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'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
In Kyrgyzstan, you will find a complex picture regarding sexual and reproductive health care. On the one hand, birth control pills are legally sold over-the-counter in urban environments, and a large percentage of women use intrauterine devices (IUDS). Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available, though a prescription may be required. Furthermore, abortion is legally available upon request and there are no travel restrictions related to HIV status. On the other hand, Kyrgyzstan is still very much a traditional country. Women tend to use contraceptives at lower levels than the Central Asian average, and sex education is not currently taught in schools (as of May 2018), though this may soon change. Bride kidnappings are rather common, and many bride kidnappings are nonconsensual. There is no nationwide HPV vaccination program and we are unaware of any programs related to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). There are also limited resources related to STI education and support. In 2017, the UNFPA also completed a contraceptive distribution program in the country, and the local government has not yet filled the gap created by this loss of program. Overall, Kyrgyzstan is a country where certain sexual and reproductive health care options are available to some women, particularly if they tend to be wealthier and live in urban environments, but accessibility, affordability and choice remain an issue for many women in the country. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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For women in Kyrgyzstan, contraceptive access depends on many factors, including location, income status, and personal autonomy. While wealthy women in urban centers, like Bishkek, can find contraceptives in pharmacies and clinics, women from low-income or rural backgrounds often struggle to access and afford contraceptives. In the 1990s, the Kyrgyz government launched a program to promote family planning and reduce the infant mortality rate, but the majority of women still could not access birth control pills. During that time, the most common family planning methods were IUDs and abortion.<ref>[https://eurasianet.org/s/kyrgyzstan-abortion-believed-to-be-most-common-form-of-birth-control Kyrgyzstan: Abortion Believed to be Most Common Form of Birth Control]</ref> In the 2000s, UNFPA launched a temporary program that provided free birth control pills to Kyrgyz families from impoverished backgrounds. However, the program ended in 2017 and the Kyrgyz government has not done enough to fill the gap left by UNFPA's departure. While the government has begun to offer a 50% discount for birth control pills, this only applies to people who hold medical insurance policies, which excludes many rural women.<ref>[https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-contraceptive-pill-un-program/28527777.html End Of UN Contraceptive Program In Kyrgyzstan A Bitter Pill For Many]</ref> | For women in Kyrgyzstan, contraceptive access depends on many factors, including location, income status, and personal autonomy. While wealthy women in urban centers, like Bishkek, can find contraceptives in pharmacies and clinics, women from low-income or rural backgrounds often struggle to access and afford contraceptives. In the 1990s, the Kyrgyz government launched a program to promote family planning and reduce the infant mortality rate, but the majority of women still could not access birth control pills. During that time, the most common family planning methods were IUDs and abortion.<ref>[https://eurasianet.org/s/kyrgyzstan-abortion-believed-to-be-most-common-form-of-birth-control Kyrgyzstan: Abortion Believed to be Most Common Form of Birth Control]</ref> In the 2000s, UNFPA launched a temporary program that provided free birth control pills to Kyrgyz families from impoverished backgrounds. However, the program ended in 2017 and the Kyrgyz government has not done enough to fill the gap left by UNFPA's departure. While the government has begun to offer a 50% discount for birth control pills, this only applies to people who hold medical insurance policies, which excludes many rural women.<ref>[https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-contraceptive-pill-un-program/28527777.html End Of UN Contraceptive Program In Kyrgyzstan A Bitter Pill For Many]</ref> | ||
Generally speaking, Kyrgyzstan is a socially conservative country. The majority of Kyrgyz citizens are Muslim (75%) followed by Russian Orthodox (20%). The Kyrgyz people (who make up about 71% of the population) are not extremely religious on average, but they can be considered very traditional.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kg.html CIA World Factbook: Kyrgyzstan]</ref> Frank discussion of sexuality is typically considered taboo,<ref>[https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/rapport_kyrgyzstan_uk-2-web2.pdf Kyrgyzstan: Women and children from Kyrgyzstan affected by migration]</ref> | Generally speaking, Kyrgyzstan is a socially conservative country. The majority of Kyrgyz citizens are Muslim (75%) followed by Russian Orthodox (20%). The Kyrgyz people (who make up about 71% of the population) are not extremely religious on average, but they can be considered very traditional.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kg.html CIA World Factbook: Kyrgyzstan]</ref> Frank discussion of sexuality is typically considered taboo,<ref>[https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/rapport_kyrgyzstan_uk-2-web2.pdf Kyrgyzstan: Women and children from Kyrgyzstan affected by migration]</ref> and bride kidnappings (“ala kachuu”) are common. In fact, it was estimated that up to 40% of ethnic Kyrgyz women were married after being kidnapped and nearly two-thirds of bride kidnappings are unplanned. While bride kidnapping has been technically illegal since 1994, it is still widely practiced.<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/grab-and-run-1634 GRAB AND RUN: KYRGYZSTAN'S BRIDE KIDNAPPINGS]</ref> <ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kyrgyzstan-bride-kidnapping_us_57d05dede4b03d2d4597eef5 Little Is Being Done To End Kyrgyzstan’s Bride Kidnapping Crisis]</ref> | ||
In 2015, Parliament passed a bill that established the legal basis to teach sexuality education in schools. While the bill was controversial and opposed by some people, it was also welcomed by others. In fact, it was found that 80% of parents in Kyrgyzstan wanted their children to receive sexuality education, and many stated that they did not know how to talk about sexuality with their children.<ref>[https://www.unfpa.org/news/sexuality-education-comes-kyrgyzstan Sexuality education comes to Kyrgyzstan]</ref> | In 2015, Parliament passed a bill that established the legal basis to teach sexuality education in schools. While the bill was controversial and opposed by some people, it was also welcomed by others. In fact, it was found that 80% of parents in Kyrgyzstan wanted their children to receive sexuality education, and many stated that they did not know how to talk about sexuality with their children.<ref>[https://www.unfpa.org/news/sexuality-education-comes-kyrgyzstan Sexuality education comes to Kyrgyzstan]</ref> | ||
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* In Kyrgyzstan, you can find '''condoms''' available in pharmacies and online stores. For example, on the website for [https://neman.kg/prezervativy-i-kontraceptivy/ Neman], a leading wholesale and retail company in Kyrgyzstan, you can find Durex, Masculan, Sico, Vietex, and Viva condoms sold in local currency. | * In Kyrgyzstan, you can find '''condoms''' available in pharmacies and online stores. For example, on the website for [https://neman.kg/prezervativy-i-kontraceptivy/ Neman], a leading wholesale and retail company in Kyrgyzstan, you can find Durex, Masculan, Sico, Vietex, and Viva condoms sold in local currency. | ||
* You should be able to purchase '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' without a prescription at pharmacies.<ref>[Conversation with a Bishkek pharmacist, April 2018]</ref> Some of the brands you may see are Belara, Jess, Ovidon, Microgynon, Regulon, Rigevidon, and Yarina.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> <ref>[Conversations with a Bishkek pharmacists, April 2018]</ref> While there are many pharmacies, some of the ones that you can check out are Central Pharmacy (Address: 127 Abdrakhmanov (former Sovetskaya) st. crosses Moskovskaya st.; Tel: (312) 901011, 665500) and Prestige (Address: 95 A Kievskaya St.; Tel: (312) 621462). | * You should be able to purchase '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' without a prescription at pharmacies.<ref>[Conversation with a Bishkek pharmacist, April 2018]</ref> Some of the brands you may see are Belara, Jess, Ovidon, Microgynon, Regulon, Rigevidon, and Yarina.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> <ref>[Conversations with a Bishkek pharmacists, April 2018]</ref> While there are many pharmacies, some of the ones that you can check out are Central Pharmacy (Address: 127 Abdrakhmanov (former Sovetskaya) st. crosses Moskovskaya st.; Tel: (312) 901011, 665500) and Prestige (Address: 95 A Kievskaya St.; Tel: (312) 621462). | ||
* For Kyrgyz women, ''' | * For Kyrgyz women, '''intrauterine devices (IUDs)''' are the most popular contraceptive option. For this reason, if you are interested in obtaining one in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in urban areas like Bishkek, you should not encounter too much difficulty. For example, at [https://www.neomed.kg/ NEOMED Clinic], you can get IUD insertion for 1080 KGS (without the cost of the IUD), as of April 2018. This general clinic has a number of specialists, and some staff speak English. Address: 46 Orozbekov str., Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 720040. Phone: +996 312 906 090. They're also [https://www.facebook.com/neomed.kg/ on Facebook].. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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* If you're in Bishkek and have HIV-related questions/needs, visit the center at Logvinenko Street no. 8. If you're outside Bishkek, contact your local hospital to find the nearest center in your area that can provide help. | * If you're in Bishkek and have HIV-related questions/needs, visit the center at Logvinenko Street no. 8. If you're outside Bishkek, contact your local hospital to find the nearest center in your area that can provide help. | ||
* [http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/kyrgyzstan UNAIDS Krygyzstan]: Meerim Sarybaeva, UNAIDS Country Manager. Phone: +996312611232. Email: sarybaevam@unaids.org | * [http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/kyrgyzstan UNAIDS Krygyzstan]: Meerim Sarybaeva, UNAIDS Country Manager. Phone: +996312611232. Email: sarybaevam@unaids.org | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/PublicFoundationAsteria/ Asteria]: "Asteria Public Foundation was founded in 2006 by group of former women drug users. Asteria aims at providing psychosocial services to women drug users, sex workers, formerly incarcerated, HIV-positive women and their partners and relatives." Email: asteria.pf@gmail.com | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Kyrgyzstan, new mothers are entitled to maternity leave, but the Labor Code does not specify any paternity leave. Generally speaking, mothers can take 70 days before delivery and 56 days after delivery. For women who work in the highlands, they are entitled to a total of 140 days of maternity leave (70 days before delivery and 70 days after delivery). If there are complications with delivery, women can take 186 days of maternity leave, and if they experience the birth of one or more infants, they can take 180 days of maternity leave. For the first ten days, the women are paid 100% of benefits from employer funds. After that time, the payment comes out of state benefits. After her maternity leave is complete, a woman may take an additional eighteen months off as part of childcare leave.<ref>[http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---europe/---ro-geneva/---sro-moscow/documents/publication/wcms_312651.pdf International Labour Organization - WORK AND FAMILY: THE REPUBLIC OF KYRGYZSTAN]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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In Kyrgyzstan, abortion is legally available upon request<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws]</ref> in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. This means that people can obtain an abortion for any legal reason during the first trimester. After this period, abortions are legally permitted in certain circumstances. Between twelve and twenty-two weeks of pregnancy, abortion can be legally performed at the request of the patient, which may often be due to physical or economic reasons. Furthermore, an abortion is always legally available if the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant person.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4843/abortion-law-kyrgyzstan Abortion law Kyrgyzstan]</ref> | In Kyrgyzstan, abortion is legally available upon request<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws]</ref> in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. This means that people can obtain an abortion for any legal reason during the first trimester. After this period, abortions are legally permitted in certain circumstances. Between twelve and twenty-two weeks of pregnancy, abortion can be legally performed at the request of the patient, which may often be due to physical or economic reasons. Furthermore, an abortion is always legally available if the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant person.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4843/abortion-law-kyrgyzstan Abortion law Kyrgyzstan]</ref> | ||
The abortion laws in Kyrgyzstan are based on the Soviet Decree of 23 November 1955 and Decree in 1982, which declared the right for women to obtain abortions. These laws were further expanded upon | The abortion laws in Kyrgyzstan are based on the Soviet Decree of 23 November 1955 and Decree in 1982, which declared the right for women to obtain abortions. These laws were further expanded upon in Ministry of Health Order № 249 in 1998, after Kyrgyzstan had become an independent state. | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
To read a report on violence against women in Kyrgyzstan, click [http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Women/SR/Shelters/Meghan%20McCormack_Aiymbubu_Djaparkulova_Shelters.pdf here]. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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* Bishkek City Ambulance: Dial 103 | * Bishkek City Ambulance: Dial 103 | ||
* Commercial Ambulance Services: Dial 139, 548666, 549999, (0554) 548666; Dial 151 or 439151; Dial 1130 or 577115 | * Commercial Ambulance Services: Dial 139, 548666, 549999, (0554) 548666; Dial 151 or 439151; Dial 1130 or 577115 | ||
* Sezim 24/7 Helpline: +996 (312) 51-26-40 | |||
* There are homeless shelters open in the Pervomaisky district (Kolomto Center), Oktyabrsky district and Sverdlovsky districts of Bishkek. "Hot meals are served daily, and a medical examination is carried out once a week."<ref>[https://24.kg/english/74304_Shelters_for_homeless_people_opened_in_all_districts_of_Bishkek/ Shelters for Homeless People Opened in All Districts of Bishkek]</ref> However, homelessness is a difficult condition for many people in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the winters. Click [https://iwpr.net/global-voices/frozen-out-bishkeks-homeless here] to learn more. | |||
* [http://sezim.org/main/ Crisis Center “Sezim”]: Established in 1998, this is one of the first crisis centers and non-profit organizations in Kyrgyzstan, and it's the only crisis center in the country that receives governmental support.<ref>[http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Women/SR/Shelters/Meghan%20McCormack_Aiymbubu_Djaparkulova_Shelters.pdf Report to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women]</ref> They provide legal, psychological and social services, including: safe houses for victims of gender-based & domestic violence and trafficking, assistance in getting housing and employment, lawyer consultations, legal protection in court, document preparation, psychological consultations, family consultations, support groups, intervention, art therapy, etc. Address: Tabyshaliev str., #3 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Phone: +996 312 31 64 66. Email: centersezim@gmail.com | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/Aryyjan-Karakol-360682293959960/ Aryyjan Karakol]: We don't know how active this NGO currently is (their online presence seems to have stagnated around 2013), but they do seem to have a hotline: 0773-660-220/0550-026-288. Here's information on the NGO from their Fundly page: "Aryyjan Karakol is a local community-based NGO in Karakol, Kyrgyz Republic... What originally started as a women’s rights organization that provided counsel (a 24-hour crisis hotline) to women who are victims of domestic abuse, bride kidnapping and property rights violations; and trainings to local village women on their rights as citizens, has since expanded its overall scope and evolved into a gender equality organization, inclusive to youth and men in its training sessions." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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* [http://www.legacyintl.org/our-impact/archives/kyrgyz-womens-initiative/ Kyrgyz Women’s Leadership Development and NGO Capacity]: This program ended in 2011, but certain elements may still be active. "Kyrgyz Women’s Leadership Development and NGO Capacity – Building is a two-year, multi-phase program. The project is designed to positively impact emerging professionals (community leaders, political leaders, educators, and youth workers), to strengthen grassroots organizations in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the mutual understanding of the role of civil society in the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan." | * [http://www.legacyintl.org/our-impact/archives/kyrgyz-womens-initiative/ Kyrgyz Women’s Leadership Development and NGO Capacity]: This program ended in 2011, but certain elements may still be active. "Kyrgyz Women’s Leadership Development and NGO Capacity – Building is a two-year, multi-phase program. The project is designed to positively impact emerging professionals (community leaders, political leaders, educators, and youth workers), to strengthen grassroots organizations in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the mutual understanding of the role of civil society in the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan." | ||
* [http://www.learningpartnership.org/kyrgyzstan Human Rights Movement: Bir Duino-Kyrgyzsta]: "Human Rights Movement: Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, is the successor of the NGO “Citizens Against Corruption” (CAC ), which was founded in May 2000. The mission of Bir Duino is to protect human rights, particularly freedom of association, to defend the political space for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kyrgyzstan through culture and arts, and to facilitate practical implementation of humanitarian articles, international legal instruments, and other obligations of Kyrgyzstan in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms." | * [http://www.learningpartnership.org/kyrgyzstan Human Rights Movement: Bir Duino-Kyrgyzsta]: "Human Rights Movement: Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, is the successor of the NGO “Citizens Against Corruption” (CAC ), which was founded in May 2000. The mission of Bir Duino is to protect human rights, particularly freedom of association, to defend the political space for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kyrgyzstan through culture and arts, and to facilitate practical implementation of humanitarian articles, international legal instruments, and other obligations of Kyrgyzstan in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms." | ||
* [https://www.auca.kg/en/hrr/ Law and Human Rights Department (Tian Shan Policy Center)- American University of Central Asia]: "The promotion and protection of human rights is a key thematic priority of the TSPC, based on the firm belief that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. Therefore, working to enhance the compliance of institutions with international and national legal obligations is considered an absolute necessity by the TSPC, especially in a young democracy like Kyrgyzstan." Address: 7/6 Aaly Tokombaev Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. | |||
* [http://voicesoncentralasia.org/feminism-through-pictures-how-girls-in-the-south-of-the-kyrgyz-republic-fight-for-womens-rights/ Voices on Central Asia: Feminism through Pictures: How Girls of South Kyrgyzstan Fight for Women’s Rights] | * [http://voicesoncentralasia.org/feminism-through-pictures-how-girls-in-the-south-of-the-kyrgyz-republic-fight-for-womens-rights/ Voices on Central Asia: Feminism through Pictures: How Girls of South Kyrgyzstan Fight for Women’s Rights] | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/PublicFoundationAsteria/ Asteria]: "Asteria Public Foundation was founded in 2006 by group of former women drug users. Asteria aims at providing psychosocial services to women drug users, sex workers, formerly incarcerated, HIV-positive women and their partners and relatives." Email: asteria.pf@gmail.com | |||
* [http://www.glori.kg/ Global Research Institute Foundation]: "The Global Research Institute (GLORI Foundation) explores solutions to a whole range of globally significant health and social issues such as gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, STIs, TB, issues specific to elderly population, Hepatitis C, drug use, malnutrition, mental health and others." Email: danilst.nikitin@gmail.com | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||