Access to vital sexual healthcare information has been further enhanced for the Arabic-speaking, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese communities, following the development of a range of multilingual resources by sexual health experts, Marie Stopes International.

Information factsheets on surgical and medical abortion, vasectomy, contraception and sexually transmitted infections have been produced in four languages and are available for download from the Marie Stopes International website.

“When women are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it is vital that they are provided with timely, accurate and clear information on abortion to assist them with their decision making,” said Jill Michelson, Operations Manager of Marie Stopes International.“Due to the sensitive nature of abortion, many women simply don’t feel comfortable speaking to their family, friends or support groups and seeking out the information they require.“This is especially the case for immigrant and refugee women, so it is imperative that they have access to written information in a language they can understand.”
According to the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH), immigrant and refugee women often experience higher rates of illness and health disadvantages than their Australian-born and English-speaking counterparts.

“It has been well established that after living in Australia for a period of five years many immigrant and refugee women experience a significant deterioration in their health and wellbeing,” said Amira Rahmanovic, Manager of Education & Training Programs at the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health.

“When ill, immigrant and refugee women appear less likely than Australian-born or English-speaking women to take health related action.

“Resources such as those developed by Marie Stopes International are fundamental to ensuring that immigrant and refugee women feel confident to seek help and advice when it comes to their sexual health needs.”

The MCWH provides national leadership and excellence in multilingual health education, advocacy, training, and research with specific expertise in sexual, reproductive, occupational, and mental health.

Marie Stopes International has been working closely with the MCWH to ensure the organisation’s multilingual resources communicate appropriately and effectively with women from different cultural backgrounds.

The range of multilingual resources can be downloaded from the Marie Stopes International website – www.mariestopes.com.au . Interpreter services are also available at all centres on request.

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About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD and WA. MSI offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups, contraception and community-based health promotion and education. The organisation is part of a global international partnership that delivers vital health services to over five million people in 42 countries worldwide. Surplus funds support Marie Stopes International Australia, our charity partner, which works to save lives and improve sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. For more information on the organisations, visit www.mariestopes.com.au and www.mariestopes.org.au

For media enquiries contact: Samantha Smith, Public Relations - 0421 097 150

 

Breaking down the language barrier.pdf (78 kB)