Sexual and reproductive health and rights of refugee and migrant women: gynecologists’ and obstetricians’ responsibilities

Abstract

Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services is Target 3.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Refugee and migrant women and children are at particular risk of being forgotten in the global momentum to achieve this target. In this article we discuss the violations of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of particular relevance to the refugee and migrant reality. We give context‐specific examples of denial of health services to vulnerable groups; lack of dignity as a barrier to care; the vulnerability of adolescents; child marriage; weaponized rape; gender‐based violence; and sexual trafficking. We discuss rights frameworks and models that are being used in response to these situations, as well as what remains to be done. Specifically, we call for obstetricians and gynecologists to act as individual providers and through their FIGO member societies to protect women's health and rights in these exposed settings.

Challenges in the Practice of Sexual Medicine in the Time of COVID-19 in Portugal

“…Challenges in the Practice of Sexual Medicine in the Time of COVID-19 in Portugal Joana Carvalho, PhD, 1,2 and Patrícia M. Pascoal, PhD 1,3,4 The worldwide impact of COVID-19 has reached all spheres of human functioning. Such impact on social, relationship, and individual spheres has posed strong challenges within all scientific areas.…”

Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities Between Natives and Migrants: A Delphi Consensus for Sustainable Cross-Cultural Healthcare Pathways

“…Ensuring universal access to SRH services is incorporated in Target 3.7 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Refugees, migrant women and children are at particular risk of being excluded in achieving this target, since they hold a higher chance of maternal death and maternal near-miss events (111,112). In this context, gynecological surveillance is important to prevent potential complications, with the recommended number of annual visits depending on the woman's age and the existence of previous problems.…”

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.…”