10,963
edits
Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.
Athens: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
→What to Get & Where to Get It: Fixed typo
(→What to Get & Where to Get It: Fixed typo) Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
|||
| (20 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
|City=Greece | |City=Greece | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Athens, Greece.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]] | |||
'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
As an EU member state, Greece follows general Southern European standards related to sexual and reproductive health care. You can purchase birth control pills without a prescription at pharmacies. Furthermore, you can also purchase emergency contraceptive pills (the morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies, though most pharmacies are closed during the evenings and weekends. There are many providers of STI tests and, at some clinics, you can find free HIV tests. Abortion is fully legal and available upon request in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, parental written consent is required for minors who wish to obtain an abortion. Following the first trimester, abortion is legal in certain circumstances, which we detail in the "Abortion" section. From a historical perspective, Greece has faced periods with rather stringent laws related to reproductive health, and family planning was actually illegal until 1980. However, the country has liberalized over the years, both politically and socially, and one can find many health care resources in Greece today. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 22: | ||
[[File:Yasminelle greece.jpg|300px | thumb|left|frame|'''Yasminelle purchased in Greece for 10 euro''']] | [[File:Yasminelle greece.jpg|300px | thumb|left|frame|'''Yasminelle purchased in Greece for 10 euro''']] | ||
* [ | * You should be able to find condoms, birth control pills and some other forms of contraception at pharmacies (φαρμακείο, which are pronounced as "farmakeío"). They can be identified by a green cross symbol typically found near or above the entrance. However, you should be aware that the pharmacies are not typically 24-hours (they tend to be open during normal business hours), and many close during the weekend. Generally speaking, the prices and hours of Greek pharmacies are tightly controlled by the government<ref>[https://qz.com/183989/greece-has-a-truly-absurd-number-of-pharmacists/ Greece has an absolutely absurd number of pharmacists]</ref>, so they tend to be rather standardized. To find the operating hours of various pharmacies in Athens, click [http://www.fsa.gr/duties.asp here]. You can also call 11850 (available 24 hours) to find which pharmacy is near you. | ||
* [https://msf.gr/en/greece Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Day Care Centre]: Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as "MSF", or Doctors without Borders in English) has opened a Day Care center in central Athens to care for the needs of the refugee and asylum-seeking community. They have interpreters in Arabic and Farsi. They provide help with family planning, as well as many other needs related to sexual and reproductive health care. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00; Address: Solonos street 133, Athens; Telephone: +30 210 3839372 for more information. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 28: | Line 33: | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Greece, you can | In Greece, you can purchase emergency contraceptive pills (the morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. Proof of age is not required.<ref>[https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/greece/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/termination-abortion Termination of Pregnancy and Abortion in Greece]</ref> You should be able to legally access UPA emergency contraceptives, like ellaOne, without a prescription.<ref>[http://www.ec-ec.org/emergency-contraception-in-europe/country-by-country-information-2/greece/ ECEC: Greece]</ref> Meanwhile, there may be other brands or types of emergency contraception that technically require a prescription, but anecdotal evidence suggests that you can get these brands without a prescription at many pharmacies. | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Greece, you can access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). You can find anti-progestin ECPs, like ellaOne (take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex). You can also find progestin-only ECPs, like NorLevo 1.5mg or Postinor 1500 (for | * In Greece, you can access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). You can find anti-progestin ECPs, like ellaOne (take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex). You can also find progestin-only ECPs, like NorLevo 1.5mg or Postinor 1500 (for both of these brands, take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> <ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/greece/ International Consortium for Emergency Contraception - Greece]</ref> | ||
* The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne], and it's available in Greece. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. | * The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne], and it's available in Greece. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. | ||
* Note about the pharmacies: You should be able to find ECPs at pharmacies (φαρμακείο, which are pronounced as "farmakeío"). They can be identified by a green cross symbol typically found near or above the entrance. However, you should be aware that the pharmacies are not typically 24-hours (they tend to be open during normal business hours), and many close during the weekends. Generally speaking, the prices and hours of Greek pharmacies are tightly controlled by the government<ref>[https://qz.com/183989/greece-has-a-truly-absurd-number-of-pharmacists/ Greece has an absolutely absurd number of pharmacists]</ref>, so they tend to be rather standardized. To find the operating hours of various pharmacies in Athens, click [http://www.fsa.gr/duties.asp here]. You can also call 11850 (available 24 hours) to find which pharmacy is near you. | |||
* If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPs. To do this in Greece, you can take any of the following pills (Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later): Eugynon, Neogynon, Nordiol or Ovral. You can also take any of these following pills (Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later): Microgynon-30, Nordette.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | * If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPs. To do this in Greece, you can take any of the following pills (Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later): Eugynon, Neogynon, Nordiol or Ovral. You can also take any of these following pills (Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later): Microgynon-30, Nordette.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* Copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. | * Copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 61: | ||
* In Greece, you can order STI tests from most physicians. There's a type of doctor in Greece called "dermatologist/aphrodisiologist," which is a health cover provider who covers dermatology as well as STIs. They can also potentially order tests directly from test centers, called "mikroviologos." | * In Greece, you can order STI tests from most physicians. There's a type of doctor in Greece called "dermatologist/aphrodisiologist," which is a health cover provider who covers dermatology as well as STIs. They can also potentially order tests directly from test centers, called "mikroviologos." | ||
* [http://mycheckpoint.gr/ My Checkpoint]: They provide free, confidential and rapid tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C with a pin-prick test. They say (translated to English) on their website, "We are here to help you feel confident and get acquainted with your sexual health, regardless of your sexual orientation, your gender identity, and the sexual practices you follow." They also seem to have PEP. Keep in mind that "ATH Checkpoint" runs daily from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 20:00, while "Thess Checkpoint" operates every Monday from 16:00 to 20:00, from Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 20:00 and every Saturday from 12:00 until 16:00. ATH Checkpoint Address: Pithataki 4, Monastiraki, Athens. Tel .: 210 33 10 400. Mon. - Sat: 12:00 - 20:00. Thess Checkpoint Address: Al. Svolos 15, Thessaloniki. Tel: 2310 282 284. Mon: 16:00 - 20:00, Tues: - Fri: 12:00 - 20:00, Sat: 12:00 - 16:00. | * [http://mycheckpoint.gr/ My Checkpoint]: They provide free, confidential and rapid tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C with a pin-prick test. They say (translated to English) on their website, "We are here to help you feel confident and get acquainted with your sexual health, regardless of your sexual orientation, your gender identity, and the sexual practices you follow." They also seem to have PEP. Keep in mind that "ATH Checkpoint" runs daily from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 20:00, while "Thess Checkpoint" operates every Monday from 16:00 to 20:00, from Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 20:00 and every Saturday from 12:00 until 16:00. ATH Checkpoint Address: Pithataki 4, Monastiraki, Athens. Tel .: 210 33 10 400. Mon. - Sat: 12:00 - 20:00. Thess Checkpoint Address: Al. Svolos 15, Thessaloniki. Tel: 2310 282 284. Mon: 16:00 - 20:00, Tues: - Fri: 12:00 - 20:00, Sat: 12:00 - 16:00. | ||
* [https://msf.gr/en/greece Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Day Care Centre | * [https://msf.gr/en/greece Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Day Care Centre]: Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as "MSF", or Doctors without Borders in English) has opened a Day Care center in central Athens to care for the needs of the refugee and asylum-seeking community. They have interpreters in Arabic and Farsi. They can provide STI tests, as well as many other needs related to sexual and reproductive health care. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00; Address: Solonos street 133, Athens; Telephone: +30 210 3839372 for more information. | ||
===Support=== | ===Support=== | ||
| Line 69: | Line 75: | ||
===What To Get & Where To Get It=== | ===What To Get & Where To Get It=== | ||
* If you have a yeast infection, you can say that you have μυκητιασική λοίμωξη, which is pronounced as "mykitiasikí loímoxi." | |||
* If you have a UTI (urinary tract infection), you can say that you have ουρολοίμωξη, which is pronounced as "ouroloímoxi." | |||
* PrEP is not yet available in Greece, as of December 2017.<ref>[https://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | * PrEP is not yet available in Greece, as of December 2017.<ref>[https://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | ||
| Line 88: | Line 96: | ||
* Dr. Panagiotis Belitsos, Obstetrician Gynecologist located in Kalithea. 60 euro for Pap and ultrasound. Email: panbelitsos@yahoo.com | * Dr. Panagiotis Belitsos, Obstetrician Gynecologist located in Kalithea. 60 euro for Pap and ultrasound. Email: panbelitsos@yahoo.com | ||
* "You can always go to ambelokopi there's a maternity hospital there and also they do woman checks etc there also I go there for 6monthly check ups first time I went I didn't need an appointment. Plus also if your unemployed but have amka they will see you without charge. The ladies there are good and speak English." | * "You can always go to ambelokopi there's a maternity hospital there and also they do woman checks etc there also I go there for 6monthly check ups first time I went I didn't need an appointment. Plus also if your unemployed but have amka they will see you without charge. The ladies there are good and speak English." | ||
* [ | * [https://msf.gr/en/greece Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Day Care Centre]: Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as "MSF", or Doctors without Borders in English) has opened a Day Care center in central Athens to care for the needs of the refugee and asylum-seeking community. They have interpreters in Arabic and Farsi. They can provide gynecological exams, as well as many other needs related to sexual and reproductive health care. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00; Address: Solonos street 133, Athens; Telephone: +30 210 3839372 for more information. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 95: | Line 103: | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Greece, maternity leave is given to insured women for 56 days before the birth and 63 days after the birth. After pregnancy, employed mothers are allowed six months of maternity protection leave and reduced working hours leave.<ref>[https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/greece/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/benefits Greece - Maternity and Birth Benefits]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
| Line 100: | Line 110: | ||
* I can strongly recommend Dr. Ioannis Zervomanolakis, he is amazing doctor. I gave birth here in Athens and everything went perfectly just because of him. | * I can strongly recommend Dr. Ioannis Zervomanolakis, he is amazing doctor. I gave birth here in Athens and everything went perfectly just because of him. | ||
* [http://venusmed.gr/en/our-services/gynaecology Venus Med]: This clinic comes highly recommended by an Athens local, who said, "It wasn't the cheapest possible choice, but I felt well taken care of and could tell they really cared about their patients. Highly recommended." Their obstetrics services include: Antenatal Care, Ultrasound Assessment, Labour & Birth Care, Postnatal Care, Waterbirth and Vaginal Birth After Caesarian Section. Address: 4 Aiginitou & Vasilissis Sofias Corner, Athens, Greece. Phone: +30 21 0722 0444. | * [http://venusmed.gr/en/our-services/gynaecology Venus Med]: This clinic comes highly recommended by an Athens local, who said, "It wasn't the cheapest possible choice, but I felt well taken care of and could tell they really cared about their patients. Highly recommended." Their obstetrics services include: Antenatal Care, Ultrasound Assessment, Labour & Birth Care, Postnatal Care, Waterbirth and Vaginal Birth After Caesarian Section. Address: 4 Aiginitou & Vasilissis Sofias Corner, Athens, Greece. Phone: +30 21 0722 0444. | ||
* [ | * [https://msf.gr/en/greece Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Day Care Centre]: Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as "MSF", or Doctors without Borders in English) has opened a Day Care center in central Athens to care for the needs of the refugee and asylum-seeking community. They have interpreters in Arabic and Farsi. They can provide pregnancy care, as well as many other needs related to sexual and reproductive health care. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00; Address: Solonos street 133, Athens; Telephone: +30 210 3839372 for more information. | ||
==Abortion== | ==Abortion== | ||
| Line 107: | Line 117: | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Greece, abortion is legal and available upon request during the first trimester (i.e. first twelve weeks) of pregnancy for adults.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4233/greece Women on Waves - Greece]</ref> For minors, parental written consent is required to obtain an abortion.<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws Map - Greece]</ref> <ref>[https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/greece/healthcare/pregnancy-birth/termination-abortion Termination of Pregnancy and Abortion in Greece]</ref> Following the first trimester, abortions are permitted until the nineteenth week of pregnancy when the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest. Finally, abortions are permitted until the twenty-forth week of pregnancy when there is risk of fetal malformation. | |||
Historically, Greece has faced some challenges related to abortion access and choice. In fact, family planning was illegal until 1980. This can be partially attributed to conservative cultural and religious beliefs. The Greek Orthodox Church considers abortion to be a crime and, under the Greek Penal Code of 1950, women who sought out abortions could face harsh punishment. In 1978, the Greek government passed Law No. 821, which permitted abortion in cases when the fetus faced a serious risk of malformation. However, it was not until 1986, with the passing of Law No. 1609, that abortion became available upon request. According to a UN report, "It is widely believed that the liberalization of the abortion law in Greece has made little difference in the abortion rate because, prior to its liberalization, a person performing an abortion or a woman undergoing an illegal abortion was rarely prosecuted. Indeed, it is believed that one of the main motives for the liberalization of abortion law was to preserve the integrity of the legal system, which was threatened by the increasing incidence of illegally performed abortions that were not prosecuted."<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report - Abortion Policy, Greece]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can contact the Family Planning Association of Greece (FPAG), to learn about where you can get an abortion in Greece. Address: Alkaiou street 10, 115 28 Athens. Phone: 210 728 6332. Email: esop@ath.forthnet.gr | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
If you go to a public hospital, and if you're covered by Greek Social Security, the abortion may be covered. However, if you go to a private hospital/clinic/gynecologist, or if you're not covered by Greek Social Security, you will need to pay a fee, which will vary and depend on the provider. | |||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||
| Line 117: | Line 135: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
====Emergency Numbers & Hotlines==== | |||
* Emergency: 112 | |||
* Ambulance: 166 | |||
* Fire Department: 199 | |||
* Police: 100 | |||
* Tourist Police: 171 | |||
* Pharmacies: 107 | |||
* Hospitals: 106 | |||
* [http://suicide-help.gr/ Suicide Hotline]: 1018 | |||
* General Helpline: (0) 30 210 34 17 164 | |||
* [http://www.isotita.gr/index.php/news/1417 Helpline for Victims of Abuse/Violence & Prevention of Violence]: 15900. More info: "The telephone line SOS 15900 operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Aimed at women who receive physical, psychological, verbal, financial, sexual violence, women who have suffered rape or attempted rape, who have been victims of prostitution, trafficking or who have suffered sexual harassment. We also provide information to individuals and organisations about how to prevent and how to address violence against women." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 127: | Line 158: | ||
* Association of Interbalkan Women's Cooperation Societies: 30 Poutono-G Ppandreou , tr. 54655, Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel: 0030 31 42 22 70, Fax: 0030 31 42 22 71 | * Association of Interbalkan Women's Cooperation Societies: 30 Poutono-G Ppandreou , tr. 54655, Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel: 0030 31 42 22 70, Fax: 0030 31 42 22 71 | ||
* The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Domestic Violence: Arnaldas 2, Apt. 4, P.O. Box 8722, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece, Tel: 00357 2 365 055, Fax: 00357 2 442 184 | * The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Domestic Violence: Arnaldas 2, Apt. 4, P.O. Box 8722, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece, Tel: 00357 2 365 055, Fax: 00357 2 442 184 | ||
* [http://athenspride.eu/en/homepage-copy/?lang=en Athens Pride]: The official page for the Athens LGBTQ Pride Parade & Celebration. | |||
* Federation of Greek Women (OGE): Acadimas 52, 10679 Athens, Greece | * Federation of Greek Women (OGE): Acadimas 52, 10679 Athens, Greece | ||
* [http://www.isotita.gr/en/home/ General Secretariat for Gender Equality]: Address: 8 Dragatsaniou str., 105 59 Athens, Greece, Telephone: 2131511102-103, Fax: 210 3315276 – 210 3231316, E-mail: info@isotita.gr | |||
* Library on Gender & Equality: Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 15:00, Address:, Charilaou Trikoupi 51 & Valtetsiou, 106 80, Athens., Telephone: 210 3215618, 210 3212094, Fax: 210 3212094, Ε-mail: library@isotita.gr | |||
* Greek Women's National Bar Association: Akadimias 64, Athens, Greece, Tel: 30-1-360 00 41 | * Greek Women's National Bar Association: Akadimias 64, Athens, Greece, Tel: 30-1-360 00 41 | ||
* Hellenic Association Of University Women: This NGO is especially interested in issues related to the environment, education, family planning, health care, etc. Address: 44 a' Voulis Street, GR-105-57 Athens, Greece, Tel: 323 42 68 | * Hellenic Association Of University Women: This NGO is especially interested in issues related to the environment, education, family planning, health care, etc. Address: 44 a' Voulis Street, GR-105-57 Athens, Greece, Tel: 323 42 68 | ||
| Line 133: | Line 167: | ||
* Network Of East-West Women: 46, Ventouri St., 155-61 Holargos, Athens, Greece, Tel: 30-1-652-2198 | * Network Of East-West Women: 46, Ventouri St., 155-61 Holargos, Athens, Greece, Tel: 30-1-652-2198 | ||
* Pancyprian Federation of Women's Organisations (POGO): 56 Kennedy Av., Abitcare Blvd. Flat 21, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece, Tel: 00357 2 494 906, Fax: 00357 2 427 051 | * Pancyprian Federation of Women's Organisations (POGO): 56 Kennedy Av., Abitcare Blvd. Flat 21, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece, Tel: 00357 2 494 906, Fax: 00357 2 427 051 | ||
* [http://clubs.pathfinder.gr/transsexoyal Transsexoyal]: This is a Greek transgender organization/website. | |||
* Union of Greek Women (EGE): Ainianos 8, 10678 Athens., Tel: 823 4937 | * Union of Greek Women (EGE): Ainianos 8, 10678 Athens., Tel: 823 4937 | ||
* WISE: 1 Christopoulou St. 546 35, Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel: +031 997 451, Fax: 0031 997 432 | * WISE: 1 Christopoulou St. 546 35, Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel: +031 997 451, Fax: 0031 997 432 | ||