Latinas unlikely to have insurance, study reports

Tuesday, February 9, 1999

Latinas unlikely to have insurance, study reports

LATINAS: Lack of medical care, rise in STDs may be due to
economics, culture

By Karla Y. Pleitez

Daily Bruin Contributor

A recent study by the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California
found that among ethnic groups of women in the state, Latinas were
the least likely to have health insurance and practice safe
sex.

The report says that solving the problem will be difficult
because Latinas’ access to health care is often blocked not only by
economic factors but also by cultural practices.

Statistics have shown that Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
are increasing in the Latina community. The report said that the
Catholic Church’s ban on contraceptives may be the reason why.

The report comes at an especially controversial time. During his
recent visit to St. Louis, Pope John Paul II forcefully spoke out
against abortion and the use of birth control.

The pope said that the "new evangelization calls for followers
of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life in every situation,"
according to the Associated Press.

Some Latina women at UCLA say that they often find themselves
torn between their religious faith and appropriate precautions
against STDs.

"I grew up in a home where Catholic values guided our lives. We
never talked about sex, much less about safe sex," said Andrea
Garcia, a first-year undeclared student.

"I know most Latin(o) families ignore the issue, and our
community is starting to show the (health) consequences," she
added.

But religious leaders say that the Catholic Church is not
responsible for the health risks that Latinas face.

"Simply because the church encourages responsible parenthood
does not mean a person’s health will be endangered," said Father
Jim Moron, a priest in the Newman Center in Westwood.

"Sometimes people feel they have no choice and must use
contraceptives. We respect that," he said.

Father Moron said that Latina students at UCLA don’t have the
same problem of lacking medical care as their counterparts in the
state because they all have access to health resources at the
Student Services office.

UCLA offers basic medical services to students at the Arthur
Ashe center. There they can receive help for gynecological problems
and information about STDs. If they need surgery or prenatal care,
they may purchase the Medical Insurance Plan – that offers more
extensive coverage – at the Student Services office. The plan
covers all major health issues except for dental and vision
problems.

Health educators agree that religious and cultural issues are
key reasons why Latina women do not take appropriate precautions
against STDs.

However, health educators say that the No. 1 reason that most
Latinas are unlikely to have health insurance is because of their
low economic status.

According to E. Richard Brown, a professor at the UCLA School of
Public Health, many Latinos in California have low incomes and jobs
with no health benefits.

"If they are employed where health insurance is offered, they
often do not get it because of the mandatory fees," he said.

The study also found that, overall, Latinas tend to be healthier
than other women – with the highest average life expectancy, 84
years.

"Latinas tend to be healthier because they have lower smoking
rates and better diets," Brown said.

However, the report said that for Latina women, cancer often is
diagnosed too late to be treated. Nearly a quarter of Latinas over
50 have never had a mammogram.

"The lack of health insurance among Latinas is an issue that
needs to be addressed," Brown said.

"Latinas may have higher life expectancies for the moment, but
if they can’t get appropriate care, the future of these women is in
serious danger," he said.

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