Migratory movements from the perspective of health rights: bolivian immigrant women in São Paulo

Abstract

Health is a right guaranteed by the Brazilian Constitution to all people within our borders and a State's duty, but it should be examined whether foreign residents living in Brazil have effectively universal and equal access to health. The purpose of the present study was to identify potential barriers to health service access by Bolivian immigrant women living in the city of São Paulo. Our hypothesis was that despite universal access to health care guaranteed by Brazilian law, immigrant women would encounter barriers to the use of these services. However, it was found that respondents have received care at least once in any service in São Paulo; it was also revealed a high demand for prevention and health promotion programs, especially prenatal care with a high rate of prenatal consultations. Data was collected through literature review and interviews conducted with 28 Bolivian immigrant women at the Immigrant Support Center (CAMI/SPM) in the city of São Paulo during April and May 2010. The interviews allowed to assess the perceptions of the group studied regarding the Brazilian National Health Care System and to understand their behavior.