Stigma and discrimination in health services of female sex workers in Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper describes and analyses the situation of female sex workers in relation to stigma and discrimination in the health system in Latin America and the Caribbean. 1006 surveys (conducted in 15 capital cities) and 15 semi-directive interviews have been conducted in May-June 2013 to currently active sex workers. The results refer to: socio-demographic characteristics; accessibility and demands in health; experiences of stigma and discrimination in the context of the gynaecological consultation. These women attend health services in high proportions, and their experiences are variable. Experiences of stigma and discrimination are frequent, but these sex workers manage different resources to avoid stigma and gain good-quality attention and care.