Sexual and Reproductive Health of Migrant Women
Chapter from the book: Üstgörül, S. (ed.) 2026. Sustainable Sexual Health: Environmental Determinants and Clinical Approaches.

Şükran Başgöl
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Saadet Karademir
Ondokuz Mayıs University

Synopsis

Migration is a multidimensional process that leads to profound changes in individuals’ living conditions and has significant impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), particularly for women. Migrant women face various barriers to accessing healthcare services due to factors such as poverty, language and cultural differences, legal status uncertainties, discrimination, and gender inequalities, which further deepen health disparities. SRH is not merely the absence of disease but a fundamental human right encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. However, migrant women’s access to these services often remains limited due to multiple individual, cultural, and structural barriers.

The migration process can be associated with numerous health problems, including sexual dysfunctions, sexual violence, unintended pregnancies, pregnancy and childbirth complications, as well as sexually transmitted and urogenital infections. These issues arise from the interaction of biological, psychological, social, and economic factors. In addition, difficulties in accessing healthcare systems, lack of information, and fear of stigma negatively affect women’s health-seeking behaviors. To ensure effective utilization of SRH services by migrant women, services must be accessible, culturally sensitive, respectful of privacy, and delivered through a person-centered approach. In this context, improving the cultural competence of healthcare professionals, developing multilingual and community-based service models, and strengthening rights-based policies are critical for reducing health inequalities.

How to cite this book

Başgöl, Ş. & Karademir, S. (2026). Sexual and Reproductive Health of Migrant Women. In: Üstgörül, S. (ed.), Sustainable Sexual Health: Environmental Determinants and Clinical Approaches. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1310.c5282

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Published

June 11, 2026

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