By Laetitia Satam, General Member
Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights (SRHR) can be scary to navigate, for a variety of reasons. From not knowing where to find information, to taboos surrounding SRHR, here are some tips for advocating for your own SRHR.
The YCRH has done a phenomenal job this month explaining all the vast topics that fall under SRHR, such as STI testing, reproductive health (beyond PCOS and endometriosis), preventing sexual violence, and having access to sexual health support. However, a much too common tale is visiting a primary care provider, finding the courage to address your needs, only to feel that your SRHR needs were not taken seriously. Studies in British Columbia have found that 66% of patients delayed or avoided getting sexual health care, and Action Canada (2019) found that there are further inequalities for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ youth, or newcomers to Canada (Mark et al. 2021). So what can you do?
Use your voice. If you are not happy with the healthcare you are receiving, you have the right to ask for another healthcare provider, to get a second opinion, and ensure your needs are being taken seriously. You also have the right to ask for a healthcare provider of a specific gender if that will make you more comfortable. However, all this self-advocating can be tiring. When you are already not feeling well, it can be a daunting task to advocate for yourself. If you have a trusted person in your life, you can ask them to come to appointments with you. If you feel like your health needs are not being met, or you feel like something is still wrong, continue to push and advocate to get the healthcare services you need and are entitled to. As seen on our social media earlier this month, sexual and reproductive rights go beyond common diagnosis of PCOS and endometriosis. There is also no shame about discussing your sexual and reproductive health with your healthcare provider. If you feel like something may be wrong, it is always better to speak to someone about it sooner than later. It can n be reassuring to hear that healthcare providers have seen just about anything, and they truly do want you to live your best, healthiest life.
If you are requiring more support with your SRHR, see if there are any sexual health clinics near you. Sexual health clinics have trained professionals who are equipped to listen to your needs and provide many healthcare services, and have resources in case you are looking for further information. Furthermore, there are some clinics that are specifically designed for youth and the resources to support young people. Don’t be afraid to do your own research and explore your options. When it comes to advocating for SRHR, knowledge is key. That is why it is shocking that 2 in 3 Canadian Youth report that sexual education in schools did not equip them with the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions regarding their SRHR (Mohamed 2023). By ensuring that youth have a strong foundation about their sexual health and have safe spaces to ask questions about SRHR, it is ensuring that they feel comfortable advocating for their SRHR. With the current political landscape of sexual health education in schools, now it is time for all of us to collectively advocate the future of youth.
Furthermore, the healthcare system is overwhelmed. Advocating for SRHR can look like writing letters to your member of parliament and calling upon the government to address shortages and gaps in the healthcare system such as the physician shortage and long wait times. There are many systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need, especially when you consider all the steps that are required to access the health care system. There are many organizations and sexual health clinics that can help you find resources and navigate the healthcare system. It is also time to talk about SRHR openly and freely to reduce the stigma and taboo around these topics. Sexual and reproductive health is no different than any other form of healthcare.
Ultimately, sexual health and reproductive rights can feel scary or challenging to navigate at times. It is important to remember that there are resources, organizations, and support to help you navigate systems to be able to advocate your SRHR. Always listen to what you feel is right, and we hope you feel empowered in advocating for your sexual health and reproductive rights.
Works Cited
Action Canada. “The Personal Is STILL Political | Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.” Www.actioncanadashr.org, 2019, www.actioncanadashr.org/campaigns/personal-still-political. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.
Gilbert, Mark, et al. “Accessing Needed Sexual Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: A Survey of Sexual Health Service Clients.” Sexually Transmitted Infections, vol. 98, no. 5, 5 Nov. 2021, pp. 360–365, sti.bmj.com/content/sextrans/early/2021/11/05/sextrans-2021-055013.full.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2021-055013. Accessed 8 Jan. 2023.
Mohamed, Shamin. “Sex Lives Report 2023.” Issuu.com, 13 Oct. 2023, issuu.com/letsstopaids/docs/sex_lives_report_2023_by_letsstopaids. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.