Reproductive health services for female Laotian migrant workers in Mukdahan Province

Abstract

Since the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 in Cairo, reproductive health has become an important component of health development strategy. The promotion of reproductive health has been known to have significant influence on the autonomy of women. Reproductive choice, especially access to high quality reproductive health services, must be secured for every woman without discrimination. In Thailand, migrant workers from neighboring countries fill unskilled labor needs of many industries. Due to a scarcity of jobs within their country, many young Laotians migrate to Thailand. It is estimated that females consist of more than half of total Laotian workers. The demand for service and domestic work is high for Laotians due to their cultural and linguistic similarity with Thais. However, in reality, access to health services is unknown since there are substantial numbers of undocumented migrant workers. The following are the research objectives. Firstly, the study examines the status of reproductive health, the awareness and knowledge of female Lao migrant workers in Thailand. Secondly, the causes of vulnerability among female Lao migrants are examined. Thirdly, this study investigates reproductive health care services which are available to female Lao migrants. Finally, the reproductive health care and information delivery systems of the government, NGO and international agencies are analyzed. Secondary data analysis, structured interviews with Laotian migrant service workers in Mukdahan province and interviews with key-informants were adopted as research techniques. The research found that low levels of knowledge and a lack of awareness on concerning reproductive health existed among Laotian female workers. Although their vulnerability is less serious when compared to workers in other occupations, such as indirect sex workers; they are still at risk in their daily lives. This study also found poor availability of reproductive health service, local belief and norms against contraceptive choice in Laos. Furthermore, the influence that employers have on health maintenance of migrants is also confirmed from the findings. Partners and friends were identified to play a significant role in improving access to the health services. The illegal status of workers makes them vulnerable and causes difficulty in accessing public health service at their destination of work.