Reproductive health and rights of married women a study in district Lahaul and Spiti Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Reproductive health is a very complex process in developing countries especially in India mainly due to its wide diversities and varieties in the socio-cultural livelihood of the people. The tribal population is one of the unique structures of our society having different cultures, religion, geographical locations and languages. Lahaul and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) where the study is based is one such tribal area with unique health related problems. Being the largest district of Himachal Pradesh and having the lowest population, the people of the area had to face various different problems not only related to its geographical locations but also, its reproductive health and healthcare services. The present study was an attempt to explore the status of reproductive health of the married women in the area along with their awareness regarding reproductive rights and to delineate the problems faced by the women in polyandry marriages. The main findings were, a considerable number of women were aware about reproductive health and more than 80% of the women had to face problems in seeking medical treatment due to lack of accessibility of the healthcare centres or unavailability of healthcare workers. There was a problem of population decline in the area, mainly due to migration as there was lack of jobs, education and healthcare services. Traditional healing practices were also present but were diminishing with time. 40% of the women had non-institutional deliveries due to lack of medical help. Traditional Birth Attendant was the most preferred healthcare providers for the women during pregnancy. Reproductive Rights was a new concept, and a major proportion of the women were not aware about it. Women in polyandry marriages were happy except a few, they had accepted their tradition as this form was still practiced in the area, but it had no extraordinary effect on their health. Reproductive Healthcare upgradation was very much needed in the area for women to take important decisions related to their health and life.