Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Refugee and Migrant Women: Gynecologists’ and Obstetricians’ Responsibilities

International migrants' right to sexual and reproductive health care

“…Migrant women, for example, are confronted with risks of gender‐based violence throughout their migration journey. Refugee and asylum‐seeking women fleeing armed conflict are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, which is often used as a weapon of war 10 . While in transit, migrant girls and women, notably those traveling alone or through clandestine channels, are susceptible to sexual exploitation and abuse as they struggle to meet their material needs and find ways to continue their journey 11,12 .…”

“…11,12 Even after reaching countries of destination, migrant women may still face gender-based violence due to legal and/or economic precarity that causes them to depend on others for support and security. 1,10 These risks of genderbased violence have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public health restrictions have added to migrant women's isolation and forced the closure of support programs. 13 In turn, such social isolation, unfamiliarity with social norms in a new environment, financial hardship, and exposure to sexual exploitation and abuse have all been associated with greater likelihood of risky sexual behaviors.…”

“…Refugee and asylum-seeking women fleeing armed conflict are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, which is often used as a weapon of war. 10 While in transit, migrant girls and women, notably those traveling alone or through clandestine channels, are susceptible to sexual exploitation and abuse as they struggle to meet their material needs and find ways to continue their journey. 11,12 Even after reaching countries of destination, migrant women may still face gender-based violence due to legal and/or economic precarity that causes them to depend on others for support and security.…”

FIGO Statement: Antenatal care and refugees

“…1 Three countries contribute to approximately half the number of refugees worldwide: Syria at 4.9 million, Afghanistan at 2.7 million, and Somalia at 1.1 million. 1,2 By December 2019, it was estimated that Lebanon was hosting over 900 000 registered Syrian refugees, 3 with the actual number believed to be much higher if unregistered refugees were taken into account (approximately 1.5 million), and Turkey hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, representing the largest population of Syrian refugees in the world (64.4%). 3 The residences of refugees vary by country, with some living in tented settlements, makeshift buildings, construction sites, and garages, whilst others live in rented apartments or share residences with friends and relatives.…”

“…1,2 By December 2019, it was estimated that Lebanon was hosting over 900 000 registered Syrian refugees, 3 with the actual number believed to be much higher if unregistered refugees were taken into account (approximately 1.5 million), and Turkey hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, representing the largest population of Syrian refugees in the world (64.4%). 3 The residences of refugees vary by country, with some living in tented settlements, makeshift buildings, construction sites, and garages, whilst others live in rented apartments or share residences with friends and relatives. 4,5 Antenatal care (ANC) is provided by governmental and non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, or community-based organizations.…”