Guatemalan Maya Women’s Attitudes Towards Biomedical Contraception After Migrating to the United States

Abstract

Medical providers in the United States who discuss the use of contraceptives with Maya women migrants might discover strong reluctance and complex beliefs about the social and physical benefits of biomedical contraceptive measures. This research report presents information about contraceptive usage among Maya in Guatemala and how usage or attitudes toward contraception might have changed while living in the United States. The research team, during 2024, interviewed six adult female Guatemalan Maya refugees over Zoom to understand their thoughts toward contraceptive use before and after migrating. Discussion points included: lack of sexual education in Guatemala, health concerns arising from using contraception, correlation between acculturation into American culture and openness to contraception, beliefs about contraceptives that originated in Guatemala, and the impact of religion in their decision to use contraception. This research will help organizations tailor their approaches and interventions to consider the concerns of Maya women, fostering a deeper understanding and effective communication