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Bandar Seri Begawan: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Bandarseribegawan.jpg|500px | thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:200px; border:1px solid black;float:right"
|-
|colspan="8" style="text-align:center"|[[File:Bandarseribegawan.jpg|300px | thumb|right|]]
|-
| '''Contraception: Over-the-Counter'''
| condoms
|-
| '''Contraception: Prescription/Clinic Required'''
| pills (prescription required), injectables available at hospitals
|-
| '''Emergency Contraception'''
| prescription required; available at clinics
|-
| '''STIs'''
| testing available; HIV-positive foreigners deported
|-
| '''Menstrual Products'''
| pads, tampons, cups (online)
|-
| '''Pregnancy Law'''
| illegal to be pregnant & unmarried
|-
| '''Abortion Law'''
| generally illegal; only permitted to save life of pregnant person
|-
| '''LGBTQ Laws'''
| homosexuality illegal
|-
| '''Related Pages'''
| [[Brunei]]
|-
|}


'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  


In Brunei, you will find a complex picture regarding health care access. On the one hand, Brunei provides fully subsidized and modern health care services to its citizens, and foreign workers can receive health care for a small fee. Despite the small size of the country, there are a wealth of public and private hospitals and clinics, and they generally tend to be very high-quality. On the other hand, Brunei is a very religious and conservative country, where the majority of the populace is Sunni Muslim. The government is controlled by an absolute monarchy, which began instituting Sharia law in 2014, including the banning of pregnancy outside of wedlock.<ref>[https://thediplomat.com/2015/05/the-implications-of-bruneis-sharia-law/ The Implications of Brunei’s Sharia Law]</ref>  
In Brunei, you will find a complex picture regarding health care access. On the one hand, Brunei provides fully subsidized and modern health care services to its citizens, and foreign workers can receive health care for a small fee. Despite the small size of the country, there are a wealth of public and private hospitals and clinics, and they generally tend to be very high-quality. Furthermore, Brunei is a diverse country. While the majority of the country is Muslim (79% of the country, as of 2017), there is also a fairly sizable Christian (nearly 9%), and Buddhist (nearly 8%) population. There is also a large international work force, primarily associated with the petroleum and natural gas industry.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html CIA World Factbook - Brunei]</ref>


In this extremely conservative environment, it is important that one understands that certain sexual and reproductive health care options will not be available. You can purchase condoms at pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription. You can also obtain birth control pills and other contraceptive options at pharmacies or clinics, provided that you have a prescription. However, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are illegal.
On the other hand, Brunei is a religious and conservative country, where the majority of the populace is Sunni Muslim and, at least publicly, follows Muslim laws. Officially called the Sultanate of Brunei, the government is controlled by an absolute monarchy, and the family that forms the monarchy has ruled the country for six centuries (though, from 1888-1984, Brunei was a British protectorate). In 2014, the government began to institute Sharia law (religious law based on Islamic tradition), including the banning of pregnancy outside of wedlock.<ref>[https://thediplomat.com/2015/05/the-implications-of-bruneis-sharia-law/ The Implications of Brunei’s Sharia Law]</ref>
 
In this conservative environment, it is important that one understands that certain sexual and reproductive health care options will not be available. You can purchase condoms at pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription. You can also obtain birth control pills and other contraceptive options at pharmacies or clinics, provided that you have a prescription. However, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are illegal. Foreigners who test positive for HIV are typically expelled and abortion is generally illegal in most cases.
 
In April 2019, the government announced laws that made gay sex and adultery punishable by death by stoning. These laws received international condemnation,<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/28/brunei-makes-homosexual-sex-adultery-punishable-by-death-by-stoning/?utm_term=.fd964f159df1 Brunei makes gay sex and adultery punishable by death by stoning]</ref> and the laws were revoked in May 2019.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/05/asia/brunei-lgbt-death-penalty-intl/index.html Brunei backs down on gay sex death penalty after international backlash]</ref>


==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==Contraception (Birth Control)==
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* In Brunei, you can purchase condoms without a prescription. You can find '''condoms''' found in select stores, such as Hua Ho (a retail department store and supermarket chain that can be found in multiple locations throughout Brunei) and Guardian (the largest health, beauty and personal care chain in Brunei, with 21 stores nationwide). Durex brand condoms are typically sold. Since condoms and sexual topics are taboo in Brunei, the condoms in stores are often sold in less conspicuous locations, such as in the back of the store.  
* In Brunei, you can purchase condoms without a prescription. You can find '''condoms''' found in select stores, such as Hua Ho (a retail department store and supermarket chain that can be found in multiple locations throughout Brunei) and Guardian (the largest health, beauty and personal care chain in Brunei, with 21 stores nationwide). Durex brand condoms are typically sold. Since condoms and sexual topics are taboo in Brunei, the condoms in stores are often sold in less conspicuous locations, such as in the back of the store.  
* If you want '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' in Brunei, you can obtain them at local pharmacies, but you will first need a prescription to present to the pharmacist. If you're a foreigner, some pharmacies will accept prescriptions from another country, provided that you can show them the prescription in person or at least show a photo of the prescription.
* If you want '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' in Brunei, you can obtain them at pharmacies, hospitals, and many (but not all) ptivate clinics. However, you will first need a prescription to present to the pharmacist or health care professional. If you're a foreigner, some pharmacies will accept prescriptions from another country, provided that you can show them the prescription in person or at least show a photo of the prescription.
* If you want a '''contraceptive injectable''', you may be able to get it at JPMC Medical Center.
* If you want a '''contraceptive patch''', you may not be able to find it in Brunei. However, you can cross the border into [[Malaysia]], according to local sources, and purchase a patch there.


===Costs===
===Costs===
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


There are no emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) registered in Brunei.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/brunei/ EC Status and Availability: Brunei]</ref>
Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available in Brunei, however a prescription is required. While some online sources state that there are no emergency contraceptive pills registered in Brunei <ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/brunei/ EC Status and Availability: Brunei]</ref> local sources have confirmed that they're available, as of May 2018.<ref>[Conversation with Brunei local, June 2018]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* '''Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills)''' are available in Brunei, however a prescription is required. According to one Brunei local, "Morning after pills are not that difficult. You simply go to specific clinics, request to see the doctor and tell them that you need a morning after pill. Usually they will prescribe it to you. But it’s not widely publicized because the society here strongly discourages premarital sex, so information is not widely available." <ref>[Conversation with Brunei local, June 2018]</ref>
* If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills in Brunei, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPs.
* If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills in Brunei, you can use get an IUD, which can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
* If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills in Brunei, you can consider crossing the border into [[Malaysia]], where ECPs are available at pharmacies without a prescription.


===Costs===
===Costs===
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Meanwhile, if you are a foreigner who plans to stay in the country for a longer period, you will need to apply for a residence or student permit. To obtain a permit, you will be required to take two medical exams, first in your origin country, and then a second time when you reach Brunei. In both cases, your medical exams need to include HIV tests. If someone tests positive for HIV when they apply for a residence permit in their home country, their application will be automatically cancelled. If someone tests positive for HIV after they have arrived in Brunei, the Ministry of Health will be informed of their tests results and they will be expelled from the country.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=4 BRUNEI - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref>
Meanwhile, if you are a foreigner who plans to stay in the country for a longer period, you will need to apply for a residence or student permit. To obtain a permit, you will be required to take two medical exams, first in your origin country, and then a second time when you reach Brunei. In both cases, your medical exams need to include HIV tests. If someone tests positive for HIV when they apply for a residence permit in their home country, their application will be automatically cancelled. If someone tests positive for HIV after they have arrived in Brunei, the Ministry of Health will be informed of their tests results and they will be expelled from the country.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=4 BRUNEI - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref>
'''More information:'''
• [https://www.reddit.com/r/Brunei/comments/6mt078/std_test_and_treatment/ Discussion about talking to doctors about STIs in Brunei]
* [https://hivbrunei.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/get-a-free-hiv-test-in-brunei/ Tips for dealing with doctors and HIV tests, as a gay man, in Brunei]
*


===Testing Facilities===
===Testing Facilities===
* If you're a foreigner who is living or working in Brunei, you will need to get an HIV test prior to obtaining your work or residency visa. Once you are living in Brunei, you will need to get an HIV test every two years to keep your visa up-to-date.
* If you're a Bruneian citizen or permanent resident, you can obtain an HIV test at any Government Health Centre or Pusat Kesihatan. To find the one that's closest to you, you can visit the [http://www.moh.gov.bn/Pages/BruneiFacilities.aspx Ministry of Health website]. If you don't feel comfortable telling the general reception at the clinic that you want an HIV or STI test, you can tell them that you want a "general health check," and then specifically state exactly what you want when you are directly talking to the doctor.


===Support===
===Support===
* [http://bdac_penyinar.webs.com/aboutbdac.htm Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council]: "A Non-Profit Organisation where our main objective is to raise awareness on HIV & AIDS in Brunei Darussalam. We aim to educate the public on related issues, the likes of Sexually Transmitted Infection, Teenage Pregnancy & Social Issues. The Council uses multiple approaches in reaching its objectives; youth work & trainings, youth & community participation, outreach programmes, voluntary work, media coverage, collaboration with other agencies etc." Email: penyinarbdac@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bdaidscouncil/
* [https://hivbrunei.wordpress.com/ HIV Brunei]: This organization helps gay men living with HIV in Brunei, but it is located in San Diego, California, USA. "Our mission is twofold: Destigmatise people living with HIV (PLWH) [and] Prevent HIV. It’s hard enough being gay in Brunei, but having HIV as well? So we’re here so you breeders have something to read about, refer to and understand. But mostly we’re reaching out for our queens and bros, okaaaay!" Address: 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego CA 92109. Phone: 1-202-555-1212


===Costs===
===Costs===
* The government of Brunei provides free HIV treatment to its citizens.
* You can expect to pay up to BND$250 for an HIV test at a private clinic, as of 2016,<ref>[https://hivbrunei.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/get-a-free-hiv-test-in-brunei/ GET A FREE HIV TEST IN BRUNEI]</ref> but you may also be able to get an HIV test for free, depending on your citizenship/visa status and health insurance. You can ask the clinic for details about prices.


==Medications & Vaccines==
==Medications & Vaccines==
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* [http://www.jpmc.com.bn/ Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC)]: This private specialist hospital is considered one of the best medical facilities in Brunei. They have an obstetrics and gynecology clinic that provides a variety of services, including: General Gynae Check-Up, Gynaecology Disorders Assessment & Treatment, Menstrual Disorders, Menopause, Abnormal PAP Smears/Colonoscopy, Pelvic Floor Prolapse, Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Cancer Screening, and Trans Abdominal & Trans Vaginal Unltrasound, and Surgery. They also have a Family Planning Clinic. It's located in Jerudong, which is about 20 kilometers from Bandar Seri Begawan. Address: Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Jerudong Park BG 3122, Brunei Muara, Brunei Darussalam. Phone: +673 261 1433. Email: inquire@jpmc.com.bn
* [https://www.facebook.com/www.drpremaclinic/ Dr Prema Clinic]: "Dr. Prema Clinic is Brunei's premier Gyne clinic. We offer a range of gynaecological and obstetric services. Please contact 2421727 for our menu of service." Address: No 5 Bangunan Hasbullah 1, Kampong Gadong, Brunei. Phone: +673 242 1727
* [http://www.moh.gov.bn/SitePages/Suri%20Seri%20Begawan%20Hospital.aspx Suri Seri Begawan Hospital]: This public hospital is considered one of the best in the country. They provide specialist services in obstetrics and gynaecology. "The Suri Seri Begawan Hospital is Located in Kuala Belait, 107 km from the capital. With 183 beds, it is the second largest hospital in country and serves the people of Belait District. It was established in 1972 and is currently undergoing a multi million dollar programme of phased renovation which will give it facilities comparable to the best in the region."


===Costs===
===Costs===
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
In Brunei, if you are pregnant and unmarried, you may face legal repercussions. According to a Brunei local, such laws depend on your religion: "If you’re Muslim, it’s illegal to have sex before marriage and unmarried couples will usually be fined and will be required to attend religious counseling... If you’re not Muslim, it’s not really a problem. However a single pregnant woman will also have social stigma as it’s a very conservative and family oriented country."


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* If you are pregnant and wish to obtain an abortion, your best option is to seek an abortion outside Brunei. While there is an underground illegal abortion industry in every country, it's not safe and not recommended. Rather, you may consider traveling to countries like [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], or [[China]], where you can legally obtain an abortion upon request.


===Costs===
===Costs===
* If you are pregnant and considering getting an abortion outside Brunei, you will need to consider the following costs: visa processing costs, transportation to the country where you will be obtaining an abortion, hotel or accommodation costs in that country, cost of the abortion in the country and the total amount of days you may need to be in the country both before and after the abortion.


==Advocacy & Counseling==
==Advocacy & Counseling==
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* Ambulance – 991
* Police – 993
* Fire & Rescue – 995
* Search and Rescue – 998
* Brunei National Call Centre – 123
* Welfare/ Children – 141 – If you suspect that a child has been abused, you may call this number and remain anonymous. The authority will investigate.
* Flight information – 233 1747
* Search and Rescue Centre – Air and Sea – 233 2600


===Costs===
===Costs===
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==List of Additional Resources==
==List of Additional Resources==


* [http://www.moh.gov.bn/Pages/Home.aspx Ministry of Health]
* Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/brunei here] to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Brunei. Please note that, as of May 2018, homosexuality is illegal and, if found to be homosexual, someone may face imprisonment as punishment, according to the Penal Code of Brunei. It is illegal to change your gender as well. There are no legal protections against housing or employment discrimination for LGBTQ people. Conversion therapy is not banned.
* Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/brunei here] to learn about LGBTQ rights and laws in Brunei. Please note that, as of May 2018, homosexuality is illegal and, if found to be homosexual, someone may face imprisonment as punishment, according to the Penal Code of Brunei. It is illegal to change your gender as well. There are no legal protections against housing or employment discrimination for LGBTQ people. Conversion therapy is not banned.
* [http://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/fr/countries/asia/brunei-darussalam/1985/the-council-of-women-of-brunei-darussalam The Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam]: "The Council of Women comprises of 13 national women's organizations representing the views and aspirations of all women in Brunei Darussalam with the main objective of improving the status of women in all areas such as education, economy, welfare, culture and social. The Council also strives for gender equality and the promotion of women's roles in national development." Address: 12, Simpang 32-669 Jalan Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei. Phone: 673 340524. Fax: 673 340525
* [http://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/fr/countries/asia/brunei-darussalam/1985/the-council-of-women-of-brunei-darussalam The Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam]: "The Council of Women comprises of 13 national women's organizations representing the views and aspirations of all women in Brunei Darussalam with the main objective of improving the status of women in all areas such as education, economy, welfare, culture and social. The Council also strives for gender equality and the promotion of women's roles in national development." Address: 12, Simpang 32-669 Jalan Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei. Phone: 673 340524. Fax: 673 340525
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|keywords=contraception, birth control, emergency contraception, morning after pill, std test, sti test, hiv, treatment, medications, pharmacies, abortion, clinic, tampons, women's health, maternity, pregnancy, menstrual, menstruation, pads, tampons, menstrual cups
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|description=Find sexual, reproductive and women's health care in your city.
|description=Find sexual, reproductive and women's health care in Bandar Seri Begawan.
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