In disaster-prone communities across the Philippines, access to family planning services often becomes collateral damage during calamities, leaving many women vulnerable and without support.
In a recent forum hosted by the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Dr. Ma. Carmen Peñalosa, an expert on gender and reproductive health at Miriam College, emphasized the need to address this issue and ensure reproductive health services remain available during emergencies.
Peñalosa underscored the need for local health systems to be prepared to withstand disasters to ensure continuous access to family planning services.
A study funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that women in disaster-affected areas report difficulties in accessing contraceptives when calamities strike.
Out-of-pocket expense
In areas like Batangas, Eastern Samar, and Siargao Island, health systems often buckle under pressure, forcing women to bear the financial cost of contraceptives out-of-pocket, ranging from P50 to P200 per pill.
“Women and girls, those in rural areas, indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups are often disproportionately left behind in the development process, especially during times of disaster,” she said.
Aside from experiencing financial challenges, sociocultural factors in communities such as Marawi City exacerbate the problem. Moreover, women face stigma for using contraceptives, with some even accusing them of trying to control Muslim populations.
“If you don’t have children, you are ashamed. If you use pills, you are called promiscuous,” Peñalosa said. “There’s even some who see it as a way to control the population of the Muslims.”
Interestingly, across all study areas, vasectomy was not considered a viable option, reflecting a widespread lack of male involvement in family planning decisions.
Sociocultural barriers
Peñalosa noted that these sociocultural barriers, compounded by the disruptions caused by disasters, create an even more challenging environment for women seeking reproductive health services.
Given these multifaceted challenges, Peñalosa urges local health authorities to secure a steady supply of contraceptives during disasters and most especially to the most vulnerable communities.
She also called for culturally sensitive education campaigns to reduce the stigma and myths surrounding contraception and emphasized the need to actively involve men in these efforts.
Furthermore, she urged local governments to integrate family planning into disaster preparedness and response plans, ensuring that reproductive health remains protected, no matter the circumstances.
