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Quito
OVERVIEW
Contraception
Laws & Social Stigmas
Birth control pills are readily available at pharmacies without a prescription. You will typically find generic pills, like Microgynon, or brand name pills (like Yaz or Yasmin. It is estimated that over 70% of Ecuadorian women of reproductive age (who are married or in unions) use some form of modern contraceptive.[1] However, the conservative government of President Correa has threatened many of the protections granted to women's health care. As reported by PRI, "...many of his critics argue that his policies toward women are among the most conservative in Latin America. Women’s groups in Ecuador say they’ve been losing a series of hard-won rights since Correa first came into office in 2007."[2] For example, Correa's government reorganized a government agency responsible for reducing teen pregnancy (Estrategia Nacional Intersectorial de Planificación Familiar y Prevención del Embarazo en Adolescente), and he appointed an anti-abortion, pro-abstinence activist to manage it.
What to Get & Where to Get It
While you should be able to buy contraceptives in most pharmacies, here are some recommended pharmacies in Quito:
- Fybeca - This is a large chain of pharmacies so should be generally professional and dependable.
- North: Fybeca Plaza de Toros: Av. Amazonas N54-82 and Tomás de Berlanga (Tel: 593-2-245-9082 / 244-5175 / 246-1706)
- Central: Fybeca Benalcazar: Av. 6 de Diciembre 4012 and Irlanda.
- South: (Fybeca El Recreo, Centro Comercial El Recreo, Av. Maldonado 1era Etapa, Tel: 593-2-265-9427 / 261-3647).
- Farmacia Vancouver - Owner speaks English and people have had positive experiences. Address: Alemania, Quito, Ecuador. Phone: +593 2-254-5887