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Overall, Iran is an incredibly complex, and often paradoxical, country when it comes to issues related to sexual and reproductive health care. On the one hand, Iran is a conservative nation and an Islamic republic, which has often preached a pro-natalist policy. Politicians and clerics routinely promote larger families and decry immorality. Locals report that they often feel uncomfortable asking pharmacists for birth control or emergency contraception, and the subject of STI tests remains generally taboo. There are minimal legal protections related to sexual harassment or gender discrimination, and homosexuality is illegal.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2014/feb/04/womens-rights-country-by-country-interactive Women's Rights - Country by Country]</ref> Meanwhile, abortion is only legal during the first four months of pregnancy, and only when the pregnancy either endangers the woman's life<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4834/abortion-law-iran Abortion Law in Iran]</ref> or when there is severe risk of fetal impairment.<ref>[http://asap-asia.org/country-profile-iran/ Asia Safe Abortion Partnership - Country Profile: Iran]</ref> | Overall, Iran is an incredibly complex, and often paradoxical, country when it comes to issues related to sexual and reproductive health care. On the one hand, Iran is a conservative nation and an Islamic republic, which has often preached a pro-natalist policy. Politicians and clerics routinely promote larger families and decry immorality. Locals report that they often feel uncomfortable asking pharmacists for birth control or emergency contraception, and the subject of STI tests remains generally taboo. There are minimal legal protections related to sexual harassment or gender discrimination, and homosexuality is illegal.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2014/feb/04/womens-rights-country-by-country-interactive Women's Rights - Country by Country]</ref> Meanwhile, abortion is only legal during the first four months of pregnancy, and only when the pregnancy either endangers the woman's life<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4834/abortion-law-iran Abortion Law in Iran]</ref> or when there is severe risk of fetal impairment.<ref>[http://asap-asia.org/country-profile-iran/ Asia Safe Abortion Partnership - Country Profile: Iran]</ref> | ||
Yet, on the other hand, Iran is a country with a | Yet, on the other hand, Iran is a country with a rich history and dynamic society. Before the Iranian Revolution, family planning was declared a human right under the Tehran Declaration of 1967. Despite challenges to family planning, you can purchase birth control, such as pills and condoms, at pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription in Iran. You can also purchase emergency contraception (the morning after pill) at pharmacies without a prescription. You can access HIV tests at most laboratories that do blood work or through gynecologists found at hospitals or clinics. Meanwhile, there is a rather large underground network of abortion providers and even an Iranian health minister acknowledged the high abortion rates in 2014. It is common for Iranian newlyweds to want small families or no children at all, and studies have shown that it's often married and educated women who seek out abortions in Iran, hoping to control the size of their families.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2011/11/study-iranians-have-abortions-too.html Study | Iranians Have Abortions, Too]</ref> | ||
With all of this being said, it's very difficult to draw blanket statements or broad generalizations about Iran. It is a country known for both strong conservatism and deep-set liberalism, and like many countries, the subject of family planning is a sensitive issue that's not without controversy. | With all of this being said, it's very difficult to draw blanket statements or broad generalizations about Iran. It is a country known for both strong conservatism and deep-set liberalism, and like many countries, the subject of family planning is a sensitive issue that's not without controversy. | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Iran, you can purchase various forms of birth control at pharmacies without a prescription.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> You can also purchase condoms at drugstores and certain high-end supermarkets without a prescription. However, some women feel uncomfortable purchasing contraceptives, such as condoms or birth control pills, in their local pharmacies or supermarkets, where they may be observed by neighbors or family members. Furthermore, pharmacists are known to sometimes question locals, asking why they are purchasing contraception and if they married.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> This type of questioning is done to both men and women, but women receive a greater amount of stigmatization and shaming, according to locals. For this reason, local women may travel to other neighborhoods to purchase contraceptives, where they can escape the judgment of neighbors.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mDfKDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=buying+birth+control+iran&source=bl&ots=EdQpYSS7Zj&sig=iWR7BqcVKhpGIiTuoezL11Fgbf0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjBsq6e-ZbYAhWEiFQKHWRxDfA4ChDoAQgrMAE#v=onepage&q=buying%20birth%20control%20iran&f=false Contemporary Iran: Economy, Society, Politics]</ref> | In Iran, you can purchase various forms of birth control at pharmacies without a prescription.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> You can also purchase condoms at drugstores and certain high-end supermarkets without a prescription. However, some women feel uncomfortable purchasing contraceptives, such as condoms or birth control pills, in their local pharmacies or supermarkets, where they may be observed by neighbors or family members. Furthermore, pharmacists are known to sometimes question locals, asking why they are purchasing contraception and if they are married.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> This type of questioning is done to both men and women, but women receive a greater amount of stigmatization and shaming, according to locals. For this reason, local women may travel to other neighborhoods to purchase contraceptives, where they can escape the judgment of neighbors.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mDfKDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=buying+birth+control+iran&source=bl&ots=EdQpYSS7Zj&sig=iWR7BqcVKhpGIiTuoezL11Fgbf0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjBsq6e-ZbYAhWEiFQKHWRxDfA4ChDoAQgrMAE#v=onepage&q=buying%20birth%20control%20iran&f=false Contemporary Iran: Economy, Society, Politics]</ref> | ||
Generally speaking, birth control pills and withdrawal are the most common contraceptive methods in Iran. According to a 2015 report, 76.6% of Iranian women (who are of reproductive age and married/in unions) use some form of contraception. The most common forms of contraception are withdrawal/"the pull out method" (16.9%), birth control pills (15.6%), female sterilization (14.8%), male condoms (13.7%) and IUDs (8.4%). Overall, it is estimated that 6.5% of Iranian women (who are of reproductive age and married/in unions) have unmet family planning needs. This rate is lower than in many Western European countries, meaning that, despite their conservative government, many Iranian women are still accessing contraception.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | Generally speaking, birth control pills and withdrawal are the most common contraceptive methods in Iran. According to a 2015 report, 76.6% of Iranian women (who are of reproductive age and married/in unions) use some form of contraception. The most common forms of contraception are withdrawal/"the pull out method" (16.9%), birth control pills (15.6%), female sterilization (14.8%), male condoms (13.7%) and IUDs (8.4%). Overall, it is estimated that 6.5% of Iranian women (who are of reproductive age and married/in unions) have unmet family planning needs. This rate is lower than in many Western European countries, meaning that, despite their conservative government, many Iranian women are still accessing contraception.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | ||
From a historical perspective, Iran has frequently changed its family planning policies. In the 1960s, Iran recognized that it was experiencing rapid population growth, and national family planning policies were introduced. In fact, the Tehran Declaration of 1967 acknowledged family planning as a human right.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12322212 Iran's revolutionary approach to family planning]</ref> Yet, following the Iranian Revolution (1979), the newly formed Iranian government, under Ayatollah Khomeini, focused on a traditional, pro-natalist approach. Family planning clinics were closed down, birth control policy was suspended and abortion was re-criminalized.<ref>[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583de01e29687f52b5487598/t/59a647219f8dcef77913d3eb/1504069410527/Aloosh+and+Saghai+2016+Birth+Control+Policies+in+Iran.pdf Birth control policies in Iran: a public health and ethics perspective - Mehdi Aloosh, Yashar Saghai]</ref> | From a historical perspective, Iran has frequently changed its family planning policies. In the 1960s, Iran recognized that it was experiencing rapid population growth, and national family planning policies were introduced. In fact, the Tehran Declaration of 1967 acknowledged family planning as a human right.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12322212 Iran's revolutionary approach to family planning]</ref> Yet, following the Iranian Revolution (1979), the newly formed Iranian government, under Ayatollah Khomeini, focused on a traditional, pro-natalist approach. Family planning clinics were closed down, birth control policy was suspended and abortion was re-criminalized.<ref>[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583de01e29687f52b5487598/t/59a647219f8dcef77913d3eb/1504069410527/Aloosh+and+Saghai+2016+Birth+Control+Policies+in+Iran.pdf Birth control policies in Iran: a public health and ethics perspective - Mehdi Aloosh, Yashar Saghai]</ref> | ||
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However, in 1989, the government's policies began to rapidly change. The war with Iraq had ended, Ayatollah Khomeini had died, and the new leaders, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, recognized that there was a population growth problem. The government launched a new campaign to encourage families to have a maximum of two children under the slogan, "One is good. Two is enough."<ref>[http://bust.com/feminism/15416-births-of-a-nation.html Iran Once Offered Free Birth Control To All Its Citizens, And It Was Amazing]</ref> Furthermore, Iran's Health Ministry began providing free contraceptives, including condoms, pills, implants, IUDs and sterilization, which could be obtained at urban clinics, rural clinics and mobile clinics. The government also required that college students, soldiers and engaged couples take classes on family planning. These changes helped to successfully bring a decline in population growth and fertility rates.<ref>[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583de01e29687f52b5487598/t/59a647219f8dcef77913d3eb/1504069410527/Aloosh+and+Saghai+2016+Birth+Control+Policies+in+Iran.pdf Birth control policies in Iran: a public health and ethics perspective - Mehdi Aloosh, Yashar Saghai]</ref> | However, in 1989, the government's policies began to rapidly change. The war with Iraq had ended, Ayatollah Khomeini had died, and the new leaders, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, recognized that there was a population growth problem. The government launched a new campaign to encourage families to have a maximum of two children under the slogan, "One is good. Two is enough."<ref>[http://bust.com/feminism/15416-births-of-a-nation.html Iran Once Offered Free Birth Control To All Its Citizens, And It Was Amazing]</ref> Furthermore, Iran's Health Ministry began providing free contraceptives, including condoms, pills, implants, IUDs and sterilization, which could be obtained at urban clinics, rural clinics and mobile clinics. The government also required that college students, soldiers and engaged couples take classes on family planning. These changes helped to successfully bring a decline in population growth and fertility rates.<ref>[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583de01e29687f52b5487598/t/59a647219f8dcef77913d3eb/1504069410527/Aloosh+and+Saghai+2016+Birth+Control+Policies+in+Iran.pdf Birth control policies in Iran: a public health and ethics perspective - Mehdi Aloosh, Yashar Saghai]</ref> | ||
The last decade has seen further shifts in family planning policy. In 2006, President Ahmadinejad declared that he wanted the population to increase, and many Iranian leaders and clerics have stated that population control measures belong in the past or were mistakes to begin with. The government has cut | The last decade has seen further shifts in family planning policy. In 2006, President Ahmadinejad declared that he wanted the population to increase, and many Iranian leaders and clerics have stated that population control measures belong in the past or were mistakes to begin with. The government has cut its budget for subsidized condoms and family planning services, increased paid maternity and paternity leave and tried to make female or male sterilization illegal.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/08/12/iran-bans-vasectomies-wants-more-babies/?utm_term=.8724a30ccb9b Iran bans vasectomies, wants more babies]</ref> <ref>[https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21603477-irans-leaders-are-worried-about-their-countrys-declining-population-make-more Iran: Making More Babies]</ref> However, many Iranian married couples, particularly middle-class and educated couples, may not feel the desire to have large families or any children at all. This is partially due to the increase in education among women, as well young people's concerns regarding the political and financial instability of the country.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/world/middleeast/iran-tehran-offers-incentives-to-middle-class-families-to-have-more-children-as-population-declines.html Urged to Multiply, Iranian Couples Are Dubious]</ref> | ||
At times, Iran has experienced shortages of birth control pills in pharmacies, particularly due to Western embargoes. You can read a personal account of attempting to buy birth control pills in Tehran, during a period of embargoes, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/narges-bajoghli/when-i-ran-out-of-birth-control_b_3671688.html here]. | At times, Iran has experienced shortages of birth control pills in pharmacies, particularly due to Western embargoes. You can read a personal account of attempting to buy birth control pills in Tehran, during a period of embargoes, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/narges-bajoghli/when-i-ran-out-of-birth-control_b_3671688.html here]. | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* If you want '''condoms''', you can buy them in drug stores and certain supermarkets in Iranian cities, according to official reports<ref>[http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60596-7/fulltext Population control policies in Iran]</ref> and local sources.<ref>[https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293998-i9139-k10311367-Condoms_or_contraceptives_in_bag_on_arrival-Iran.html Iran Forum: Condoms or contraceptives in bag on arrival?]</ref> | * If you want '''condoms''', you can buy them in drug stores and certain supermarkets in Iranian cities, according to official reports<ref>[http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60596-7/fulltext Population control policies in Iran]</ref> and local sources.<ref>[https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293998-i9139-k10311367-Condoms_or_contraceptives_in_bag_on_arrival-Iran.html Iran Forum: Condoms or contraceptives in bag on arrival?]</ref> At the drugstores, you can expect to see brands like Kapoot, Good Life and Nach.<ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> You can purchase them online at [https://www.digikala.com/ Digikala], which is the largest ecommerce site in Iran. You can also find special condom brands, like Fiesta, which are manufactured locally in Iran. They come in nine different flavors/types and were launched by DKT Iran (an NGO).<ref>[https://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/iran/ DKT International: Iran]</ref> In the past, Iran even launched condom vending machines in Tehran, which were meant to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, but they were later considered to be promoting "immoral acts" and were removed.<ref>[https://iranwire.com/en/features/1278 Iranians in the Dark as AIDS Cases Rise]</ref> | ||
* If you want '''birth control pills''', you can easily find them in pharmacies. It's most common to find pills from Iranian, German and Dutch pharmaceutical companies, such as | * If you want '''birth control pills''', you can easily find them in pharmacies. It's most common to find pills from Iranian, German and Dutch pharmaceutical companies, such as Contraceptive L.D. or Contraceptive H.D.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]\</ref> (produced by Iranian companies), Lynestrenol (produced by Organon, a Dutch company) or Yasmin and Yaz (produced by Bayer, a German company).<ref>[Information provided by local sources]</ref> | ||
* If you want an '''IUD''', you can find a variety of options in Iran, both locally-produced and from international manufacturers. For example, you may find the Pregna brand, which is a locally-produced IUDs that was launched launched by DKT Iran (an NGO).<ref>[https://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/iran/ DKT International: Iran]</ref> Furthermore, you may find internationally recognized IUD brands like Mirena.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4163262/ Iranian Study: Levonorgestrel-releasing IUD versus copper IUD in control of dysmenorrhea, satisfaction and quality of life in women using IUD]</ref> | * If you want an '''IUD''', you can find a variety of options in Iran, both locally-produced and from international manufacturers. For example, you may find the Pregna brand, which is a locally-produced IUDs that was launched launched by DKT Iran (an NGO).<ref>[https://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/iran/ DKT International: Iran]</ref> Furthermore, you may find internationally recognized IUD brands like Mirena.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4163262/ Iranian Study: Levonorgestrel-releasing IUD versus copper IUD in control of dysmenorrhea, satisfaction and quality of life in women using IUD]</ref> | ||
* While locals believe that you can find the '''contraceptive patch''', '''contraceptive injectable''' and '''contraceptive implant''' in Iran, we have not yet received any definitive information on these options. If you know where to access them in Iran, please add this information to the page. | * While locals believe that you can find the '''contraceptive patch''', '''contraceptive injectable''' and '''contraceptive implant''' in Iran, we have not yet received any definitive information on these options. If you know where to access them in Iran, please add this information to the page. | ||
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* For condoms, you can expect to pay around 10,000-20,000 rials per piece, as of December 2017.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> | * For condoms, you can expect to pay around 10,000-20,000 rials per piece, as of December 2017.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> | ||
* For a pack of birth control pills, you can expect to pay around 260,000 IRR-350,000 IRR.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> | * For a pack of birth control pills, you can expect to pay around 260,000 IRR-350,000 IRR.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> | ||
* While some articles | * While some articles online claim that the Iranian government subsidizes birth control pills, and the Iranian government did formerly provide subsidies to disadvantaged people, locals do not believe that this is currently the case.<ref>[Information provided by local sources, December 2017]</ref> | ||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ||
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* In Iran, you can purchase emergency contraception pills (the morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. You'll find that the brands being sold are typically produced by Iranian pharmaceutical companies. The most common brands are Longil and Ovocease.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | * In Iran, you can purchase emergency contraception pills (the morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. You'll find that the brands being sold are typically produced by Iranian pharmaceutical companies. The most common brands are Longil and Ovocease.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraception pills (ECPs), you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPs. But remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. To do this, you can take Contraceptive H.D. (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later). Alternatively, you can also take Contraceptive L.D. (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | * If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraception pills (ECPs), you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPs. But remember that, in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. To do this, you can take Contraceptive H.D. (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later). Alternatively, you can also take Contraceptive L.D. (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraception pills (ECPs), you can use an | * If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraception pills (ECPs), you can use an intrauterine device (IUD) as a form of emergency contraception. It will need to be inserted into your body as soon as possible after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Consult a physician for more details. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
Generally speaking, Iran is rather conservative when it comes to issues of STIs. First, there are laws related to foreigners and HIV status. If you are tourist or short-term visitor to Iran, you do not need to take an HIV test. However, if you plan to obtain a work or residence permit, or if you plan to stay in Iran for over three months, you will need to take an HIV test. If you are found to be HIV positive, your visa or permit will probably be denied.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=89 IRAN - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> There are an estimated 73,000 people in Iran living with HIV, and 0.1% of the population is HIV positive.<ref>[http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/islamicrepublicofiran UNAIDS: Islamic Republic of Iran]</ref> | Generally speaking, Iran is rather conservative when it comes to issues of STIs. First, there are laws related to foreigners and HIV status. If you are tourist or short-term visitor to Iran, you do not need to take an HIV test. However, if you're a foreigner and plan to obtain a work or residence permit, or if you plan to stay in Iran for over three months, you will need to take an HIV test. If you are found to be HIV positive, your visa or permit will probably be denied.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=89 IRAN - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> There are an estimated 73,000 people in Iran living with HIV, and 0.1% of the population is HIV positive.<ref>[http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/islamicrepublicofiran UNAIDS: Islamic Republic of Iran]</ref> | ||
Regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it could certainly be a topic that the government invests more resources toward, but this isn't currently the case. Cervical cancer is the ninth most frequent cancer among women (ages 15-44) in Iran, and about 2.8% of Iranian women are estimated to have HPV-16/18. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of invasive cervical cancer cases are attributed to HPV. However, Iran does not have a nationwide HPV vaccination program, as of 2017.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/IRN_FS.pdf Iran - Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2017]</ref> | Regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it could certainly be a topic that the government invests more resources toward, but this isn't currently the case. Cervical cancer is the ninth most frequent cancer among women (ages 15-44) in Iran, and about 2.8% of Iranian women are estimated to have HPV-16/18. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of invasive cervical cancer cases are attributed to HPV. However, Iran does not have a nationwide HPV vaccination program, as of 2017.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/IRN_FS.pdf Iran - Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2017]</ref> | ||
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===Testing Facilities=== | ===Testing Facilities=== | ||
* You should be able to find HIV and some other STI tests in most blood/urine testing labs in Iran.<ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> According to locals, you can dial 118 to find the nearest HIV consultation center in your area. These tests are usually free. Alternatively, you can go to a 'women's doctor,' as they are called, and get an HIV test, however these tests are not free (and they may be expensive). | |||
* You should be able to find HIV and some other STI tests in most blood/urine testing labs in Iran.<ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> | * There are some initiatives to offer free HIV tests on the streets to at-risk populations, like injection drug users, in cities like Tehran. To read more about this work, click [http://www.sltrib.com/news/nation-world/2017/11/29/iran-challenges-taboos-as-hiv-infections-from-sex-rise/ here]. | ||
* There currently seems to be no way to administer HIV self-tests in Iran. However, there is a strong case to make this available to people, as there is a lot of stigma and shame around STIs. To learn more about the reasons behind self-testing and research on the topic in Iran, click [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4689096/ here]. | |||
===Support=== | ===Support=== | ||
* Dr. Mohraz: Provides HIV treatment. Address: Sanaie Place no 49, Teheran/Iran, Phone: +98 21 646 3728. | * Dr. Mohraz: Provides HIV treatment. Address: Sanaie Place no 49, Teheran/Iran, Phone: +98 21 646 3728. | ||
* UNAIDS Iran: Fardad Doroudi, Telephone: +98 21 22 85 89 50. Email: DOROUDIF@UNAIDS.ORG | * [http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=89 HIV Travel - Iran]: This website provides information on laws related to HIV/AIDS in Iran. | ||
* [http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/islamicrepublicofiran UNAIDS Iran]: Fardad Doroudi, Telephone: +98 21 22 85 89 50. Email: DOROUDIF@UNAIDS.ORG | |||
* [http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/where-we-work/middle-east-and-north-africa/red-crescent-society-of-the-islamic-republic-of-iran/ Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran]: "The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian and development network, with millions of volunteers in 190 member National Societies." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* If you go to a specialized HIV testing center, you may get a test for free. If you go through a specialized doctor, you will probably be charged for STI tests, such as HIV tests, and the price may expensive. | |||
==Medications & Vaccines== | ==Medications & Vaccines== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
From an Iranian local: "On the subject of menstrual health and products, there is actually some information provided by schools, at least in large cities, around the sixth or seventh grade. I do not know how regulated it is and whether the same information is provided in less educated and more conservative areas." | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
In Iran, pads are widely available. You should | * In Iran, '''pads/pantyliners''' are widely available in stores, and they're the most commonly used menstrual product among Iranian women. You should be able to find Iranian and foreign brands of pads/pantyliners in stores | ||
* You should be able to find '''tampons''' in supermarkets in cities. There have been some reports of a declining level of tampons, but this is not confirmed so we'll need someone to update this section with more info. | |||
* Generally speaking, '''menstrual cups''' are extremely uncommon and it's unlikely that you will find them sold in Iranian markets.<ref>[Conversation with Tehran Local, December 2017]</ref> If you would like to purchase a menstrual cup, you should find an online retailer that delivers to Iran, or you can purchase them in other countries where menstrual cups are sold. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* You can expect to pay between 250,000-80,000 rials for a 10-12 pack of heavy-flow pads/pantyliners in Iran. For lighter-flow pads/pantyliners, you can expect to pay around 30,000 rials for a pack of 20.<ref>[Local Sources, December 2017]</ref> | * You can expect to pay between 250,000-80,000 rials for a 10-12 pack of heavy-flow pads/pantyliners in Iran. For lighter-flow pads/pantyliners, you can expect to pay around 30,000 rials for a pack of 20.<ref>[Local Sources, December 2017]</ref> | ||
==Gynecological Exams== | ==Gynecological Exams== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Iran, women are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave, and 45 of those days must occur after the delivery of the baby. If a woman gives birth to twins, maternity leave can be extended for an additional 14 days. When women return to work, they're entitled to half-hour breaks every three hours for nursing. Employers are also supposed to set up child care centers.<ref>[http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/WEBTEXT/21843/64830/E90IRN01.htm ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN - Labour Laws]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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Despite strict abortion laws, abortion is apparently rather common in Iran, especially in larger cities like Tehran. In fact, the Iranian government has even begun to acknowledge the abortion rate. In 2014, Dr. Mohammad Esmaeel Motlagh, the director of the Health and Population Bureau of Iran’s Ministry of Health, presented statistics that showed about 250,000 abortions were performed in Iran each year.<ref>[https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/iran-abortion-rising.html#ixzz2t6lmYQeK | Despite strict abortion laws, abortion is apparently rather common in Iran, especially in larger cities like Tehran. In fact, the Iranian government has even begun to acknowledge the abortion rate. In 2014, Dr. Mohammad Esmaeel Motlagh, the director of the Health and Population Bureau of Iran’s Ministry of Health, presented statistics that showed about 250,000 abortions were performed in Iran each year.<ref>[https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/iran-abortion-rising.html#ixzz2t6lmYQeK | ||
Abortion on the rise in Iran]</ref> This was complemented by a 2011 report from the Guttmacher Institute, which estimated that 11,500 were performed on married women in Tehran alone each year and that "one of every six women of reproductive age will have an abortion in their lifetime if current age-specific abortion rates remain unchanged."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/journals/ipsrh/2011/09/induced-abortion-tehran-iran-estimated-rates-and-correlates Induced Abortion in Tehran, Iran: Estimated Rates and Correlates]</ref> In the report, it was found that two thirds of such abortions were performed on women who had used some form of contraception, such as condoms, pills or the withdrawal method. Furthermore, women were most likely to request abortions when they were in their early 30s, educated, less religious, already had children and when they felt that they did not want more children. This was a very different profile than in Central Asia or Eastern Europe, where young girls were the most likely to request abortions. According to a PBS news article, "What these findings show is that abortion in Tehran is not the picture of desperate unwed schoolgirls that fulfills international stereotypes of who has abortions. It is an issue faced by adult married women motivated by the desire to plan their families, space their births and take care of the children they already have."<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2011/11/study-iranians-have-abortions-too.html Study | Iranians Have Abortions, Too]</ref> | Abortion on the rise in Iran]</ref> This was complemented by a 2011 report from the Guttmacher Institute, which estimated that 11,500 were performed on married women in Tehran alone each year and that "one of every six women of reproductive age will have an abortion in their lifetime if current age-specific abortion rates remain unchanged."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/journals/ipsrh/2011/09/induced-abortion-tehran-iran-estimated-rates-and-correlates Induced Abortion in Tehran, Iran: Estimated Rates and Correlates]</ref> In the report, it was found that two thirds of such abortions were performed on women who had used some form of contraception, such as condoms, pills or the withdrawal method. Furthermore, women were most likely to request abortions when they were in their early 30s, educated, less religious, already had children and when they felt that they did not want more children. This was a very different profile than in Central Asia or Eastern Europe, where young girls were the most likely to request abortions. According to a PBS news article, "What these findings show is that abortion in Tehran is not the picture of desperate unwed schoolgirls that fulfills international stereotypes of who has abortions. It is an issue faced by adult married women motivated by the desire to plan their families, space their births and take care of the children they already have."<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2011/11/study-iranians-have-abortions-too.html Study | Iranians Have Abortions, Too]</ref> | ||
From an Iranian local: "There are many cases of illegal and mostly uninformed and unsanitary attempts at abortion. A high percentage of them end in complications for the mother or the fetus, even death. The younger generation would love a change in the law that would legalize abortion at least in the first trimester. However, the subject is quite controversial and met with very strong objections from the conservatives (both politicians and people). Some doctors perform illegal abortions, which could end in prosecution and sentences from losing their licenses and fines for incarceration." | |||
More Information: | More Information: | ||
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==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
===Women's Resources=== | |||
* [http://fha.org.ir/page?lang=en Family Health Association of Iran]: This organization is affiliated with the International Planned Parenthood Federation. This branch, founded in 1995, focuses on education, advocacy, community organizing, and research. Address: No. 3, Safa Alley, Parcham Street, Tohid Square, Tehran, Iran. tel: (+98) 021 66421383, 66420539. telfax: (+98) 021 66907222. email: info@fha.org.ir | |||
* [https://www.omidfoundation.com/ Omid Foundation]: This is an Iran-based organization that helps women, especially women who are victims of abuse or violence. "OMID is committed to strengthening the social, emotional and economic opportunities of disadvantaged young women in Iran. We provide them with a sense of self worth and life and opportunities in three key areas: self-empowerment, education and training." To read more, click [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/irans-omid-center-gives-hope-abused-iranian-women-girls-n361736 here]. Email: info@omidfoundation.com | |||
* [http://women.ncr-iran.org/ NCRI Women's Committe]: "The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) is a broad coalition of democratic Iranian organizations, groups, and personalities, and was founded in 1981 in Tehran." "We work extensively with Iranian women outside the country and maintain a permanent contact with women inside Iran. The Women’s Committee is actively involved with many women's rights organizations and NGO's and the Iranian diaspora." Phone: 0134484504. Email: women.committee@ncr-iran.org | |||
* [http://iranianwomenassociation.com/ Iranian Women's Association]: This is a UK-based association for Iranian women. "IWA is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious membership association which promotes its aims without regard as to race, language or ethnicity. IWA is not involved in any activities that are, directly or indirectly, related to women’s rights." | |||
* [http://ikwro.org.uk/ IKWRO (Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organization)]: This London-based organization works on women's issues in the Middle East with a focus on Iran. "IKWRO’s mission is to protect Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence and to promote their rights." Address: IKWRO, PO Box 65840, London, EC2P 2FS | |||
===LGBTQ Resources=== | |||
* Click [http://www.equaldex.com/region/iran here] to learn about LGBTQ rights in Iran. | * Click [http://www.equaldex.com/region/iran here] to learn about LGBTQ rights in Iran. | ||
* [ | * [http://www.irqo.org/persian/ Iranian Queer Organization]: This is an advocacy group for LGBTQ rights in Iran, based in Toronto, Canada. "Iranian Queer Organization, the organization serving, empowering and supporting the Iranian LGBT community is the realization of big dreams and the result of major efforts by brave Iranian LGBT activists, who after years of underground activity and anonymous blogging, came to the conclusion that the Iranian LGBT community and individuals would be best served once they have an official association that can negotiate for them, represent them and create opportunities for social change in favor of the LGBT community inside Iran. As an organization, IRQO is a nonprofit human rights organization registered in 2007 in Toronto, Canada. The board of directors, the council, the working groups and the staff of various arms of IRQO like Cheragh magazine and Gilgamishan publication are all consisted of Iranian LGBT activists and individuals formerly active in Iran and now active in countries like Turkey, the US and Canada." | ||
* [ | * [http://irqr.ca/2016/ Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees]: "IRQR IS A REGISTERED CHARITY IN CANADA. IRQR ASSISTS ASYLUM SEEKING LGBT WITH FINDING REFUGE AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW CHANCE AT LIFE. WE DO THIS BY PROVIDING EDUCATION, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS IN MAKING ASYLUM CLAIMS OUTSIDE OF IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, SYRIA, IRAQ AND ASSIST THEM THROUGHOUT THE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS. " | ||
===Human Rights Resources=== | |||
* [https://www.iranhumanrights.org/ Center for Human Rights in Iran]: "The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization working to protect and promote human rights in Iran. Headquartered in New York, CHRI is comprised of award-winning journalists, researchers, lawyers, activists and advocates based around the world who work to support the basic rights and freedoms of the Iranian people and hold the Iranian government accountable to its international human rights obligations." | |||
* [https://www.iranhr.net/en/ Iran Human Rights (IHR)]: "Iran Human Rights (IHR) is a non-profit, human rights organization with members inside and outside Iran. It is a non partisan and politically independent organization with its base in Oslo, Norway." | |||
* [http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/ Iran Human Rights Documentation Center]: "The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center is an independent non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 by human rights scholars and lawyers." Headquartered in USA. Email: info@iranhrdc.org | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||