Did you know?
96 out of 108 girls in Manila colleges
feel that they are capable of using the internet to learn what they want to know about contraceptives.
You might feel the same way, and it’s not at all surprising. We barely talk about these things,
and while you might do so with your closest friends, it might sometimes feel like the best person
you can rely on for sexual knowledge is still yourself.
More so, while most of the girls also
reported that they are confident they can ask doctors for advice on contraception, the actual
experiences of doctors actually differ.
One OB-GYN we spoke to mentioned that they had never had a
young patient visit specifically to ask about contraceptive options to use in the future—but hey,
it really isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Wanting to learn about your sexual health while being part of
a culture that shies away from these conversations can make you resort to turning to your own resources
to avoid shame from bringing up the topic.
you, as a client, naturally have basic rights when consulting with doctors or public health providers.
It is part of your rights to go to your nearest public healthcare center (all barangays have one, BTW!) to ask about and avail contraceptives that they can provide you with. Meanwhile, if you want to speak with a doctor, know that they have taken the Hippocratic Oath—a promise that all doctors make which ensures that your safety and privacy is protected when you do visit them to seek their advice.
Your Rights as a Client
From the Department of Health (DOH) themself, your healthcare providers should always be making sure that your rights as their client are respected. Especially when it comes to asking about contraceptives, you should always be able to make your own informed and voluntary choices.
Right to information
To learn about the benefits and availability of contraceptive methods.
Right to access
To obtain services regardless of sex, creed, color, marital status, social status, or location.
Right to choose
To decide freely on whether to practice contraception and which method to use.
Right to safety
To be able to practice safe and effective contraception.
Right to privacy
To be counseled and be provided with services in a private environment.
Right to confidentiality
To be assured that personal information is kept between the client and the provider.
Right to dignity
To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and attentiveness.
Right to comfort
To be provided with utmost care and attention during service.
Right to continuity
To receive contraceptive services and supplies, if needed.
Right to opinion
To express views on the services offered.