Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
THE RIGHTS OF THE WOMAN IN A FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE
1. Right to information
The community has the right to information about the benefits of family planning,
for themselves and for their families. They also have the right to know where and
how to obtain additional information about services to help them plan the number
of children they wish to have. Thus, providers of family planning services should
ensure that such information is available at least within their clinics.
2. Right to access to services
Everyone of the age to procreate has the right to benefit from family planning
services regardless of their social and/or economic situation, religion, political
convictions, ethnicity, civil status, place of residence or all other characteristics
which may stereotype them in a particular group.
3. Right to choose
Individuals and couples have the right to decide freely to use, or not to use, family
planning. Those who decide to adopt a modern family planning method have the
right to choose their contraceptive method as long as there are no absolute
contraindications to their choice. Providers of family planning services must
assist clients to make an informed choice by giving them adequate information
and by offering them an appropriate range of contraceptive methods.
4. Right to security
Family planning clients have the right to be protected from all possible
complications associated with the use of a contraceptive method which has a
negative effect on their physical or psychological health. Clients also have the
right to be protected against risks of infection linked to the use of unsterilized
instruments.
5. Right to privacy
Family planning clients have the right to privacy in their discussions with
providers of family planning services concerning their needs and preoccupations.
All medical examinations must take place in conditions which respect the
physical privacy of the client. The client has the right to be informed of the role
of all persons present during discussions with a family planning service provider
and during medical examinations. The client has the right to be informed of the
type of examinations to be done, to refuse an examination or to be examined by a
person of her choice.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 2: Basic Principles of RH & FP