Vienna

Austria / Vienna

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 Austria, you can obtain condoms, spermicide or various sprays without a prescription. However, for most forms of birth control, especially for hormonal or long-lasting methods, such as contraceptive pills or IUDs, you need a prescription. You can get a contraceptive prescription from a gynecologist. Once you do have a prescription, you can obtain contraceptives at a variety of venues, such as from a physician, clinic or pharmacy.

According to a 2015 United Nations report, it was found that about 68% of Austrian women (who were of reproductive age and married/in unions) used any form of contraception, including traditional methods. This rate was roughly similar to the Western European regional average for contraceptive use (70%) for 2015. The most common contraceptive methods for Austrian women were found to be birth control pills (23%), IUDs (15%), and male condoms (14%). While some couples opted for sterilization, the rates were lower (6% for women and 4% for men). There were especially low rates of usage for contraceptive injectables (2%), contraceptive implants (1%), and the vaginal barrier method (less than 1%). Traditional methods were also used at a very low rate, such as the rhythm method (2%) and withdrawal (less than 1%).

What to Get & Where to Get It

Birth control pills purchased in Austria for 20€ (February 2017)

• If you want to obtain condoms ("kondom" in German), you can find them sold in grocery stores, pharmacies and specialty stores. There is even a condom museum in the city.
• If you want to obtain birth control pills ("antibabypillen" in German), you will need a prescription. If you already have a prescription, you can directly purchase pills at your local pharmacy ("apotheke" in German). If you don't have a prescription yet, you will want to ensure that, ideally, you first have Austrian health insurance. You can then visit an Austrian gynecologist, who will write you a prescription. If you already have a prescription from another country, that gynecologist can review your existing prescription and write an Austrian one as well. However, you should note that it can sometimes take a while to see an Austrian gynecologist, and the wait times for an appointment can be quite lengthy.

Costs

Moniq birth control (one month supply) costs around 20€ (as of February 2017).

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

In Austria, you can purchase emergency contraception pills (morning after pills) from pharmacies without a prescription. You don't need to visit a doctor or receive a special consultation prior to visiting the pharmacy. However, the state support of ECPs is minimal. In Austria, emergency contraception is not included in the national policies for family planning, and the state does not reimburse or cover ECPs through social security. Furthermore, ECPs are not widely recommended by health care professionals in Austria, and it is rare for health care providers to include information about ECPs in consultations with patients.

In 2012, it was estimated that about 18% of Austrian women had ever used ECPs.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• In Austria, you can purchase emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) at a pharmacy without a prescription. The pills are usually behind the counter -- not on pharmacy shelves -- so you will need to explicitly ask the pharmacist for them. You can find LNG type fo ECPs, including Levodonna, NorLevo 1.5mg, Postinor 1500, and Vikela. You can also find UPA types, such as ellaOne. You should note that ellaOne is currently the most effective ECPs on the market, as of June 2018, but it tends to cost about twice as much as the LNG type of medications.

Costs

• You will need to pay out-of-pocket. Emergency contraceptive pills are not reimbursed or covered by social security in Austria.
• You can expect to pay between 13 to 32 euro for ECPs, as of 2016. Generally speaking, the LNG types of emergency contraception are cheaper than the UPA types, like ellaOne.

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 Austria, there are no travel or residency restrictions related to HIV status. This means that, if you're a foreigner and you visit Austria, you will not be asked about your HIV status or be required to provide medical certificates upon entry in the country. If you apply for a work visa, student visa, or any other long-term residency status, you will not be subject to an HIV test either. Furthermore, if you take an HIV test when you are living in or traveling in in Austria, and if the results are positive, you will not be deported or expelled from the country. You can also import antiretroviral medication. However, it should be noted that sex workers are required to undergo regular health checks.

Testing Facilities

• In Austria, you can find free HIV tests provided at the VCT centers (there are seven in the country). You can also get tested at hospitals, clinics, mobile testing centers, community-based testing centers, and other facilities. Confidential tests are available at many facilities. You can also find tests for hepatitis and other STIs at some facilities.
• Aids Hilfe Wien: They provide free and confidential HIV test. You can also get Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis tests for a fee. Furthermore, they provide consultations and counseling. Address: Aids Help Vienna, Mariahilfer Gürtel 4, 1060 Vienna. Tel: +43 (0) 1 599 37. Email: office@aids-hilfe-wien.at.General opening hours: 9am - 5pm

Support

• Call 01/599 37 for a helpline. You can talk to people in German or English for counseling or to arrange an HIV test.

Treatment Facilities

• Pulmologisches Zentrum der Stadt Wien- Prim. Dr. Norbert Vetter: This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1145 Vienna
• Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien (University Hospitals): This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: Klin. Abt. f. immunderm. und infekt. Hautkrankheiten, OA Dr. Armin Rieger, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna
• Steiermark - LKH Graz: This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: 4. Med. Abteilung Infektionsabteilung für Erwachsene, OA Dr. Maximillian Kronawetter, Auenbruggerplatz 28, 8036 Graz
• Salzburg - LKH Salzburg: This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: Dermatologische Abteilung, Prof. Hartmut Hintner, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg
• Oberösterreich - A.ö. Krankenhaus der Stadt Linz: This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: Dermatologische Abteilung, Dr. Maria Theresia Geid, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4020 Linz
• Tirol - Univ. -Klinik für Dermatologie - Prof. Dr. Robert Zangerle: This center specializes in HIV treatment/care. Address: Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck

Organizations for Advocacy & Support

• AIDS Hilfe Wien: Address: Aids Hilfe Haus, Mariahilfer Gürtel 4, 1060 Wien, Telephone: +43 1 599 37, Email: office@aids-hilfe-wien.at
• AIDS-Hilfen Österreichs: Address: c/o Aidshilfe Salzburg, Linzer Bundesstraße 10, 5020 Salzburg, Telephone: + 43 662 881488, Fax: +43 662 881488-3, Email: salzburg@aidshilfen.at
• Österreichische AIDS Gesellschaft: Address: Buchfeldgasse 4/14, A-1080 Wien, Email: info@aidsgesellschaft.at
• Positiver Dialog: Address: Mariahilfer Gürtel 4, 1060 Wien. Telephone: +43 676 319 26 77. Email: mail@positiverdialog.at.
• PULSHIV: Address: Grinzingerstrasse 54/11/10, A-1190 Wien. Telephone: +43 699 114 03 426. Email: pulshiv@gmx.at

Costs

• Every person in Austria who is over 18 years old and covered by Austrian health care is entitled to a free preventative medical check-up once a year. Furthermore, Austria provides free HIV tests at VCT facilities.
• You can get tested for Hepatitis at AIDS Hilfe Wien. Here are the prices from June 2018: Hepatitis B and C test: Expense fee €23,00; Hepatitis C test: Fee €14,00.
• You can get tested for Syphilis at AIDS Hilfe Wien. Here are the prices from June 2018: Syphilis test: Expense fee €6,00

Medications & Vaccines

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.

Gynecological Exams

Pregnancy

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.

Advocacy & Counseling

List of Additional Resources

• Click here to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Austria. Homosexuality is legal, gay marriage is legally recognized (as civil unions), and it is legal to change gender in Austria. Furthermore, there are legal protections against housing and employment discrimination for LGBTQ people, and gay adoption is legal, as of May 2018.
• AUF - Eine Frauenzeitschrift, Kleeblattg.7, 1010 Wien, Tel/Fax.:+ 43-1/ 533-91-64, Austria
• American Women's Association of Vienna: Mahlerstrasse 3/7-8, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Tel. 0043 1 966 29 25. E-mail awa@awavienna.com.
• Austrian Women International - AWI: Rauhensteing. 7/37, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Tel: 0043 1 513 64 00
• Käthe-Leichter-Gastprofessur für internationale Frauenforschung: Fakultät für Geisteswissenschaften, Universität Wien, Dr. Karl-Lueger-Ring 1. Tel: +43/1/4277-4001, A-1010 Wien, Austria.
• Oesterreichischer Gewerkschaftsbund: Hohenstaufengasse 10-12, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Tel: 0043 1 534 44 244 or 0043 1 534 44 252. Fax: 0043 1 534 44 204
• Österreichisches Frauennetzwerk: Stubenbastei 12-14, 1010 Wien, Austria. E-Mail : women.a@magnet.at
• Ombud for Equal Employment Opportunities: Judenplatz 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Tel: 0043 1 532 02 44, Fax: 0043 1 532 02 46
• Österreichischer Frauenring: "We have more than 40 associations participating (Represantatives of all Austrian Parties, Women organisations of the trade unions and the economy, Women organisatons of the Catholic and protestant church and Represantatives of autonomous groups of women. The activity of the Women's Association is concenbtrated in the following fields: Creation of quality guidelines for the work of the member organisation; Elaboration of suggestions and statements on women topics; Public relations work on the claims of women; Activities which help realizing equal rights for women; Support od cooperation between international women's associations." Teinfaltstr.7, 1010 Wien, Austria. Tel.43/1/53454277. E-mail: office@frauenring.at
• Soroptimist International: Salzgries 10/6, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Tel: 0043 1 533 21 67
• Caritas Internationalis: Edeltrud Lawatsch, c/o Caritas Austria, P.O. Box 114, 1011 Vienna, Austria
• Federal Ministry for Women's Affairs: Ballhausplatz 1, A-1014 Wien, Austria, Tel: 43/1/53 115-0.
• Ariadne - Kooperationsstelle für frauenspezifische Information und Dokumentation Österreichische Nationalbibliothek: "Ariadne is the Centre for Cooperation in Women's Information and Documentation institionalized within the Austrian National Library. The two employees advise the National Library on titles of women's (studies) literature to be purchased. In addition, Ariadne offers support with women specific information retrieval and provides a special database for women's studies literature for the users of the National Library. Languages: German, English." Josefsplatz 1, A-1015 Wien, Austria. Tel: +43 1 534 10487. Fax: +43 1 534 10437. E-mail: ariadne@onb.ac.at or onb@onb.ac.at
• Zentrum Für Frauenforschung: Jacquingasse 4/12, A-1030 Wien, Austria. Tel. +43/1/7988228
• Feministische Wissenschaftskritik und Kritik der Reproduktionsmedizin: Austrian Women International - AWI. Rainergasse 26-28/3/6 , 1040 Vienna, Austria. Tel: 0043 1 545 54 58 or 0043 1 653 02 65 or 0043 1 310 88 80/44. Fax: 0043 1 545 54 58 or 0043 1 310 88 80/12
• International Council of Women: Weyringergasse 31/12, 1040 Vienna, Austria
• Austria Coalition for Women's Rights: c/o Austrian Women's Shelter Network, Hofgasse 9/14, 1050 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 544 08 20, Fax: 0043 1 544 08 24
• Austrian Women International - AWI: Schoenbrunnerstr. 46/18, 1050 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 545 74 77, Fax: 0043 1 661 22 290
• Austrian Women's Shelter Network: Hofgasse 9/1/4, 1050 Vienna , Austria , Phone: 43-1-544 08 20, Fax: 43-1-544 08 24
• Autonome österreichische Frauenhäuser: 1050 Wien, Hofgasse 9/1/4, Austria, Tel.: 0222 / 544 08 20, Fax: 0 222 / 544 08 24, e-mail: aoef@xpoint.at
• LEFOe: Kettenbrueckengasse 15/2/4, 1050 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 58 11 881, Fax: 0043 1 58 11 882
• frida, Verein zur Foerderung und Vernetzung frauenspezifischer Informations- und Dokumentationseinrichtungen in Osterreich (frida, Network of Austrian Women's Studies Libraries and Archives): "frida is a network founded by librarians, archivists and documentalists, committed to feminism, either working in public institutions or in autonomous organizations. Its members represent feminist information services as well as women's information departments in governmental and scientific institutions. Through monthly meetings, frida's members strive for basic cooperation regarding focuses and procedure. frida hosts a website on women's information and documentation centres in Austria, which includes links to several online catalogues. frida also published the Austrian feminist thesaurus called ThesaurA and other publications on genderspecific matters in information science." Address: c/o Stiegengasse 9/12, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
• World Union of Catholic Women (WUCWO): Magdalenenstr. 21, 1060 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 587 92 20, Fax: 0043 1 515 52 670
• Gruene Alternative, Frauenorganisation: Lindengasse 40/1, 1070 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 521 25 234, Fax: 0043 1 526 91 19
• World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts: Kirchengasse 26, 1070 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 526 18 99, Fax: 0043 1 526 18 99
• Centre for Women's Research (Feminist reference library): Vienna Communication Centre for Women in Austria, Wahringerstrasse 59, 1090 Vienna, Austria
• Dokumentation Frauenforschung: Institut fur Wissenschaft und Kunst, 1090 Wien (Vienna), Berggasse 17/1, Austria.
• Frauensolidaritaet (Solidarity among Women) Magazine, Documentation Center on Women and "Third World" Issues: "Frauensolidarität was founded in 1982 as an independent feminist association, focusing on the situation of women in the South regarding politics, economy, culture and education. In 1994 the library and documentation department was opened to the public, employing two fulltime staff members. The centre is specialized in feminist and women's magazines from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Languages: German, English, Spanish, French." Berggasse 7, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA, Fon: +43-1/317 40 20-0, Fax: +43-1/317 40 20-355, e-mail: fsoli@magnet.at.
• International Council of Women: c/o Bund Oesterreichischer, Frauenverein, Wilhelm Exnergasse 34, 1090 Vienna, Austria
• Koordinationsstelle für Frauenforschung und Frauenstudien Wien: "Tasks: coordination of the participating universities and off-campus feminist research activities; organizational support for female faculty and students; national cooperation of the three centers in Vienna, Graz and Linz; regular publication of a newsletter (INFORMATION) and a commentated listing of women's studies courses taught at the participating universities; stimulation and support of feminist research activities; public relations; library of major feminist journals; database of feminist researchers and women's studies centers; international contacts." Spitalgasse 2-4, AKH, Hof 7, A-1090 Wien, Austria. Tel. +43/1/4277-26101. Fax +43/1/4277-9261. E-mail: uni-fem@univie.ac.at
• Österreichisches Frauenforum Feministische Theologie: Canisiusgasse 17/3, A-1090 Wien, Austria, Tel. +43/1/3193568, Fax +43/1/3193567.
• Rosa-Luxemburg-Institut (RLI): "We seek the development of natural/ technological sciences and medicine conducive to the needs of children, women and nature (i. e. human) with a technology that is socially and ecologically viable. We want to contribute to the elimination of both sexism, racism as well as discrimination against women in society and in science. We seek to promote science, research and educational work where a feminist perspective and interdisciplinary approach are imperative. We also aid women in their professional, political, feminist and ecological activities and initiatives." Verein fuer Interdisziplinaere Forschung und Praxis, Post Box 12, A- 1090 Vienna (WIEN), Austria, Fax / Tel. (AFTER 13 Uhr MEZ): ++43/1/31 74 929, E-mail: rli@iguwnext.tuwien.ac.at.
• Soroptimist International: Rossauerlaende 29/17, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 317 34 17
• RLI-Trägerverein: Verein Für Interdisziplinäre Forschung Und Praxis (Association for Interdisciplinary, Research & Praxis, Vienna): Postfach 12, A-1091 Wien, Austria, Fax (ab 13 Uhr MEZ): +43/1/31 74 929, E-mail: rli@iguwnext.tuwien.ac.at
• Austrian Coalition for Women's Human Rights: Schulkastr. 3-5/34/23, 1100 Vienna, Austria
• Women's International League for Peace and Freedom: Bonygasse 65/20-21, 1120 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 858 43 25
• LEFOe: Rottstr. 5/3/2, 1140 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 58 11 881, Fax: 0043 1 58 11 882
• STICHWORT, Archiv der Frauen- und Lesbenbewegung. Bibliothek, Dokumentation Multimedia (STICHWORT, Archives of the Women's and Lesbians' Movements): "STICHWORT started in 1983 as part of the Verein Frauenforschung und weiblicher Lebenszusammenhang, aimed at the advancement of women's studies and cooperation among feminist researchers. STICHWORT is a women only facility. Languages: German." Diefenbachgasse 38/1, A-1150 Wien, Austria, Tel/Fax: +43 1 812 9886. E-mail: office@stichwort.or.at
• Ludwig Boltzmann Institut f. Gesundheitspsychologie der Frau: Bastiengasse 36-38, 1180 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 476 15 427, Fax: 0043 1 476 15 307
• WIDE- Women in Development: Dittesgasse 2/12, A- 1180 Vienna, Austria, Tel / Fax: 43-470.17.69
• Politik Und Geschlecht: Jägerstr. 12/14, A-1200 Wien, Austria. Tel. +43/1/3332099. Fax + 43/1/5440824 . E-mail: a9208186@unet.univie.ac.at
• RLI-Buchversand (Vertrieb des RLI-Verlags): Gerhardusgasse 26/7, A-1200 Wien, Austria, Fax +43/1/3301976. E-mail: g.kreitner@xpoint.at
• 'Sektion Frauenforschung in der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Soziologie': Institut für Soziologie, Universität Wien, Brünner Str. 72, A-1210 Wien, Austria, Tel. +43-1-4277-38313, Fax +43-1-4277-38318, email: Sabine.Blaschke@univie.ac.at
• Zonta International: Arnoldgasse 1/1 36, 1210 Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0043 1 38 85 65
• FEMALE - Die FEMinistische ALternativE im Internet: Altenbergerstraße 69, A-4040 Linz Austria. Tel: 0732-2468 9203. Fax: 0732-2468 9212. E-Mail: koord.linz@jk.uni-linz.ac.at
• Koordinationsstelle für Frauenforschung und Frauenstudien Linz: Altenbergerstraße 69 A-4040 Linz , Austria, Tel. +43/732/2468-9203, Fax +43/732/2468-9212, E-Mail: koord.linz@jk.uni-linz.ac.at
• Genderlink: Netzwerk für Sozialforschung, Neubauer & Pircher OEG: Mirabellplatz 9 A-5020 Salzburg, Austria, Tel. +43/662/886635-13, Fax +43/662/886623-9, E-mail: gender.link@magnet.at
• Verein fuer interkulturellen Ansatz in Erziehung, Lernen und Entwicklung (VIELE) Auerspergstr. 51, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, Tel: 0043 66 2 87 02 11, Fax: 0043 662 88 63 99
• WIDE: Judenbergweg 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, Tel: 0043 662 64 60 20
• Feministische Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaften einschließlich feministischer Pädagogik: Institut für Erziehungswissenschaft, Geisteswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Liebeneggstrasse 8 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria, Tel. +43/512/507- 4041 (Sekretariat), Fax +43/512/517-2880
• Frauen für den Frieden: Luis-Zuegg-Str. 14, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
• Politisches System Österreichs mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Frauenforschung: Institut für Politikwissenschaft Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Innsbruck, Innrain 36, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria, Tel. +43/512/507-2593
• The Centre for Women War Victims: Herrengasse 15, 8010 Graz, Austria
• DOKU Graz - Frauendokumentations-, Forschungs- und Bildungszentrum Graz: "DOKU Graz is an independent women's organization, operating in the fields of documentation, research and education. It houses a library and documentation centre with approximately 4000 items. Language: German." Hans-Sachs-Gasse 12/3, A-8010 Graz, Austria. Tel: +43 316 8206 280. Fax: +43 316 8206 2840
• Koordinationsstelle für Frauenforschung und Frauenstudien Graz: Beethovenstrasse 19 A-8010 Graz, Austria. Tel. +43/316/380-5722 or +43 (0)316 380 5721 u. 5722. Fax +43/316/380-9010 . E-mail: barbara.hey@kfunigraz.ac.at or koordff@kfunigraz.ac.at
• Systematische Pädagogik und pädagogische Frauenforschung: Institut für Erziehungs-wissenschaften, Universität Graz, Merangasse 70, Wallgebäude, A-8010 Graz, Austria. Tel. +43/316/380-2555. Fax +43/316/380-9710
• InternetCafé für Frauen: nowa - Netzwerk für Berufsausbildung, Rudolf-Hans-Bartsch-Str. 15-17. A-8042 Graz, Austria, Phone: ++43-316-48 26 00-32 oder 31. Fax: ++43-316-48 26 00-4. email: internetcafe@nowa.at
• Soroptimist Club Klagenfurt: Akazienhofstr. 170, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria, Tel: 0043 463 450 26
• Austrian Council of Women: Wilhelm Exnergasse 34-36, Vienna, Austria, Tel: 0222 348 4493.
• Frauenzimmer Buchhandlung (Feminist Bookstore), Lange Gasse 11, Wien (Vienna), Österreich (Austria), Tel: +43.(0)1.43.86.78
• gender et alia: (translation collective: English/American feminist texts into German/Austrian) Übersetzungskollektiv, Austria, phone:+43 1 317 77 23; +43 1 581 51 91; +43 1 796 20 66; +43 1 893 21 09, fax: 315 57 70; 893 21 09, e-mail: D.Fink@Fem-Wien.cl.sub.de or s.lummerding@blackbox.at or jschaffer@to.or.at