sexual abuse against women[1]. Additionally, abortion is completely illegal and there is little help from government organizations to curb the STI infection rate and lack of education on family planning.

OVERVIEW
In Haiti, women face significant challenges in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health. The country struggles with having the reputation as the poorest country in Western hemisphere and its turmoils have been compounded by disastrous earthquakes and hurricanes in recent years. This has left the country in need of international aid and a devastating lack of resources. This has obviously had a dramatic effect on sexual, reproductive and women's health care needs throughout the country. Though Port-au-Prince has more civil resources available than many of the countries more rural areas, there is still undoubtedly a lot of improvement to be made in these areas. Some of the issues include the lack of availability of contraception, overpriced feminine hygiene products, lack of proper medical facilities, unaffordable and outdated hospitals, a high rate of HIV infection and an alarming rate of sexual abuse against women[2]. Additionally, abortion is completely illegal and there is little help from government organizations to curb the STI infection rate and lack of education on family planning. Historically, women's rights are not a high priority for the Haitian government. As of 2016, not a single woman holds a seat in the senate of Haiti.[3]

Contraception (Birth Control)

Condoms for sale in Port-au-Prince

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Despite the fact that Haiti has a long history with oral contraceptives[4], the country has a staggeringly low rate of 37.8% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 report using any kind of contraception at all. This is the lowest rate of any Caribbean country. An overwhelming majority of women that do use birth control opt for the contraceptive injection.[5] There have been multiple campaigns with mixed results to raise awareness for the use of contraceptives. Many women are raised in a conservative Christian families and don't want to admit that they are having premarital sex, so discussions about birth control are not likely to be widely discussed by most Haitians, especially amongst the youth. [6]

What to Get & Where to Get It

Costs

KORE, loosely translated, means "I've got your back" in Haitian Creole, is a brand of condom that became available in Haiti in 2013. The company aimed to provide a widely available and much more affordable condom for the people of Haiti. [7]

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Laws & Social Stigmas

The morning after pill is not widely available over the counter in Port-au-Prince. If it can be found, it is likely imported and will contain instructions in a foreign language which may render the product useless.[8] If you are in need of emergency contraception in Haiti, you have the option of taking larger doses of regular hormonal birth control instead of the morning after pill.[9]

What to Get & Where to Get It

What to Get & Where to Get It

The following is a list of available oral Contraceptives used for emergency contraception (Progestin Only)[10] 

	Take 40 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:
	Ovrette
	Take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:
	Microval

Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used 

	Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:
	Eugynon
	Neogynon
	Nordiol
	Ovral
	Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:
	Lo-Femenal
	Minigynon 30
	Nordette

Costs

Costs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

What to Get & Where to Get It

Support

If someone you know is incarcerated in Port-au-Prince or elsewhere in Haiti and has contracted or is at risk of contracting HIV, the Aids Healthcare Foundation can help. They provide testing and medicine for those in need. Visit their website for more information.

Costs

Costs

Many clinics run by NGOs offer free STI/STD screening.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

"Fluconazole" is the name of the active ingredient in yeast infection medication. Make sure this is listed under active ingredients to ensure that you are buying an effective medication. PReP is not available to buy in Haiti.[11] As far as HPV vaccinations go, Haiti has a "Pilot Program", which means it is available but not readily accessible to everyone. Click here to be redirected to a list of 11 pharmacies in Port-au-Prince and their Facebook pages.
Hôpital Immaculée Conception has a steady supply of antiretroviral HIV medication.[12]

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

"Kotex" is the most common brand of disposable pads available in Port-au-Prince.

"Kotex" is the most common brand of disposable pads available in Port-au-Prince.

Gynecological Exams

Gynecological Exams

Laws & Social Stigmas

What to Get & Where to Get It

  • Dr. Serge Guichard

Address: 13 Rue Faubert, Port-au-Prince , Haiti.
Tel: +509 257 1109
Specialism: Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • Marco Percque

Phone: 2257-4711 / 2257-3646
Address: Unite Chirurgical

  1. 75 Rue Lambert, Petion Ville
  • Ronald Fouche
    Phone: 2245-6301/ 2244-2970/ 2968
    Email: Email: rfouche@obgyn.net
    Address: 42, Chemin des Dalles, entre rues

St-Cyr & Magny- La Maison Medicale, P-au-P[13]

[http://www.shog.org/

  • Société Haïtienne d'Obstétrique et de Gynécologie]

Address : 27 Ruelle Berne, Port-au-Prince, HAITI
Email: shog@hainet.net

Costs

Laws & Social Stigmas

Laws & Social Stigmas

All women in Haiti are legally entitled to 6 weeks of maternity leave with 100% of their average pay to be compensated by their employer.[14] [15] However, the reality of the situation can be much different and many women find that they are not in a position to receive this aid. [16] In Haiti, there are only 201 nurse-midwives for a population of 10 million. NGO Midwives for Haiti are trying to fill this gap with much needed help to improve mother and child survival. As of 2013, For every 100,000 babies born in Haiti, 630 women die of pregnancy-related causes.[17]

Costs

The cost for a stay in a Public hospital in Port-au-Prince can cost less than 1 USD a day. However, the patient is accountable to pay for all other expenses, such as syringes, medicine, transportation etc. Because of this, the price of giving birth in a public hospital is out of the question for most people since about 60% of Haiti lives beneath the poverty line.

  • An option available for women in need of medical care regarding their pregnancy is provided by the organization Médecins Sans Frontièreshas at least one location in Port-au-Prince that offers prenatal care for women with pressing health complications regarding their pregnancy. Unfortunately, their facilities are often overwhelmed with too many patients seeking aid and only have room for very few of them. However, these facilities do their best not to reject any woman in labor, regardless of their health status.[18]
  • Pran Men’m - Located in the Delmas 33 neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, MSF’s 148-bed Centre de Référence des Urgences en Obstétrique (CRUO) [19]
  • Many women, if they can afford it, choose to fly to Jimani in the Dominican Republic to give birth where healthcare is more widely accessible.[20]
  • UNFPA: Address: LOCAL MINUSTAH, Log Base - Zone 5, Boulevard Toussaint Louverture and Clercine 18, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Email address: Office@unfpahaiti.org, Work timetable: Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    Telephones: 509 2815-6000, 509 2813-0415.

Costs

The cost for a stay in a Public hospital in Port-au-Prince can cost less than 1 USD a day. However, the patient is accountable to pay for all other expenses, such as syringes, medicine, transportation etc. Because of this, the price of giving birth in a public hospital is out of the question for most people since about 60% of Haiti lives beneath the poverty line.

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Haiti has some of the strictest laws regarding abortion in the world. There are no grounds in which abortions are legally permitted[21] with the rare exception that it be necessary to save the mother's life, but even that is not guaranteed by law. Women often turn to highly unsafe and illegal underground abortion options. In large part, this is also due to the fact the contraception itself is not widely accepted, available or properly used. [22] Despite the fact that it is illegal, abortion is common in Haiti.[23] The number of post-abortion deaths in Haiti is unknown, but physicians say post-abortion complications are a leading cause of maternal death, with the health ministry estimating it could possibly account for as many as 30 percent of them. [24]

Laws & Social Stigmas

Haiti has some of the strictest laws regarding abortion in the world. There are no grounds in which abortions are legally permitted.[25] with the rare exception that it be necessary to save the mother's life, but even that is not guaranteed by law. Women often turn to highly unsafe and illegal underground abortion options. In large part, this is also due to the fact the contraception itself is not widely accepted, available or properly used. [26] Despite the fact that it is illegal, abortion is common in Haiti. [27] The number of post-abortion deaths in Haiti is unknown, but physicians say post-abortion complications are a leading cause of maternal death, with the health ministry estimating it could possibly account for as many as 30 percent of them. [28]

Costs

N/A

Advocacy & Counseling

Laws & Social Stigmas

Laws & Social Stigmas

Line outside the Doctor Without Borders Clinic in Port-au-Prince

Rape and all other sexual assault goes largely unreported throughout Haiti due to the fact that many victims are subject to victim blaming by their communities. Many women also don't report such incidents due to fear of potential reprisals from their attackers. Haiti has a long history of of enforcing minor penalties for those convicted of rape and sexual assault, but this trend has been slowly changing since new legislation was passed in 2005. The new law now holds the attackers more accountable for their crime as well as guaranteeing free health coverage for sexual assault victims. The legal procedure for reporting a sexual assault to police is convoluted and difficult, further diminishing the number of reports made. Critics of Haitian police have called their response to reported rapes inadequate. [29]

What to Get & Where to Get It

The Pran Men’m clinic (Creole for “Take My Hand”) is a facility offering the emergency medical assistance required during the 72 hours following an assault, along with longer-term medical care and psychological support. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [30]

Costs

The Pran Men’m clinic offers most of its services free of charge.

List of Additional Resources

Haiti HPV Vaccine Status
Hands Up For Haiti
International Planned Parenthood Federation
Doctors Without Borders - Haiti
GANM Blogs
Expat Pharmacy List
MSF
SCMS (Global Access to HIV/AIDS Medication
International Women's Health Program (Haiti)


  1. ↑ Sexual Violence in Haiti
  2. ↑ Sexual Violence in Haiti
  3. ↑ No women in new Haitian parliament
  4. ↑ Women’s Trials: The Approval of the First Oral Contraceptive Pill in the United States and Great Britain
  5. ↑ Trends in Contraceptive Use 2015
  6. ↑ Family Planning is a Delicate Subject in Haiti
  7. ↑ http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/29/health/haiti-condom-donation
  8. ↑ Haiti's Silenced Victims
  9. ↑ http://ec.princeton.edu/countryquery.asp
  10. ↑ Princeton EC Website
  11. ↑ PrEPWatch World Map
  12. ↑ Delivering Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Drugs Around the World
  13. ↑ LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING PHYSICIANS - American Embassy
  14. ↑ Parental Leave
  15. ↑ Maternity and paternity at work
  16. ↑ Giving Birth is Fraught with Danger in Haiti
  17. ↑ Women in Haiti embracing birth control despite taboos
  18. ↑ Improving Maternity Care in Haiti
  19. ↑ Medecins San Frontieres - Haiti
  20. ↑ [http://cronkite.asu.edu/buffett/dr/giving_birth_full.html
  21. ↑ Latin America Fact Sheet
  22. ↑ Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos
  23. ↑ A Look at Abortion in Haiti
  24. ↑ Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos
  25. ↑ Latin America Fact Sheet
  26. ↑ Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos
  27. ↑ A Look at Abortion in Haiti
  28. ↑ Women in Haiti Embracing Birth Control Despite Taboos
  29. ↑ Sexual Violence in Haiti
  30. ↑ Sexual Assault in Haiti
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