For LBTs, the stigma borne by their sexual orientation and gender identity
continue to hinder sensitive delivery of reproductive health services and information. In
the same vein, access to reproductive health services and general health services of
persons with HIV are affected by the stigma attached to HIV and the lack of awareness
and training of health workers on HIV.
In areas where displacement is prevalent, the constant complaint has been the
failure to take into consideration and prioritize the reproductive health needs of women
and their protection from violence and trafficking. For the IDPs in Zamboanga and in
Tacloban, despite having been resettled either in transitory or in permanent shelters,
access to reproductive health services and information, to health facilities, and to
transportation to health facilities have been consistently complained of. Complaints have
been documented that the needs of women during displacement have not been
adequately met.
The National Inquiry also documented the concerns of girl children and LBTs, and
those who are at risk of HIVs. Concerns have been repeatedly raised on the required
parental consent for RH services and HIV testing for minors, and how these are linked to
the rise of teenage pregnancy and the increase in the number of girl children at risk.
While programs of DOH and LGUs on teenage mothers have been documented
with the conduct of guidance and counselling sessions and ‘buntis’ summit or ‘batang ina’
summit, accounts have been consistent that the number of teenage pregnancy is
increasing. It has been expressed during the National Inquiry that the requirement of
third party consent, particularly consent of parents in the access of RH services, does not
help curb or address the increase of teenage pregnancy. The increasing number of
teenage pregnancy also calls for the review of the effectivity of the current
efforts/programs towards adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and
counseling, education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health and
reproductive health education for the adolescents.
Other women in the marginalized sector whose RH needs have not been
adequately responded to in terms of policy, programming, and services include
prostituted women, elderly women and LBTs, solo mothers, migrant workers and their
families, rural women, and women in the informal sector. It has been recommended
during consultations that the specific needs of these women and as they intersect with
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