Broken Reproductive Health of Women Sugarcane Cutters in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Reproductive health is like an umbrella where many wires maintain an umbrella's contour. Likewise, certain factors should be considered to maintain women's reproductive health status. Every component of reproductive health is a crucial part of the wide-ranging reproductive cycle of women. However, when it comes to women sugarcane cutters, it becomes demanding for them to complete or maintain that cycle in the required manner. Study Objectives: The present research paper aims to explore the reproductive health issues of pregnant/lactating women sugarcane cutters. To understand the hardship and challenges of pregnant/lactating women while accessing the essential health services at the destined villages in Maharashtra. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted, which included interviews with 41 pregnant/lactating women sugarcane cutters. Along with a few critical reproductive health indicators, women’s perspectives on reproductive health-related services at the destined villages were central to this exploration. Analysis: Some of the significant findings of case exploration are that most of the women sugarcane cutters cannot deliver a baby in the health institute. They are not even able to register their pregnancy. Moreover, they cannot complete even a minimum of three ANC visits during pregnancy. Because of seasonal migration, women are more likely to be disconnected from access to essential reproductive health services. More importantly, after migration towards the sugar belt, pregnant or lactating mothers are not supported by any institute/agency to be attached to the health service. Conclusion: As per the analysis, the work of sugarcane cutting and the seasonal migration detach women from reproductive health services. Considering the recurrent phenomenon of seasonal migration, nobody has secured access to the health services of the women sugarcane cutters. The outcome of this exploration altogether marks the broken reproductive health and health exclusion of women sugarcane cutters.The study does not claim that women were denied health services at the destination. However, it questions the lack of responsiveness of health services and sugar factories toward the needs of these workers.