Sexual and Reproductive Health Realities and Challenges Faced by Maya Women in Rural Chiapas, Mexico

Access to healthcare in rural and indigenous areas of Chiapas is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, high travel costs, language barriers, and systemic violence against indigenous people, particularly affecting women seeking gynecological care. These women also encounter issues such as restricted autonomy and economic dependence on male family members for translation and medical consent. As a result, they often prefer local practitioners who share their cultural background.

Current research on sexual and reproductive health in Mexico predominantly focuses on childbirth, attended by traditional midwives, overlooking issues like infertility, contraceptive access, STIs, and breast and cervical cancer screenings. There is a lack of literature on these topics, especially from the perspective of indigenous Mexican women.

This research aims to fill these gaps with a three-dimensional approach: evaluating institutional services for their inclusiveness, understanding the individual experiences and needs of Maya women, and exploring community support among women, including traditional midwives.