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'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  


As the capital of Egypt, there are more health resources in Cairo than anywhere else in the country. However, there are limited options available to women. Contraceptives can be purchased at pharmacies without prescriptions. For emergency contraception, prescriptions are legally required but, in practicality, this is not always the case. There is strong social stigma against STIs/STDs, so, while testing facilities exist, there is limited public knowledge or monitoring of STIs. Abortion is illegal, yet an underground economy of abortions seems to be rather large. There is a prominent women's shelter, maintained by a women's group, and there are some notable feminist organizations to help women in need. Overall, Cairo is a place that can be difficult for female newcomers. If you have a health care need, it's recommended to tap into a network of already existing resources and progressive doctors.
As the capital of Egypt, there are more health resources in Cairo than anywhere else in the country. However, certain health care options may be still be difficult to access. Many forms of contraception, such as condoms or birth control pills, can be purchased at pharmacies without prescriptions. For emergency contraception, prescriptions are legally required but, in practicality, this is not always the case. There is a reportedly strong social stigma against STIs/STDs, so, while testing facilities exist, there is limited public knowledge and monitoring of STIs. Abortion is illegal, yet an underground economy of abortions seems to be rather large. There is a prominent women's shelter, maintained by a women's group, and there are some notable feminist organizations to help women in need. Overall, Cairo is a place that can be difficult for some female newcomers, if they are in need of certain reproductive health services, and depending on their resources and circumstances. If you have a health care need, it's recommended to tap into a network of already existing resources and progressive doctors.


==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==Contraception (Birth Control)==
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


In Egypt, contraceptives are legal and require no prescription, as supported by the Ministry of Health. They can be purchased at local pharmacies.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> However, there is strong social stigma against purchasing birth control, especially for people perceived to be single. This leads to many Egyptians buying contraceptives from pharmacies outside their neighborhoods or even asking boyfriends or foreign friends to buy contraceptives for them. Read this [http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/buying-birth-control-sexual-stigmas-and-stds article] on these stigmas and how they are managed by Egyptians.
In Egypt, you can purchase condoms and birth control pills at pharmacies without a prescription.<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> However, for other forms of birth control, such as implants, injectables, and IUDs, you may need to directly visit a hospital or clinic to obtain them.
 
There is strong social stigma against purchasing birth control, especially for people perceived to be single. This leads to many Egyptians buying contraceptives from pharmacies outside their neighborhoods or even asking boyfriends or foreign friends to buy contraceptives for them. Read this [http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/buying-birth-control-sexual-stigmas-and-stds article] on these stigmas and how they are managed by Egyptians.


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


Emergency contraception (EC) is available in Egypt by prescription only. Some local women report not even knowing that EC is available to them. Studies have shown that Egyptians are generally interested in EC yet lack proper education. According to one study, "There is a need for EC in Egypt. However, a big gap in knowledge leads to nonuse or incorrect use of EC and negative attitude toward it. If health service planners and policy makers could fill this gap, a considerable decline in the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy may be achieved by using EC."<ref>[http://www.dktinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Abstract-ECPs-in-Egypt-European-Journal-of-Contraception-May2013.pdf ECPs in Egypt]</ref>  
Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available in Egypt by prescription only.<ref>[https://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/egypt/ EC Status and Availability - Egypt]</ref> Some local women report not even knowing that EC is available to them. Studies have shown that Egyptians are generally interested in EC yet lack proper education. According to one study, "There is a need for EC in Egypt. However, a big gap in knowledge leads to nonuse or incorrect use of EC and negative attitude toward it. If health service planners and policy makers could fill this gap, a considerable decline in the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy may be achieved by using EC."<ref>[http://www.dktinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Abstract-ECPs-in-Egypt-European-Journal-of-Contraception-May2013.pdf ECPs in Egypt]</ref>  


According to another study in 2013, 75% of Egyptian women in Alexandria lacked knowledge of EC methods. Furthermore, 18.8% thought that EC and the abortion pill were the same thing. Many women did not know the legality of EC either, with 51% incorrectly thinking it was illegal and 38.4% not knowing at all. "Despite the fact that EC has been available and registered for a long time in Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries as Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Yemen," the study found "EC remains relatively unknown and is discussed controversially in such countries, and the problem of unintended pregnancy still exists."<ref>[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361213000784 Awareness and use of emergency contraception among women of childbearing age at the family health care centers in Alexandria, Egypt]</ref>
According to another study in 2013, 75% of Egyptian women in Alexandria lacked knowledge of EC methods. Furthermore, 18.8% thought that EC and the abortion pill were the same thing. Many women did not know the legality of EC either, with 51% incorrectly thinking it was illegal and 38.4% not knowing at all. "Despite the fact that EC has been available and registered for a long time in Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries as Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Yemen," the study found "EC remains relatively unknown and is discussed controversially in such countries, and the problem of unintended pregnancy still exists."<ref>[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361213000784 Awareness and use of emergency contraception among women of childbearing age at the family health care centers in Alexandria, Egypt]</ref>
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


Legally, you need a prescription to get dedicated EC in Egypt. But some pharmacists may give it out without a prescription. This doctor prescribes EC for about ₫375835: [http://www.whatclinic.com/obstetrics-gynaecology/egypt/gizeh/dr-magued-adel-aziz-mikhail Dr Magued Adel Aziz Mikhail]: Address: 15 Charles De Gaulle Street opposite Giza Zoo, 5th floor flat 52 Above Ragab sons Supermarket, Giza. Phone: 00 20 122 444 0597.
* Legally, you need a prescription to get dedicated EC in Egypt. But some pharmacists may give it out without a prescription. This doctor prescribes EC for about ₫375835: [http://www.whatclinic.com/obstetrics-gynaecology/egypt/gizeh/dr-magued-adel-aziz-mikhail Dr Magued Adel Aziz Mikhail]: Address: 15 Charles De Gaulle Street opposite Giza Zoo, 5th floor flat 52 Above Ragab sons Supermarket, Giza. Phone: 00 20 122 444 0597.
 
* If you want dedicated emergency contraception (the morning after pill), you can find progestin-only pills in Egypt. For these pills, you take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex. The brands you'll find may be Contraplan II (this is a brand produced in Egypt by DKT Egypt) and Postinor-2 (this is an international brand produced by many labs).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
* If you want dedicated emergency contraception (the morning after pill), you can find progestin-only pills in Egypt. For these pills, you take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex. The brands you'll find may be Contraplan II (this is a brand produced in Egypt by DKT Egypt) and Postinor-2 (this is an international brand produced by many labs).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
* If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement EC. To do this, you can take progestin-only pills, such as Microlut (take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). You can also take progestin-estrogen combined pills but you must remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. You can take Primovlar (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later. You can also take Microvlar or Nordette (for these, take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
* If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement EC. To do this, you can take progestin-only pills, such as Microlut (take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). You can also take progestin-estrogen combined pills but you must remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. You can take Primovlar (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later. You can also take Microvlar or Nordette (for these, take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


In Egypt, pads are easy to find. But tampons are not commonly used by Egyptian women. If you do want tampons, you may be able to find them at Metro Markets (see this [https://www.google.com.vn/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=metro+supermarket+cairo&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=30040191,31248622,4203&tbm=lcl&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:4 link] for locations), where they come in packs of 12 (regular absorbency) with cardboard applicators. There's a chance that they'll also be at certain pharmacies or Carrefour (since it is an international chain). You can also purchase menstrual products online and pay in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) -- check out [http://eg.pricena.com/en/personal-care/personal-care-for-women/feminine-hygiene this link] for an example.
* In Egypt, pads are easy to find. But tampons are not commonly used by Egyptian women. If you do want tampons, you may be able to find them at Metro Markets (see this [https://www.google.com.vn/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=metro+supermarket+cairo&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=30040191,31248622,4203&tbm=lcl&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:4 link] for locations), where they come in packs of 12 (regular absorbency) with cardboard applicators. There's a chance that they'll also be at certain pharmacies or Carrefour (since it is an international chain). You can also purchase menstrual products online and pay in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) -- check out [http://eg.pricena.com/en/personal-care/personal-care-for-women/feminine-hygiene this link] for an example.
 
* While menstrual cups may be hard to find in some stores, you can purchase them online. There are some informal online stores that have been set on social networks like Facebook, such as [https://www.facebook.com/menstrualcup.egypt/ Menstrual Cup Egypt] and [https://www.facebook.com/organicupegypt/ Organicup Egypt].
For a personal story, here's a [http://egyptbazaar.blogspot.com/2007/08/tampons.html blog entry] about an American woman buying tampons in Cairo.
* For a personal story, here's a [http://egyptbazaar.blogspot.com/2007/08/tampons.html blog entry] about an American woman buying tampons in Cairo.


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


In Egypt, abortion is only permitted to save the life of a woman. Misoprostol (the abortion pill) sales have been restricted. All other reasons, including to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, social/economic reasons or available upon request, are not permitted. These laws are found in the Egyptian Penal Code of 1937 (sections 260-64). Furthermore, anyone who induces an abortion, including the pregnant woman, may face imprisonment for up to three years. Medical professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, surgeons or midwives, may be subject to imprisonment of 3-15 years and/or hard labor if they induce any abortions. However, the government cannot convict someone merely for having the intent to commit the act.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report: Abortion Law in Egypt]</ref>
In Egypt, abortion is only permitted to save the life of a woman. Misoprostol (the abortion pill) sales have been restricted. All other reasons for abortion, including to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, social/economic reasons or available upon request, are not permitted. These laws are found in the Egyptian Penal Code of 1937 (sections 260-64). Furthermore, anyone who induces an abortion, including the pregnant woman, may face imprisonment for up to three years. Medical professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, surgeons or midwives, may be subject to imprisonment of 3-15 years and/or hard labor if they induce any abortions. However, the government cannot convict someone merely for having the intent to commit the act.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report: Abortion Law in Egypt]</ref>


There is also strong religious disapproval of abortions. In January 2004, the foremost mosque in Egypt issued a fatwa against abortions.<ref>[http://womensenews.org/2004/04/abortions-are-illegal-and-common-egypt/ Abortions Are Illegal and Common in Egypt]</ref>  
There is also strong religious disapproval of abortions. In January 2004, the foremost mosque in Egypt issued a fatwa against abortions.<ref>[http://womensenews.org/2004/04/abortions-are-illegal-and-common-egypt/ Abortions Are Illegal and Common in Egypt]</ref>  
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* General number for the police: 122
* Number for the tourist police hotline: 126
* [https://www.alnadeem.org/en Al Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence]: "Other than helping women victims of torture, El Nadeem is also involved in addressing other forms of violence against women. EL Nadeem is providing psychological, social and rehabilitative support to victims of domestic violence and rape, providing listening and counseling to women victims of violence." Program Hotline Number: +201006662404


===Costs===
===Costs===


==List of Additional Resources==
==List of Additional Resources==
* General number for the police: 122
 
* Number for the tourist police hotline: 126
* [http://www.mohp.gov.eg/ Ministry of Health]
* [https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/egypt Egyptian Family Planning Association]:  Egyptian Family Planning Association: "Though there is still a long way to go with regard to the risk of maternal and child mortality, Egypt’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) statistics are improving year on year and the Egyptian Family Planning Association (EFPA) has been at the heart of driving improvements. It has done so through service delivery (complementing government services) and a concerted programme of advocacy to high-level policy makers. EFPA is the Egyptian government’s primary partner in SRH, and it co-ordinates the delivery of family planning services by other voluntary organizations. Additionally, EFPA is a lead partner in the National Population Commission’s ongoing initiative to increase contraceptive prevalence across the country."
* Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/egypt here] to learn about LGBTQ rights in Egypt. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Egypt.
* [https://harassmap.org/en Harass Map]: "HarassMap is an award winning volunteer-based initiative founded in late 2010. We are working to engage all of Egyptian society to create an environment that does not tolerate sexual harassment."
* [http://www.adew.org/ The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women]: Founded in 1987 to empower Egyptian women. Has micro-loan programs, free legal assistance, literacy programs, etc. Also manages Beit Hawa (see below).
* [http://www.adew.org/ The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women]: Founded in 1987 to empower Egyptian women. Has micro-loan programs, free legal assistance, literacy programs, etc. Also manages Beit Hawa (see below).
* Beit Hawa (the House of Eve): an autonomous women's shelter. Here's an [https://en.qantara.de/content/beit-hawa-womens-refuge-in-egypt-shelter-from-domestic-violence article] on them. Managed by [http://www.adew.org/www/?act=tp&ct=4&tpid=38 The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women] - contact the association for info.
* Beit Hawa (the House of Eve): an autonomous women's shelter. Here's an [https://en.qantara.de/content/beit-hawa-womens-refuge-in-egypt-shelter-from-domestic-violence article] on them. Managed by [http://www.adew.org/www/?act=tp&ct=4&tpid=38 The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women] - contact the association for info.
* [http://www.en.mosharka.org/ The Egyptian Association for Community Participation Enhancement]: This organization focuses on gender equality programs, democracy development, and human rights education. Address: 24 Hussein Hegazi st, Down-Town – Cairo, Tel: (+202) 279 304 35, E-mail Address: info@mosharka.org; cpe_eg@yahoo.com
* [http://ecwronline.org/ The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights]: "Committed to improving the political and legal status of women since 1996." Has successfully lobbied for legislative changes, fights street harassment, helps women obtain ID cards and register to vote. Address: Engineers Towers, 2nd Tower, 20th Floor, flat No. 3, Maadi, Cairo Egypt. Tel : +202 527-1397, +202 528-2176, Fax : +202 528-2175.
* [http://ecwronline.org/ The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights]: "Committed to improving the political and legal status of women since 1996." Has successfully lobbied for legislative changes, fights street harassment, helps women obtain ID cards and register to vote. Address: Engineers Towers, 2nd Tower, 20th Floor, flat No. 3, Maadi, Cairo Egypt. Tel : +202 527-1397, +202 528-2176, Fax : +202 528-2175.
* [http://nazra.org/ Nazra]: Focuses on feminism and gender awareness, especially among youth
* [http://nazra.org/ Nazra]: Focuses on feminism and gender awareness, especially among youth
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* [http://www.el-karama.org/content/egypt Karama]: NGO created in Cairo that collaborates with activists throughout Middle East and North Africa. "Karama held its first national workshop in Cairo in 2005. It brought together 35 Egyptian NGOs to discuss the problem of violence against women in Egypt, what Egyptian civil society has been doing to address it until now, and how the new Karama approach might amplify these efforts. Since that first meeting, Karama’s focus on women’s dignity, on the society-wide impact of violence against women, and on grassroots-led collaborative efforts to end violence has continued to resonate. The majority of groups that participated in the national workshop have stayed on to become the core of Karama’s network in Egypt, and to build a social movement for a life free of violence against women."
* [http://www.el-karama.org/content/egypt Karama]: NGO created in Cairo that collaborates with activists throughout Middle East and North Africa. "Karama held its first national workshop in Cairo in 2005. It brought together 35 Egyptian NGOs to discuss the problem of violence against women in Egypt, what Egyptian civil society has been doing to address it until now, and how the new Karama approach might amplify these efforts. Since that first meeting, Karama’s focus on women’s dignity, on the society-wide impact of violence against women, and on grassroots-led collaborative efforts to end violence has continued to resonate. The majority of groups that participated in the national workshop have stayed on to become the core of Karama’s network in Egypt, and to build a social movement for a life free of violence against women."
* [http://www.bosla-egypt.info/en/issues/victims-of-human-trafficking Bosla Egypt]: Provides services for victims of human trafficking, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, women, refugees and asylum seekers. Email: contact@bosla-egypt.info
* [http://www.bosla-egypt.info/en/issues/victims-of-human-trafficking Bosla Egypt]: Provides services for victims of human trafficking, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, women, refugees and asylum seekers. Email: contact@bosla-egypt.info
 
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
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|description=Find sexual, reproductive and women's health care in Cairo.
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