Accessing Care & Services

What SRH services exist?

A wide range, often at one clinic.

• Family planning and contraception counselling and methods.
• Antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
• STI and HIV testing and treatment.
• Screening (e.g. cervical cancer), and youth-friendly services.

Your rights as a patient

Care should be respectful, private, and free of judgment.

• Confidentiality — your information is private.
• Respect and dignity, whoever you are.
• Information to make your own informed choices.
• Care without coercion, discrimination, or judgment.

Confidentiality — especially for young people

Privacy makes it safe to seek care.

• Clinics keep your visit and information confidential.
• Young people have the right to SRH information and services.
• Fear of gossip shouldn't stop anyone from getting care.
• Ask a clinic about its confidentiality if you're unsure.

Common barriers — and how to get past them

Most barriers have practical solutions.

You deserve care. Barriers are real, but most have practical solutions.

Key terms

• Confidentiality: Your health information is kept private by providers.
• Youth-friendly services: SRH care designed to welcome and respect young people.
• Informed choice: Deciding with clear, accurate information.
• Referral: Being sent to another service for specialized care.
• Outreach: Services that come to communities, not only clinics.
• Patient rights: Confidentiality, respect, information, and non-discrimination.

Myth or reality?

Tap each statement about services.

• Health workers judge people who seek SRH care (Myth) — Good providers offer routine, judgment-free care — these visits are their daily work.
• Your clinic visit is confidential (Reality) — Keeping your information private is a professional duty.
• Young people can't access SRH services (Myth) — Young people have the right to information and services.
• Many SRH services are free or low-cost (Reality) — Cost shouldn't stop you — ask what's available.

Making a plan to get care

A few steps turn intention into action.

1. Identify what you need — contraception, testing, a check-up.
2. Find your nearest clinic or a youth-friendly service.
3. Note questions to ask, and go — a friend can come along.
4. Follow up: collect results, treatment, or a next appointment.

Being your own advocate

You can ask questions and expect good care.

• It's okay to ask a provider to explain until you understand.
• You can ask about all your options, not just one.
• You can seek a second opinion or another provider.
• Bringing a support person is your right.

True. Fear of judgment, shame, or lack of confidentiality are among the biggest barriers to SRH care. Knowing that good services are routine, private, and respectful helps overcome this — you deserve care without shame.

Helps you access care or a barrier?

Tap each, then whether it helps access or is a barrier.

• Knowing your rights as a patient (Helps you access care)
• Finding a youth-friendly clinic (Helps you access care)
• Asking questions until you understand (Helps you access care)
• Believing you'll be judged (A barrier to overcome)
• Assuming it's too expensive without asking (A barrier to overcome)
• Fear that it isn't confidential (A barrier to overcome)

Don't delay care when…

Some situations need prompt attention.

• Signs of an STI, or after a possible exposure.
• A possible unintended pregnancy — options are time-sensitive.
• Severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a pregnancy danger sign.
• You've experienced violence — care and support are urgent.

You've completed the course

• Know the services available and your rights to confidential, respectful care.
• Push past barriers — you deserve care without shame.
• Make a plan and be your own advocate.
• Revisit any module anytime, and use the local resources page.