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Bridgetown: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Bridgetown.jpg|500px | thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:200px; border:1px solid black;float:right"
|-
|colspan="8" style="text-align:center"|[[File:Bridgetown.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]]
|-
| '''Contraception: Over-the-Counter'''
| condoms, pills, patches
|-
| '''Contraception: Prescription Required’’’
| IUD, injectables
|-
| '''Emergency Contraception'''
| no prescription required
|-
| '''STIs'''
| testing available; no travel restrictions
|-
| '''Menstrual Products'''
| pads, tampons, cups
|-
| '''Abortion Law'''
| legal in some circumstances; not upon request
|-
| '''LGBTQ Laws'''
| homosexuality illegal
|-
| '''Related Pages'''
| [[Barbados]]
|-
|}


'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  
In Barbados, you can access many forms of contraceptives, such as condoms and birth control pills, without a prescription. They are available at pharmacies, clinics, and the Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA). For other methods of contraception, such as IUDs or contraceptive shots, you can contact health care providers or BFPA to find how to access them. You can find emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) available at hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies, and a prescription is rarely required. While the law may state that a prescription is required, this appears to be rarely enforced.
There are no known travel or residency restrictions related to foreigners who are HIV-positive, meaning that anybody can visit or reside in Barbados, regardless of their HIV status. You can find Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in Barbados -- but, as of September 2018, we cannot find any evidence of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) being available. The HPV vaccine is available, and there is a nationwide HPV vaccination program. You can find medications for yeast infections, as well as other infections, at pharmacies. There are also tampons and pads/pantyliners for sale in pharmacies and markets, but menstrual cups are only available from a select group of sellers.
Maternity leave is available to women who have been employed for at least 12 months. They can take a minimum of 12 weeks off, and If illness occurs, a medical practitioner can also recommend an additional 6 weeks of leave on top of the minimum 12 weeks. The maternal mortality rate was 27 deaths per 100,000 live births, as of 2017.
As of 2012, abortion is legal under many circumstances, but it is not available upon request. For a full descripion of the circumstances under which abortion is legal, please visit the "Abortion" section below.


==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==Contraception (Birth Control)==
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In Barbados, you can obtain birth control pills, contraceptive patches, or condoms over-the-counter. No prescription is necessary.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth]</ref> For other forms of birth control, such as intra-uterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, or contraceptive injectables, you will need to visit a clinic, hospital, or health care provider.
In Barbados, you can obtain birth control pills, contraceptive patches, or condoms over-the-counter. No prescription is necessary.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth]</ref> For other forms of birth control, such as intra-uterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, or contraceptive injectables, you will need to visit a clinic, hospital, or health care provider.


According to a 2015 report, it was found that about 60% of women in Barbados (who are married/in unions and of reproductive age) use any form of contraception, including traditional methods, which was slightly lower than the Caribbean average for contraceptive use (62%). Furthermore, it was found that about 16% of women in Barbados had unmet family needs. The most common forms of contraception were birth control pills (used by about 22% of women) and condoms (used by about 20% of women). This was followed by contraceptive injectables (5%), female sterilization (5%), and IUDs (3%). Less than one percent of women used contraceptive implants, male sterilization, or female barrier methods as their form of contraception, respectively. As for traditional methods, about 2% of women used withdrawal, also known as the "pull-out method," and 1% used the rhythm method.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref>
Generally speaking, Barbados does not have a high fertility rate. It was estimated that the fertility rate was 1.68 children born per woman in 2017, which made the fertility rate roughly comparable to Luxembourg.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html#bb CIA World Factbook - Total Fertility Rate]</ref> According to a 2015 report, it was found that about 60% of women in Barbados (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used any form of contraception, including traditional methods, which was slightly lower than the Caribbean average for contraceptive use (62%). Furthermore, it was found that about 16% of women in Barbados had unmet family needs. The most common forms of contraception were birth control pills (used by about 22% of women) and condoms (used by about 20% of women). This was followed by contraceptive injectables (5%), female sterilization (5%), and IUDs (3%). Less than one percent of women used contraceptive implants, male sterilization, or female barrier methods as their form of contraception, respectively. As for traditional methods, about 2% of women used withdrawal, also known as the "pull-out method," and 1% used the rhythm method.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


* In Barbados, you can obtain '''condoms''' at pharmacies, clinics, and the [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]. Some of the brands you can expect to find are Durex, Vitalis, and Erotim.
* In Barbados, you can obtain '''condoms''' at pharmacies, clinics, and the [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]. Some of the brands you can expect to find are Durex, Vitalis, and Erotim.
* You can obtain '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' at pharmacies, clinics, and the [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]. You'll typically find brands from international pharmaceutical companies. Some of the brands you can expect to find are Exluton, Cerazette, Diane 35, Femiane, Gynera, Logynon, Microgynon 30, Qlaira, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversations with Bridgetown pharmacists, September 2018]</ref>
* You can obtain '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' at pharmacies, clinics, and the [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]. No prescription is necessary. The pills can be obtained over-the-counter. You'll typically find brands from international pharmaceutical companies. Some of the brands you can expect to find are Exluton, Cerazette, Diane 35, Femiane, Gynera, Logynon, Microgynon 30, Qlaira, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversations with Bridgetown pharmacists, September 2018]</ref>
* It appears that the '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' is not commonly available in Barbados, and it may not be available at all. Most pharmacies will not have it, and they probably won't be able to even special order it (but you can ask and see). We were also told by a pharmacist that it used to be available on the island, but it no longer seems to be available (September 2018).
* It appears that the '''contraceptive ring (Nuvaring)''' is not commonly available in Barbados, and it may not be available at all. Most pharmacies will not have it, and they probably won't be able to even special order it (but you can ask and see). We were also told by a pharmacist that it used to be available on the island, but it no longer seems to be available (September 2018).
* The '''contraceptive patch (Evra)''' is available in Barbados, though it's not extremely common and tends to be rather expensive. For this reason, you may need to special order it from some pharmacies, though other pharmacies may have it in stock.<ref>[Conversations with Bridgetown pharmacists, September 2018]</ref>
* The '''contraceptive patch (Evra)''' is available in Barbados, though it's not extremely common and tends to be rather expensive. For this reason, you may need to special order it from some pharmacies, though other pharmacies may have it in stock.<ref>[Conversations with Bridgetown pharmacists, September 2018]</ref>
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* The cost for '''male condoms''' will vary, depending on the brand and pharmacy. However, you can expect to pay a range of $2-6 BBD for a box of condoms, as of September 18, at a pharmacy in Bridgetown.
* The cost for '''male condoms''' will vary, depending on the brand and pharmacy. However, you can expect to pay a range of $2-6 BBD for a box of condoms, as of September 18, at a pharmacy in Bridgetown.
* The cost for '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' will vary, depending on the brand and pharmacy. However, you can expect to pay a range of $18-30 BBD for a box of birth control pills, as of September 18, at a pharmacy in Bridgetown.
* The cost for '''contraceptive pills (birth control pills)''' will vary, depending on the brand and pharmacy. However, you can expect to pay a range of $6-30 BBD for a box of birth control pills, as of September 18, at a pharmacy in Bridgetown. For example, at one pharmacy in Bridgetown, here were the quoted prices in September 2018: Logynon $7.35, Microgynon $6.75, Femiane $17.70, Diane 35 $22.65, and Yasmin $28.15.
* The cost for the '''contraceptive patch''' can run around $100 BBD, as of September 2018.
* The cost for the '''contraceptive patch''' can run around $100 BBD, as of September 2018.


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==Gynecological Exams==
==Gynecological Exams==
[[File:Barbados Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown-2.jpg|400px | thumb|right|Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados]]


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


====Public and Nonprofit Clinics====
* [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]: "The BFPA is one of the top providers of sexual and reproductive health services for women in Barbados. From pap smears, contraceptive care, fertility treatment, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and gynecological health. Our clinic team will provide you with confidential care and support, that you can trust." Address: Bay Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados. Clinic Phone: 1-246-426-2027. Email: info@bfpaonline.com
* [https://www.bfpaonline.com/services-for-women Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]: "The BFPA is one of the top providers of sexual and reproductive health services for women in Barbados. From pap smears, contraceptive care, fertility treatment, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and gynecological health. Our clinic team will provide you with confidential care and support, that you can trust." Address: Bay Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados. Clinic Phone: 1-246-426-2027. Email: info@bfpaonline.com
* [http://www.qehconnect.com/ Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown]: This is the General Hospital for the southern part of the island. Located in Saint Michael. However, this hospital has received some negative reviews, which can be seen on their [https://www.facebook.com/QEHBarbados/reviews/?ref=page_internal Facebook page]. From the website: "The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provides a wide range of obstetrical and gynaecological services to the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and nieces of our Nation...  The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the only tertiary hospital on the island and functions as a referral centre for other English Speaking Caribbean islands as well as a teaching hospital via the University of the West Indies." Address: Martindales Rd, Bridgetown, Barbados. Call: +1 246-436-6450
====Private Hospitals & Clinics====
* [http://obgyntotalcare.com/ OB/GYN Total Care]: "Personalized patient care is what sets OB/GYN Total Care apart. When you visit our location at Windsor Medical Centre you can expect to receive world class care. Expert specialists and caring clinical staff provide you with an exceptional health care experience." Address: Windsor Medical Center, Crnr. Government Hill and Pine Plantation Road, St. Michael, BB11066, Barbados, W.I. Phone: +1 246 622-4070
* [http://obgyntotalcare.com/ OB/GYN Total Care]: "Personalized patient care is what sets OB/GYN Total Care apart. When you visit our location at Windsor Medical Centre you can expect to receive world class care. Expert specialists and caring clinical staff provide you with an exceptional health care experience." Address: Windsor Medical Center, Crnr. Government Hill and Pine Plantation Road, St. Michael, BB11066, Barbados, W.I. Phone: +1 246 622-4070


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In Barbados, maternity leave of at least 12 weeks is available to women who have been employed for at least 12 months. If illness occurs, a medical practitioner can also recommend an additional 6 weeks of leave on top of the minimum 12 weeks.<ref>[http://businessbarbados.com/investor-guide/human-resources/employee-rights/ Employment Rights Act 2012 (ERA)]</ref>
In Barbados, maternity leave of at least 12 weeks is available to women who have been employed for at least 12 months. If illness occurs, a medical practitioner can also recommend an additional 6 weeks of leave on top of the minimum 12 weeks.<ref>[http://businessbarbados.com/investor-guide/human-resources/employee-rights/ Employment Rights Act 2012 (ERA)]</ref>
The maternal mortality rate was 27 deaths per 100,000 live births, as of 2017.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2223.html CIA World Factbook - Maternal Mortality Ratio]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* You can refer the section above ("Gynecological Exams") for recommended ob/gyns, clinics. and hospitals.
* [http://bayviewhospital.com.bb/ Bay View Hospital]: This private hospital receives good reviews. From the website: "We have extensive experience in dealing with the provision of healthcare for women. Our Obstetrics & Gynaecology department provides a range of programs and services dedicated to women of all ages. Our expert physicians and staff can relate to the changes and challenges that women experience and we are fully equipped to deal with a range of conditions." Address: St. Paul's Ave, St. Michael, Barbados. Phone: (246) 436-5446. Email: info@bayviewhospital.com.bb


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


In Barbados, abortion is legal under many circumstances, but it is not available upon request. It is legally available when the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman, when the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the woman, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when there is risk of fetal impairment, and for economic or social reasons.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN report: Abortion Policy - Barbados]</ref> The Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA) provides abortion services and post-abortion care in its main clinic.<ref>[https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/barbados IPPF - Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]</ref>
In Barbados, abortion is legal under many circumstances, but it is not available upon request. It is legally available when the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman, when the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the woman, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when there is risk of fetal impairment, and for economic or social reasons. For an abortion to be legally performed, it must be authorized by a physician when gestation is 12 weeks or less. It must be authorized by two physicians if the gestation period is between 12 weeks and 20 weeks. It must be authorized by three physicians if the gestation period is over 20 weeks. Furthermore, in all cases, a woman must receive counseling prior to the procedure. The abortion must be performed by a medical practitioner, and if the gestation period is more than 12 weeks, the abortion must be performed in a government hospital. For inquiries regarding abortions in Barbados, a great place to start in the Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA). They provide abortion services and post-abortion care in their main clinic.<ref>[https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/barbados IPPF - Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]</ref>
 
The current abortion laws can be found in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, which was passed by Congress in 2012. These laws are much more lenient than the colonial-era laws that were previously enforced. Before 2012, abortion was generally illegal in Barbados, and people could be criminally prosecuted for seeking or assisting abortion services. There was a high rate of maternal mortality in Barbados, as many women were dying from unsafe clandestine abortions, and the government wanted to address this problem.<ref>[http://www.trivester.com/comments/barbados/abortion/ The Abortion is the number one cause of death in Barbados]</ref> Furthermore, there was a strong grassroots movement that lobbied for a change in abortion policy. The passing of the law has been part of a larger trend in Barbados to improve health services for women in the country. In 2017, it was reported that the maternal mortality rate in Barbados had decreased by 53% over a 25-year period.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/28/why-do-politicians-still-force-women-through-unwanted-pregnancies-dame-billie-miller-barbados Why do politicians still force women through unwanted pregnancies?]</ref>


The current abortion laws can be found in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, which was passed by Congress in 2012. These laws are much more lenient than the colonial-era laws that were previously enforced. Before 2012, abortion was generally illegal in Barbados, and people could be criminally prosecuted for seeking or assisting abortion services. There was a high rate of maternal mortality in Barbados, as many women were dying from unsafe clandestine abortions, and the government wanted to address this problem. Furthermore, there was a strong grassroots movement that lobbied for a change in abortion policy.<ref>[http://www.trivester.com/comments/barbados/abortion/ The Abortion is the number one cause of death in Barbados]</ref> The passing of the law has been part of a larger trend in Barbados to improve health services for women in the country. In 2017, it was reported that the maternal mortality rate in Barbados had decreased by 53% over a 25-year period.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/28/why-do-politicians-still-force-women-through-unwanted-pregnancies-dame-billie-miller-barbados Why do politicians still force women through unwanted pregnancies?]</ref>
To read the text of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, click [https://srhr.org/abortion-policies/documents/countries/01-Barbados-Medical-Termination-of-Pregnancy-Act-1983.pdf here].


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
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* [http://www.health.gov.bb/ Ministry of Health - Barbados]: "Mission: To provide comprehensive health services to all Barbadians. The Ministry of Health is the executing agency for the delivery of health care in the public sector and has responsibility for planning, regulation and evaluation across the public, private and NGO sectors.  It is headed by a Minister who has overall responsibility for policy-making and political direction.  Decision-making is centralized and there are no local authorities."  
* [http://www.health.gov.bb/ Ministry of Health - Barbados]: "Mission: To provide comprehensive health services to all Barbadians. The Ministry of Health is the executing agency for the delivery of health care in the public sector and has responsibility for planning, regulation and evaluation across the public, private and NGO sectors.  It is headed by a Minister who has overall responsibility for policy-making and political direction.  Decision-making is centralized and there are no local authorities."  
* [https://www.bfpaonline.com/ Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA)]: info@bfpaonline.com
* [https://www.equaldex.com/region/barbados Equaldex Barbados]: This website provides information on LGBTQ rights and laws in Barbados. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal. The laws explicitly states that male homosexual activity is illegal, though it's a bit more ambiguous regarding female homosexuality. While the anti-homosexual laws are rarely enforced, they are important to be aware of. The laws regarding changing gender are ambiguous. There are no laws to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination, however activists would like to change laws surrounding LGBTQ rights and the first pride parade in Barbados was held in 2018.
* [https://www.equaldex.com/region/barbados Equaldex Barbados]: This website provides information on LGBTQ rights and laws in Barbados. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal. The laws explicitly states that male homosexual activity is illegal, though it's a bit more ambiguous regarding female homosexuality. While the anti-homosexual laws are rarely enforced, they are important to be aware of. The laws regarding changing gender are ambiguous. There are no laws to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination, however activists would like to change laws surrounding LGBTQ rights and the first pride parade in Barbados was held in 2018.
* National Organization of Women - Barbados: "NOW promotes the need for understanding and unity among women in our land; working towards equal status for women in economic, civil, educational and political life, and removal of discrimination." Email: barbadosnow@gmail.com
* Barbados Association of Muslim Ladies: "BAML promotes the personal, social and educational development of Muslim females." Email: baml.bb@hotmail.com
* Barbados Council of Women: Lyrias, Christchurch. , Barbados
* Barbados Council of Women: Lyrias, Christchurch. , Barbados
* Caribbean Women's (International) Network: Barbados Secretariat: Townhouse #2, Lot B12, Graeme Hall Park, Christ Church, Barbados, Email: cwn@caribsurf.com
* Caribbean Women's (International) Network: Barbados Secretariat: Townhouse #2, Lot B12, Graeme Hall Park, Christ Church, Barbados, Email: cwn@caribsurf.com
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