For many in Philippine society, having conversations around sex and reproductive health is still considered taboo. Sadly, leaving them as "unspoken topics" due to social anxiety or fear of judgment means many women and girls are (or have no choice but to remain) misinformed.
This means there are women and girls who are denied access not just to reproductive health services, products, and treatment, but also the necessary education to fully understand their own bodies. According to a report released by Center for Reproductive Rights, gendered disinformation hinders women from making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health rights. In turn, this fosters harmful circumstances where victims of violation and degradation are overlooked and oftentimes, unreported.
To bridge the gap, several certified websites and institutions have established an online presence to help educate people their reproductive health, and how to access the care they need. We’ve compiled these resources so you can learn and understand more about your body.
LIST: 5 Websites That Teach Women About Reproductive Health
1. Likhaan Center For Women’s Health
Official Website: Likhaan Center for Women's Health
On the lookout for safe spaces in the Philippines? The goal of LIKHAAN Center for Women's Health is to provide an avenue where women and girls can learn and access the reproductive care that they need. You can browse through their website for articles about reproductive rights, and the types of check ups one should have in their lifetime. You can also check their events, as they usually conduct training about reproductive health.
As a non-government organization, they have established community-based Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) clinics all over the Philippines. The clinics dispense mainly contraception, such as the insertion of IUDs and giving out birth control pills. Additionally, clinics provide "antenatal and postpartum care; treatment of reproductive tract infections, including sexually transmitted infections; and First Line Support and Emergency Medicine for Sexual Violence." If you want to make an appointment, send an email via their website or directly visit one of their clinics.
2. Center for Reproductive Rights
Official Website: Center for Reproductive Rights.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is not only making an impact in global policies, but also making waves on social media as a means to bridge the disinformation gap surrounding reproductive health.
Through their Instagram accounts and their website, the center posts relevant stories and bite-sized information that is easy to understand, always readily available for netizens or even researchers to browse. They also spark conversations on relevant political development surrounding gender rights and reproductive health. They also share comprehensive reports on cases surrounding gender-based sexual harassment and violence, which anyone can access.
3. Fertility RN
Official Website: Fertility RN
Every body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all explanation when it comes to reproductive health. Sadly, many women and girls still experience medical gaslighting, where their reproductive concerns are dismissed as invalid or simply "pag-iinarte." Fortunately, Kim Schamroth, a Reproductive Health Nurse Educator and founder of Fertility RN, is debunking misinformed claims surrounding reproductive health, particularly fertility.
Through her social media accounts and her website, Kim sheds light on various reproductive health issues, providing accurate, evidence-based information. She offers guidance on fertility awareness, debunks myths about reproductive health, and empowers women to advocate for themselves in medical settings.
If you want to know more, you can book a 30-min intro call or a 1-hour consultation appointment with Kim via her website.
4. Reproductive Health Impact
Official Website: Reproductive Health Impact
Access to reproductive health education shouldn't have boundaries or limits, and Reproductive Health Impact (RHi) is committed to ensuring that women of color receive the validation and support they need. RHi's efforts focus on creating a comfortable environment where women can openly share their reproductive health experiences.
On their website, RHi offers access to comprehensive reports and scholarly resources about reproductive health and its impact on Black communities. These resources provide valuable insights and information, helping to bridge gaps in knowledge and understanding.
Additionally, RHi spearheads events that aim to educate and empower women of color. These events include workshops, webinars, and community discussions that address various aspects of reproductive health, from contraception and fertility to maternal health and menopause.
5. EnGendeRights
Official Website: EnGendeRights
Founded by Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, EnGendeRights aims to educate everyone on gender rights and anti-discrimination measures—not just for women but also for the LGBTQIA+ community. Together with the United Nations, they have published reports on reproductive rights, contraceptive methods, safe and legal abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, and the repeal of discriminatory laws.
On their website, EnGendeRights has announced extensive training programs for "various stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and SOGIE." Their website also provides evidence-based resources and publications on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and reports on gender-based harassment.
If you're keen to request for additional resources or make an appointment/request for assistance concerning the topics they address, you may do so via the EnGendeRights contact page.
