10,963
edits
Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.
Tehran: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
→List of Additional Resources
| (6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
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 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 | 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. | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
===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> | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
* 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=== | ||
| Line 137: | Line 137: | ||
===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=== | ||
| Line 184: | Line 186: | ||
==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== | ||