Miami

United States / Florida / Miami

OVERVIEW

As a major American city, you can find many health care resources in Miami. For most forms of birth control, you will need a prescription. If you're a minor, you'll typically need parental permission to obtain birth control. You can purchase many brands of emergency contraception (the morning after pill), regardless of age, but note that this may not apply to all ECP brands. There are many places where you can receive free or low-cost STI tests. There is a large LGBTQ community in Miami, and some STI resources focus on the community. Regarding pregnancy, parental leave is covered under FMLA, though this does not cover all individuals.

Abortion in Florida is legal, but there are restrictions. In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. This means that states can determine their own abortion laws. For the state of Florida, abortion is permitted until 15 weeks of pregnancy, beginning July 2022.

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 Florida, you need a prescription to obtain most birth control methods, except for some methods (like condoms and spermicide).If you're a minor (under 18 years old), you typically need parental permission to get a birth control prescription. The only exception to the rule is if you're married, if you're a parent, if you're pregnant (or if you've ever been pregnant or if you have a health reason (as approved by a physician) for taking birth control. However, if you're a minor, you can go to a Title X Clinic. These clinics are completely confidential, which means that your appointment and billing will be confidential.

At Title X Clinics, teens and adults can receive sexual and reproductive health care. They charge on a sliding-scale basis. They may be able to give you a prescription to birth control pills, as well as condoms and sexual health counseling. If you pay for their services with family health insurance and you're a teenager, your parents may see that you visited the clinic in their bills.

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can get condoms in grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores and online. There are no age restrictions for purchasing condoms. Typically, a 12-pack of condoms costs around $12. Female condoms cost around $2 to $4 per condom. You can also get free condoms at health centers (like Planned Parenthood), HIV testing centers and local health departments. Call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to learn where you can get free condoms in your area.

Here are some places to get contraception (birth control):

• Jessie Trice Community Health Center Incorporated - Main Clinic: This is a community healthcare center that accept both uninsured and insured people; sliding-scale fees. You can get birth control options like pills, IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal) and implants. Address: 5361 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33142. Phone: (305) 637-6400
• Dade County Health Department - Health District Family Planning Clinic: They provide low-cost services. You can get birth control options like pills, IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal) and implants. Address: 1350 N.W. 14th St, Ste. 325, Miami, FL, 33125. Phone: (863) 361-4437
• University of Miami: They accept insured people and provide LGBT-friendly services. You can get birth control options like pills, IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal) and implants. Address: 1400 Nw 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, (305) 243-4530.

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 here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Generally, anyone (no matter their age) can buy Plan B One-Step without a prescription. For other brands, like Next, Next Choice One Dose, My Way and Levonorgestrel, you can buy them without a prescription if they are 17 or older. If you want the ella pill, you'll need a prescription (regardless of age).

What to Get & Where to Get It

In the United States, you'll generally be able to find Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One-Dose and My Way in pharmacies. Here's a full breakdown of what you can expect to find, thanks to the Princeton EC Website:

Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• ella

Dedicated Products / Progestin Only Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• My Way
• Next Choice One Dose
• Plan B One-Step
• Take Action

Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• Levonorgestrel Tablets (available from a pharmacist without a prescription)

If you can't access emergency contraception, many oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC. The list of potential contraceptives that can be used for this purpose is very long, and instructions vary according to the specific brand. So, to find specific instructions based on the brands you may have available, please check out the Princeton EC Website. You can search for EC under "United States" and see recommended pills and dosages on that site.

Important Note: If you have been raped and want emergency contraception, you can get it at an emergency room or hospital. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which is open 24 hours and will let you know where you can get EC. For more information, you can also visit the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) website.

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

The United States has no travel restrictions related to HIV status.

Testing Facilities

• Florida Department of Health - Miami Dade County: "You can now make an appointment for STD Clinic Services. Health District Center: 305-575-3800, West Perrine: 305-256-3800." Email: miamidade@flhealth.gov
• Miami Out of the Closeti: Out of the Closet is a thrift store that also offers HIV test (with a focus on the LGBT community). Give them a call to find details about testing. "Tests are performed by certified testing counselors, using the most advanced testing technology and test results are ready in 20 minutes or less. There is no more paperwork to fill out, and you can use our Touch Screens or iPads to complete your test!" Address: 2900 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fl 33137. Phone: 1-877-259-8728
• AHF Wellness Center: They provide free testing services with a focus on the LGBT community. Address: 2900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137, USA. Phone: +1 877-259-8727.
• Kendall Health Center - Miami, FL: "Kendall Health Center offers the following services related to the testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): STD testing, diagnosis and treatment, including: bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV (testing and diagnosis only), syphilis, trichomoniasis (trich). Other STD testing, diagnosis and treatment services are also available. Please ask our staff for more information., STD/safer sex education, Vaccines are available: during all business hours on a walk-in basis." Address: 11440 SW 88th Street, Suite 109, Miami, FL 33176. Phone: 786.263.0001 | f: 786.263.0004.
• Care Resource: "STD Testing is done for syphilis (blood sample), gonorrhea and chlamydia (urine sample), free of charge. In our Broward location the test results are returned in 3-4 business days; in our Dade locations the results are returned in 2 – 2 1/2 weeks. Treatment options are provided as well as additional support services." Care Resource is a nonprofit organization providing health care to children, adolescents and adults. They have many locations for testing in Miami, including Care Resource Midtown (3510 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137) and Care Resource Little Havana (Care Resource Little Havana). For a complete list of locations, click here.

Support

• Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership: "Our vision is to eliminate disparities and improve health outcomes for all people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS."
• South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN): They provide many HIV/AIDS services, including education, confidential HIV tests, Medicaid waiver program, etc.
• Hepatitis Foundation: This is a national organization focused on hepatitis.

Medications & Vaccines

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you'll need to visit a doctor, who will give you a check-up and test to see if you have a UTI. If you do have a UTI, you will be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. You cannot get UTI antibiotic medication without a prescription.
• If you have a yeast infection, you can get treatment over-the-counter (no prescription needed). The most common yeast infection treatment in the United States is called "Monistat." There are different treatment plans (for example, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days). It's recommended to do more than 1 day to completely clear the infection.
• You can get the HPV vaccine in Florida. The Florida Department of Health also helps young girls get their vaccines. Click here for more details.
• You can get PrEP in Miami, even if you're uninsured, at places like Care Resource (Little Havana), Care Resource (Miami-Dade), Care Resource (Miami Beach), Empower "U" Inc., Community Health Center and other locations. Check out this link to find PrEP in your area.
• You can get PEP at Miami Urgent Care (callː 305 494-0536) and other health care locations.

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.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Pads and tampons are incredibly common in the United States. You should be able to find them at most convenience stores and grocery stores in Miami. If you want organic tampons, you may be able to find them at Whole Foods (299 Se 3rd Street or 1020 Alton Rd.), Publix Super Market (multiple locations), CVS, Winn Dixie and Target. There's also company called Kali, which is based out of Ft. Lauderdale and sends you organic menstrual products (pads and/or tampons) in the mail each month.
• You can buy many menstrual cup brands, such as DivaCup and Lunette, at stores like Walgreens and CVS.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

• For lower-cost services, one option is to visit Planned Parenthood. You should try to book an appointment online or via phone before visiting, if possible. Services provided may include: checkups when you have a reproductive/sexual health problem, breast exams, cervical cancer screening, colposcopy, cryotherapy, LEEP (treatment of abnormal pap), mammogram referrals, menopause and midlife education, Pap test, urinary tract infection (UTI) testing and treatment, vaginal infection testing and treatment. Other services we may provide include help with irregular periods or no periods, painful periods, painful sex, bleeding between periods, menstrual problems (premenstrual syndrome) or even a lost tampon."There are three main locations:
  • Planned Parenthood - Jean Shehan Health Centerː Address: 1378 Coral Way, 4th Fl, Miami, FL, 33145. Phone: 305-285-5535
  • Planned Parenthood - Kendall Health Center: Address: 8900 SW 117th Avenue Unit 207-B, Miami, FL, 33186. Phone: 786-263-0001.
  • Planned Parenthood - Golden Glade Center: Address: 585 NW 161st St, Miami, FL 33169. Phone: 305-831-4111.
• Miami Center of Excellence for Obstetrics & Gynecologyː This provider seems to be recommended by Miami locals, and they also seem to take uninsured people.
• Eve Women's Health Centerː "At Eve Women’s Medical Centers, we are here to help you and to provide you with comprehensive, low cost, quality health care, in a safe, serene and supportive atmosphere." 24Hr Hotlines 305-591-2288 305-670-9797.

Pregnancy

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the United States, the National Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave for women. But the FLMA has loopholes (for example, it doesn't apply to companies with less than 50 employees). So, for this reason, many women don't actually receive 12 weeks of maternity leave, and many women (even if their employers do qualify) can't take off 12 weeks of unpaid work. There is currently no comparable federal paternity leave policy in the United States.

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

Abortion in Florida is legal, but there are restrictions. In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. This means that states can determine their own abortion laws. For the state of Florida, abortion is permitted until 15 weeks of pregnancy, beginning July 2022.

In February 2022, the Florida House approved a ban on most abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy. This was a departure from the previous state policy, in which people could obtain abortions upon request in the first 24 weeks after the last menstrual cycle. After 24 weeks, people could only obtain an abortion if their life or health is endangered by the pregnancy.

If someone is a minor (under 18 years old), their parents must be notified before they obtain an abortion. Furthermore, before someone obtains an abortion, they must receive an ultrasound and the health care provider must ask if they want to see the image.

In 2014, there were 86 facilities that provided abortions in Florida, and 70% of Florida counties had no clinics that provided abortions.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Jean Shehan Health Center- Miami, FLː Services includeː "abortion pill (medication abortion), pre- and post-abortion patient education, post-abortion follow-up exams, referrals for other abortion services, as needed." Addressː 3119A Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145. Phone: 305.285.5535. Fax: 305.285.6956
• Eve Medical Centersː They provide abortions for first and second trimester.
• Aastra Women's Centerː Services includeː surgical abortion, abortion pill. Addressː 10 Southwest 44th Avenue, Plantation, Florida 33317 | Phoneː 954-792-9198

Important Note: Be careful -- there are some places that advertise themselves as abortion clinics, but they're actually anti-abortion clinics, typically run by pro-life Christian conservatives. They're known as crisis pregnancy centers (PRC). The main issues with these centers are that 1) They often falsely advertise themselves as abortion clinics and 2) They don't allow people to make choices for themselves (they only accept one choice). For these reasons, if you're looking for an abortion provider, we urge you to carefully select a trusted service. For more information on PRC, click here.

Costs

Nationwide, the abortion pill can cost $800, but often less. For an in-clinic procedure, abortions can cost $1500, but often less. You can often find cheaper options at Planned Parenthood or some clinics. For low-income women (regardless of citizenship status), there are a variety of programs that may help pay for these costs.

If you need help paying for an abortion, call the National Abortion Federation Hotline at 1-800-772-9100, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). The hotline can tell you where and how to get financial help for an abortion in the U.S.

Advocacy & Counseling

What to Get & Where to Get It

• For emergencies, call 911 to get police and an ambulance.
• If you're dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline Number at 1-800-787-3224. "Our highly-trained advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. "
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255. "We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals."
• If you have been abused and are in need of support, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) may be able to provide help and counseling. Visit their website call their 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
• The Trevor Project (Lifeline): Call: 866-488-7386. This is a 24/7 hotline for LGBT youth. "Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at 866-488-7386."
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender National Hotline: Toll-free: 1-888-843-4564. HOURS: Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 9pm, pacific time (Monday thru Friday from 4pm to midnight, eastern time). Saturday from 9am to 2pm, pacific time. (Saturday from noon to 5pm, eastern time). "All of our services are free and confidential.We speak with callers of all ages about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!"