EVERY human being is entitled to human rights; within those human rights, we have the right to access health care. With that in mind, as we access health and healthcare facilities— a large part of that conversation is open to sexual health and reproductive rights. In my experience and understanding of it, Guyana has some of the most progressive laws and policies that protect people’s sexual and reproductive rights. Guyana is one of the only countries in the world where abortion is legal and FREE across the entire country.
I’m writing this column piece this week so you can be reminded of your sexual and reproductive rights and why it is important to advocate for the continuous expression and inclusion of this conversation into our culture. Although many of our rights are protected under our current laws, we still need to have more conversations about this topic to bring familiarity and clarity to the subject. It’s a shame that even though we have these laws and policies in place, many people are still not aware of their rights and what it entails.
Some people may still be afraid to access contraceptives, abortion services or STD/STI screening because of the judgement and misconceptions that surround the entirety of this subject area. That is indeed unfortunate. One’s sexual rights include the right to access information, safe and accessible healthcare services, and the right of choice and autonomy over one’s body—among many others. These rights should not be infringed upon and should be respected at all times.
As we progress as a country, we will have to start addressing these social and cultural barriers that prohibit us from having more conversations on sexual health and reproductive rights. Whether it be the inability to have it in homes between parents and children or more engaging campaigns across the country to educate adults—we need to make this a continuous process for growth and development.
Instead of withholding this information because of cultural beliefs, we should use it to empower everyone. They should be able to have access to sexual health and reproductive rights information to make better, more informed decisions about their body and lives. Soon, this is the Guyana I hope to see and live in—where our rights are protected and our freedoms celebrated.
