Health inequalities plague the world greatly. Many countries in the Global North have a universal healthcare system of which includes low cost or even free female contraception. Birth control can be quite effective in limiting pregnancy and treating many disorders, but is it also can be a financial burden because of its high price (Sriram). Even so, most women who live in developed countries desire to use contraception, more specifically in the United States, where “99% of teenagers and women aged 15 to 44 have used contraception” (Sriram). Previously, affording birth control was challenging for Americans prior to the Affordable Healthcare Act in 2012. However, there is still a pretty significant privilege that Americans and other Global Northerners
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They effect every class, gender, and race. Yet, certain economic classes, races, and genders experience greater pressures on their health. Richer, more developed nations, such as the ones in the Global South have established universal healthcare and education and as a result, citizens of theses countries have lower birth rates, higher use of reproductive contraception, greater literacy and more economic stability than those of the Global South. Ultimately, the inequalities that plague women are all interrelated. Poverty, leads to less capital to spend on medical care and on contraception. Therefore, women in poverty are not as healthy as women not in poverty. Conversely, poor health in women restricts their ability to work and ultimately their ability to contribute to the family’s budget (Cycle). Lack of education is the chief culprit in causing poverty and thus limited healthcare, and more deaths. Limited education also lessens women’s political power and ability to advocate for their needs such as healthcare policies that include free or affordable access to birth control. On the other hand, a lack of political representation leads to policies that do not favor women and therefore, inhibits a girl’s ability to attend school (Girls). Political misrepresentation, gaps in the availability of healthcare, and disparate opportunities for education ultimately cumulate into one large driving force that restricts women throughout their lifetime. The Global South is comprised of many countries, but one that highlights many of the issues that I have identified is Nicaragua. It is important to note however that although women experience extreme disprivileges in Nicaragua, men do as well compared to the countries of the Global North. However, because of women’s subordinate, subservient, and male reliant role in many societies in the world, their inequalities are magnified. Empowerment International
They effect every class, gender, and race. Yet, certain economic classes, races, and genders experience greater pressures on their health. Richer, more developed nations, such as the ones in the Global South have established universal healthcare and education and as a result, citizens of theses countries have lower birth rates, higher use of reproductive contraception, greater literacy and more economic stability than those of the Global South. Ultimately, the inequalities that plague women are all interrelated. Poverty, leads to less capital to spend on medical care and on contraception. Therefore, women in poverty are not as healthy as women not in poverty. Conversely, poor health in women restricts their ability to work and ultimately their ability to contribute to the family’s budget (Cycle). Lack of education is the chief culprit in causing poverty and thus limited healthcare, and more deaths. Limited education also lessens women’s political power and ability to advocate for their needs such as healthcare policies that include free or affordable access to birth control. On the other hand, a lack of political representation leads to policies that do not favor women and therefore, inhibits a girl’s ability to attend school (Girls). Political misrepresentation, gaps in the availability of healthcare, and disparate opportunities for education ultimately cumulate into one large driving force that restricts women throughout their lifetime. The Global South is comprised of many countries, but one that highlights many of the issues that I have identified is Nicaragua. It is important to note however that although women experience extreme disprivileges in Nicaragua, men do as well compared to the countries of the Global North. However, because of women’s subordinate, subservient, and male reliant role in many societies in the world, their inequalities are magnified. Empowerment International