Castries

Saint Lucia / Castries

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

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

In 2015, it was estimated that about 57% of women in Saint Lucia (who were married/in unions and between the ages of 15-49) were using any form of contraception, including traditional methods. This was lower than the Latin America/Caribbean average (about 73% of women). Furthermore, it was estimated that about 17% had unmet family planning needs, which was higher than the Latin America/Caribbean average (11% of women). The most popular forms of contraception were oral contraceptives (23% of women), condoms (15% of women), female sterilization (7% of women), and contraceptive injectables (5% of women). There were low rates of usage for other modern methods, such as IUDs (3% of women), contraceptive implants (less than 1% of women), and vaginal barrier methods (less than 1% of women). There were also low rates of usage for traditional methods, such as the rhythm method (1% of women) and withdrawal (1% of women). Furthermore, practically 0% of women reported using male sterilization as their main form of contraception with their partners.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can find condoms sold in Saint Lucia.
• You can find oral contraceptives (birth control pills) at Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Association. Some of the brands that they offer include Microgynon, Microlut, Diane 36, Logynon, as of 2019.
• You can find intra-uterine devices (IUDs) at Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Association.
• You can find contraceptive shots/injectables at Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Association.
• You can find sterilization services (for men and women) Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Association.

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 to prevent pregnancy. 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 here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Saint Lucia, you can obtain emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills), but they may be only available at family planning clinics in some cases. We still need to collect more information on this subject (update this page if you know more).

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can obtain emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills), but they may be only available at family planning clinics in some cases. One brand you may find at family planning clinics is Optinor.
• Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently 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.

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.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Saint Lucia, there are no known travel or residency restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS. This means that you can enter the country, regardless of your HIV status, and you should not be deported if you test positive for HIV while you are in the country.

Saint Lucia has the second highest HIV infection rate in the Eastern Caribbean. As of 2017, less than 1000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Saint Lucia, according to estimates from UNAIDS.

Support

• UNAIDS Saint Lucia

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.

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 here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Saint Lucia, abortion is only legally permitted in certain circumstances, which include: when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or in order to protect the "health" of the pregnant person. It should be noted that "health" is a relatively loose term that may be subject to interpretation. While some health ministers and activists have called for the laws to be changed, they currently remain in place. Furthermore, if someone unlawfully causes an abortion, they may be subject to time in prison.

List of Additional Resources

• Ministry of Health and Wellness
• Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Association: "SLPPA aims to promote family welfare and reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, particularly among adolescents, through a strengthened family life education programme and quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care services which complement government provision."
• Equaldex - Saint Lucia: Click here to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Saint Lucia. It is important to understand that homosexuality is illegal in Saint Lucia
• Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia: "RAISE YOUR VOICE SAINT LUCIA advocates for a safer environment where children and women can grow and achieve their full potential."