Introduction
Rates of Sexually Transmissible Infections (STis). unintended pregnancies and instances of intimate partner violence (IPV) are very high amongst women experiencing homelessness (Australian Government Department of Families, 201 0; Chamberlain and MacKenzie, 2009; Henning, Ryan, Sanci, and Dunning, 2007). Despite this, women experiencing homelessness are much less likely to seek help for these problems, as more immediate needs such as food and accommodation take precedence (Dragon, 2011). Whilst previous research has identified client rapport as a key element in facilitating engagement with services, other aspects are yet to be identified (Darbyshire, Muir-Cochrane, Fereday, Jureidini, and Drummond, 2006). The aim of the current study was to identify the reproductive health needs (sexual health. relationships, contraception, pregnancy, termination, antenatal care, birth, and early parenting) of women experiencing homelessness in inner Sydney.
Citation: Van Buskirk, J, Burns, L, Lucey, A, Rogers, H & Glassick, S, 2012, 'Reproductive health needs of women experiencing homelessness within inner Sydney', Parity, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 41 - 42
Image: Council to Homeless Persons, publisher of Parity.